There is no denying that Hays High football has had a number of offensive and defensive game-breakers over the past five or so years. That run of athletes has propelled the Indians to four consecutive Western Athletic Conference titles.
The 2023 squad that finished 7-3 showcased how the whole program has progressed. More and more players are sticking out the two to three year wait until their name is called to fulfill a role.
Seventh year head coach Tony Crough has around 16 starters returning from last year's team. He and the staff spent the summer figuring out how to get the ball to a variety of weapons multiple times instead of one or two players getting a majority of the touches.
The Indians had 95 players put a helmet on for practice number one Monday.
Hays will host the Maroon and Gold Scrimmage on August 30th which will serve as a multi-team jamboree as well.
Hays will need to be ready in week one as they play last year's 6A runner-up Derby at home. The Indians then will head west to take on Wheatland High School out of Arvada, Colorado. Other non-conference games included Manhattan and Junction City.