Hays High entered the postseason as the number six seed in 5A West. That earned them a home game against the eleventh seeded Maize South Mavericks on Thursday night. Maize South beat the Indians 21-20 two weeks prior and ended their season in the 2019 playoffs. Both games took place at Maize South.
Maize South controlled the first half for a big lead. Hays gave up two points on a safety on their second possession of the game. The Indian defense forced a punt by Maize South following the kickoff. However the Hays offense never got into gear punting on their next four possession.
By halftime Maize South led 23-0 on 223 yards of offense. The Maverick's defense held the Indians to just 45 yards.
Highlights
The Mavericks opened up the second half with a 12 play 80 yard scoring drive to take a 30-0 lead. Hays would respond with a drive of their own before fumbling at the end of a long pass play. Two plays later the Indian defense came up with their first of three takeaways. Jaren Kanak punched the ball into the endzone for a 30-6 score.
Maize South drove the length of the field before fumbling again inside the red zone. The Mavericks would hold Hays to a punt then add a field goal for a 33-6 lead.
Hays did score on their next possession on a twelve yard pass from Jordan Dale to Carson Kieffer for the final of 33-12.
Coach Tony Crough
Hays ends their year at 5-3. Maize South will continue their year at 5-3. Hays claimed their first Western Athletic Conference championship since 2014 during the season.