WICHITA - Hays hit the road for the first time in the playoffs for a quarterfinal matchup with Kapaun Mt. Carmel. The game was held at Wichita Heights High School.
Kapaun scored a go-ahead touchdown with 1:46 left and then took a safety before winning over Hays 24-23.
Hays (9-2) opened the game with the ball but went backwards on their series of plays and punted to near midfield. Kapaun (11-0) took over on their on 49 yard line and completed a 47 yard pass on third down to set up the first score of the game. The Crusaders scored from the one yard line two plays later for a 7-0 score at the 8:01 mark.
The Indians put together the longest first half series by either team on the next possession. Hays went 80 yards on 11 plays to tie the game. The Indians converted on third down twice, including their touchdown of 13 yards on a run by Joey Dintino. Mason Zimmerman's extra point tied the game at seven at the 1:33 mark of the first quarter.
Kapaun gave the ball back to Hays on their next two drives on a turnover on downs and an interception by Kade Simon. Simon returned the ball to the Crusader 13 yard line. Hays picked up two penalties but managed to take advantage of the turnover. Dintino found Riley Windholz just inside the end zone on a 21 yard pass on 3rd and 18. Zimmerman's extra point at the 9:12 mark gave Hays the 14-7 edge.
Kapaun started their next two series in Hays territory but failed to score on either possession. They missed a field goal and then turned the ball over on downs. Hays took over and started a drive that made into Kapaun territory but was cut short on a fumble with just over a minute left in the half. The Crusaders used a third down run and penalty to get into field goal range with one second left in the half. The 33 yard field goal cut the Hays lead down to 14-10 at half.
Highlights
Kapaun struck first in the second half. It took the Crusaders 10 plays to traverse 46 yards and take their first lead of the second half with 4:05 left in the third.
Hays made the second drive of the half last into the fourth quarter. Archer Amrein scored on a five yard run on third and goal to give Hays the lead back at 21-17 with 10:02 remaining. The Indians held Kapaun scoreless on their next two drives. The first drive was stopped after three plays and the Crusaders punted. The Indians couldn't move the ball on their next possession and were forced to punt from their own end zone.
Kapaun watched the punt go out at the Hays 25 yard line. The Crusaders went just three yards on four plays and turned the ball over on downs. Hays got seven yards on the first play of their drive but couldn't convert for first down.
The Crusaders put together their most efficient drive of the game. An 8 play 53 yard possession resulted in the go ahead touchdown at 24-21 with 1:46 remaining.
Hays moved to midfield when a tipped pass where two players dove for the ball was popped into the air and intercepted by Kapaun. The Crusaders ended up taking a safety at 24-23 with five second left. Hays had one last chance but after several laterals the Indians couldn't find the end zone.
Coach Tony Crough
Archer Amrein ran for 102 yards on 23 carries. He ran for 1,117 yards on the season. Joey Dintino ran for 64 yards on 20 carries and threw for 99 yards. He threw for 1,089 yards on the year. Braxton Basgall was hurt at the end of the first quarter and never returned. He rushed the ball just three times.