GODDARD, Kan. - Hays High and Eisenhower both had some rust to knock off on Thursday as both teams resumed high school athletics since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
The Indians gave up a safety following a penalty that negated a long punt return for good field position. Hays held the Tigers to a punt on the following possession. The Indians though could not take advantage of a 60 yard punt return and threw an interception on a tipped pass in the red zone.
Eisenhower turned the ball over the very next play. Hays scored on the ensuing play but was flagged for a penalty. Roy Maroni bullied he way into the end zone two plays later however for a 6-2 lead.
The Indians built a two possession lead on a bizarre play two series later. A shotgun snap hit another player and landed just behind the line of scrimmage. Quarterback Dylan Dreiling recovered the ball, back pedaled, and found Jaren Kanak behind the defense for a 47 yard score. Jack Fields netted his first extra point for a 13-2 lead.
The Hays defense played with their back against the wall most of the first half forcing two fumbles and three turnover on downs...two of those in the red zone.
Highlights
Hays had opportunities to put a three score gap on the board multiple times in the third quarter. None better than following a short punt by the Tigers. Hays started from Eisenhower 30 but lost yards on three penalties, one of which eliminated a touchdown run. The Indians eventually turned the ball over on downs.
Eisenhower took the ensuing possession and following a third and sixteen conversion worked their way down the field for a five yard touchdown pass. The two point conversion by the Tigers closed the gap to 13-10 in the third.
Hays High's defense rose to the occasion following the score. The Indians turned the ball over on the next play and Eisenhower failed to score on four plays. The defense made another stop on just three plays following a Hays High punt.
The Indians finally put the game away on their best drive of the night that ended with a Kanak catch from Dreiling on fourth and goal from the five yard line and a 19-10 lead.
Coach Tony Crough
Hays moves to 1-0 on the season and travels to Great Bend next week. Eisenhower falls to 0-1.