By DUSTIN AMBRUSTER
Hays Post
HAYS - #5-5A Hays High hosted a state ranked showdown with the #1 team in 6A, the Manhattan Indians Friday night at Lewis Field Stadium.
Hays took just 11 seconds to put points on the board when Malik Bah broke free for an 80 yard touchdown run. The extra point missed for an 6-0 lead. The Indians punted on their next four series.
Manhattan was three and out on the first possession but moved into the Indians' red zone on the next three. They missed a 32 yard field goal, scored a touchdown and kicked a 28 yard field goal for a 10-6 lead.
Manhattan had the chance to get back-to-back possession around the halftime break before they turned it over for the first time. Grayson Walburn forced a fumble after a completed pass that Evan Lind picked up and returned for a 25 yard touchdown. Conner Dreiling hit Ben Pfeifer on a two point conversion for a 14-10 lead with 1:27 left before half.
Highlights
Manhattan scored on their first two drives of the second half to grab a 24-14 lead. The score would remain the same for the next seventeen game minutes.
During that time Hays started in Manhattan territory twice. The first opportunity began at the 49 yard line following a three and out and short punt by Manhattan. Hays punted just three plays later.
Wyatt Waddell intercepted his third pass in two games to give the offense the ball back at the Manhattan 31. Hays fumbled on the very next play.
Manhattan changed the scoreboard with an all run series of 8 plays 56 yards to take a 31-14 lead.
Malik Bah caught a Kyrese Groen pass for a 73 yard touchdown to close the scoring at 31-21.
Coach Tony Crough
Hays falls to 2-1 on the year and resumes WAC play next week in Garden City. Manhattan improves to 3-0.