Hays High hit the road for their first Western Athletic Conference game of the season. The four-time defending conference champion Indians opened the conference slate in Garden City.
Hays held Garden City to just two yards in the first half while scoring two touchdowns of their own for a 14-0 lead at halftime. Neither team managed to score in the first quarter. Hays fumbled on their first play of the game following a run to midfield, but the Indian defense forced a Buffalo punt three plays later.
Hays found a groove on offense in the second quarter when Ian McGuire punctuated a 9 play 79 yard drive of all rushes with a 16 yard score. Carson Moore made the score 7-0.
Hays lost the ball on the next punt return. The defense this time got the ball back on four plays and turnover on downs. Carter Graham found Jarek Purdy for a one handed 41 yard catch on third down to keep the ensuing Indian drive going. Holden Lind scored from three yards out for a 14-0 lead after the Moore extra point.
The first half saw Garden City lose both their starting quarterback and running back.
Highlights
Hays started the first four possessions of the third quarter in Garden City territory and capitalized on all four. Ian McGuire scored the first of the four touchdowns with a three yard plunge. The next two touchdowns started with the passing arm of Graham as he found Johnny Cano for a 27 yard score and then McGuire from six yards out. Zane Viegra finished the scoring with a seven yard scamper that was set up by a Kamani Jones interception and long return.
The lone touchdown for Garden City came on a 23 yard pass with 4:14 left in the fourth quarter for the final 41-8.
Coach Tony Crough
The margin of victory was the largest for Hays in the series with Garden City. The previous high was 27 points which occurred on two occasions, including the first ever game played between the two in 1958.
Ian McGuire ran for 167 yards and two scores. Carter Graham threw for 92 yards on eight completions and two scores.
Hays improves to 2-2, 1-0. Garden City drops to 1-3, 0-1.