Hays High hosted Dodge City for Homecoming on Friday night. The Indians were looking for their first home win of the season.
Dodge City held the ball on the game's opening drive for nearly four minutes before punting the ball away. Hays took over on their own 40 and had possession for the next 7:05. The drive took 15 plays and resulted in a one yard fourth down touchdown plunge by quarterback Carter Graham. The Indians converted on fourth down three times on the drive and third down once. The extra point missed.
The Indian defense gave up a 51 yard pass play in the second quarter but ran down the receiver just shy of the 10 yard line. That proved to be a big moment as Dodge City missed a 26 yard field goal to end the drive, leaving the score 6-0 at halftime.
Like the game before in Junction City, Hays found their rhythm in the second half. The Indians took the opening drive of the second half six plays and 59 yards for a touchdown. Ian McGuire opened the half with a 40 yard kick off return and then finished the drive with a one yard score. Between those to plays Graham hit Johnny Cano for a 54 yard pass on third down. The extra point pushed the Hays lead to 13-0.
The Hays defense forced a punt after three plays and the Indian offense again kicked into gear. A nine play 69 yard drive was capped off when Graham hit Cano for a five yard score and 19-0 lead.
Dodge City threatened to score in the fourth quarter. The Red Demons got the ball inside of the one yard line but backed themselves up on penalties to the 15 yard line and then was sacked for a six yard loss. The Hays defense held on downs to preserve the shutout.
Hays took the ensuing possession 85 yards through eight plays and Holden Lind scored for the first time on a 14 yard score for the final of 26-0. Both Lind and McGuire went of 100 yards on the evening while Graham threw for 103.
Cooper Lindenmeyer forced a fumble which he recovered and then intercepted a pass.
Hays shuts out Dodge City for the first time since 2003. The Indians have won the last five games over Dodge City, the second longest streak for Hays in the series.
The Indians are 4-2, 2-0. Dodge City falls to 3-3, 1-2.