By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER
Hays Post
LIBERAL - Hays traveled to Liberal on Friday with claim to the Western Athletic Conference championship on the line. The Indians never trailed but the game was far from easy as the Indians claimed a minimum share of a fourth straight WAC crown in a 48-41 double over time victory at Redskin Field.
Hays jumped out to a quick lead over the Redskins after stopping Liberal on a pair of fourth down tries. The first occurred at Liberal's own 21 after avoiding a punt into the wind. Jarek Purdy took a wide receiver reverse for 21 yards after three plays for the game's first score. The Harley Zimmerman point after attempt ricocheted off a Liberal player and through the uprights for a 7-0 lead.
Carter Graham found Johnny Cano for a 41 yard score following the defense's stop on fourth down. Leading 14-0, Derek Quach intercepted a Liberal pass to stop the Redskin drive. However Hays fumbled on the next play setting up Liberal at the 29 yard line. The Redskins scored three plays later on the first play of the second quarter. The extra point was no good.
Malik Bah broke off a 71 yard touchdown run on the next series for a 21-6 advantage. The Indian offense though would stall out rest of the half. Liberal quarter Brooks Kappelmann ran scores in from 55 yards and 9 yards out. Liberal went for a two point conversion after both touchdowns. Liberal failed to convert on the first but was successful on the second after a pass was tipped in the end zone and caught for a 21-20 score. Hays took the same advantage into halftime.
The two teams continued to trade punches in the second half. Graham found Cano a second time and a 9 yard score. Liberal fired right back on their own nine yard passing touchdown. The Redskins went for two and failed to convert leaving Hays with a 27-26 lead with 10:49 left in the fourth quarter.
Hays faced 4th and 17 from the Liberal 18 yard line and converted on a touchdown pass from Graham to Ian McGuire giving the Indians a 34-26 lead. Liberal tied the game following a broken play 52 yard pass and two point conversion.
Neither team could score before the end of regulation and the experienced two overtime.
Each team scored on their first play of the first session. Liberal scored first and Hays answered with a Jarek Purdy 10 yard touchdown run. Graham scored a seven yard touchdown run on the second play of the second overtime. Liberal had 4th and goal from the two but was held one yard short for the final of 48-41 in favor of Hays.
Hays compiled 455 yards. Liberal had 443.
The Indians are 5-2 on the year and 3-1 in conference play. Liberal falls for the first time and is 6-1, 3-1.
Hays is home to Topeka High next Friday.