Through 87 meetings between Hays and Great Bend the two had never played against the other in postseason football. That all changed on rainy, cold Friday in Great Bend.
Hays never trailed in a 19-14 victory over the Panthers.
Each team punted on their first possession to open the game. Great Bend received great field position after the Hays punt. The drive was cut short on Cooper Lindenmeyer's second interception of the season. Hays used the momentum to go 14 plays that covered 75 yards for a touchdown.
Hays got onto the scoreboard with a 25 yard touchdown pass from Carter Graham to Johnny Cano. The Indians failed to convert on a two-point conversion try.
Hays increased the lead to 13-0 on an Ian McGuire 81 yard run in the second quarter. A Carson Moore extra point try went right through the uprights.
Great Bend put their best drive of the game together on the following possession. Daxon Minton found Jacob Hall for a 33 yard score. The extra point made it 13-7 with 7:43 remaining before halftime. Just before halftime the Panthers had a chance to take the lead but the Indians broke up a pass in the end zone.
Highlights
Hays held the ball for 6:30 on the first drive of the second half but turned the ball over on downs after 13 plays. Great Bend threw their second interception of the game on the next drive. Caleb Thompson got his third pick of the year.
The Indians converted the turnover into points. Carter Graham punched in a two yard score for a 19-14 lead with :13 left in the third quarter. The two-point conversion failed.
Great Bend struck just three plays later. Minton ran for 65 yards. The extra point closed the score down to 19-14 with 11:07 left. Neither team scored rest of the way.
Both teams turned the ball over on downs. When the Panthers lost the ball on downs it was at the Hays 27 yard line with 4:00 left. Hays ended the game with a conversion on 4th and six and a 19-14 victory.
Coach Tony Crough
Hays ran for 305 yards and compiled 350 total yards. Great Bend was held to 216 total yards. The Indians improve to 6-4 and will plan in Hutchinson next week. Great Bend ends their season at 9-1.