Hays took its undefeated record on the road to Maize South on Friday night. The Mavericks ended the Indians' season in the playoffs in 2019.
The Indians punted after just three plays to open the game. Maize South then fumbled the ball on their first play of offense. Hays High took advantage with Jaren Kanak scoring three plays later from 23 yards out for a 7-0 lead.
Maize South tied the game less than four minutes later on a 10 yard touchdown pass. It was the first points allowed in the first quarter by the Hays High defense this season.
The Indians thought they took the lead back on their next possession but a third down touchdown run was called back on a penalty. Hays would miss a 39-yard field goal one play later.
Maize South snapped off back to back touchdowns on a 14-play and 5-play drive for a 21-7 halftime lead.
Highlights
Hays refused to go away in the second half. The Indians would shut out the Mavericks in the second half, a team that averages 44 points per game. Wyatt Crain picked off a pass to open the second half. Hays would go six plays for 53 yards and score on a fourth down touchdown pass from Jaren Kanak to Bryce Salmans for 23 yards.
Hays continued to shutout the Mavericks and took over the ball at the Maize South 17 following a fumbled punt snap. Hays, though, would fail to score after a 15-yard dead ball penalty.
The Indians had one shot left. Hays High took over the ball at their own two yard line driving 98 yards for a 21-20 deficit. Hays elected to go for two but failed to convert with 2:38 remaining in the game. Maize South recovered the onside kick and ran out the clock.
Coach Tony Crough
Hays falls to 5-1 on the year while Maize South improves to 4-2. Kanak carried the ball 36 times for 184 yards and two touchdowns. He also threw for 90 yards on 5 of 6 passing and one score.
Hays is scheduled to host Kapaun next Friday at Lewis Field Stadium.