By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER
Hays Post Sports
GARDNER - Hays High hit the road for a second consecutive week to open the 2026 season. The Indians faced off with Gardner-Edgerton for the first time in program history.
Gardner-Edgerton opened the game with an 89 yard kickoff return for a touchdown. A missed extra point just 24 seconds into the game left the score 6-0. Hays punted on their first possession after getting near midfield.
The Indians' defense stepped up big just two players later. A mishandled toss by the Trailblazers was pounced on by Keiston Evans-Grant, his second fumble recovery of the young season. Hays started offensive operation from the opponent 34 yard line and three plays later found their first points.
Joey Dintino hit Brogan Albers over the middle for 20 yards. Archer Amrein threw a stiff arm to free up a 13 yard path to the end zone. Hays also missed their extra point for a 6-6 tie at the 7:18 mark of the first quarter.
Neither team would score rest of the half. Though each team had a chance. Hays first 10 plays of a 13 play drive reached the Trailblazers 19 yard line. The next three plays lost 17 yards and forced a punt. Gardner-Edgerton put together a 10 play drive that ended at the Hays 25 yard line after a failed fourth and two conversion attempt.
Highlights
Hays controlled everything about the third quarter. The Indian defense was on the field for just three plays. The Hays offense stayed on the field for a majority of the quarter using a 19 play 87 yard drive that lasted into the fourth quarter to take the lead. Hays converted on fourth and short three times on the drive, including the go ahead score from Dintino from one yard out. The Mason Zimmerman PAT put the Indians in front 13-6 with 10:26 remaining.
Gardner-Edgerton ran just three plays on their series resulting in a punt, but Hays punted the ball right back.
Six plays later Hays again came up with a turnover. A fumble recovered at their own 49 yard line set up the Indians for a much shorter drive. Amrein sliced through the defense on the sideline and raced 51 yards for his second touchdown. Zimmerman tacked on the final point of the night at 20-6 with 5:13 remaining.
Hays never let the Trailblazers onto the scoreboard holding on to the 20-6 victory.
Coach Tony Crough
Hays allowed just 142 yards total yards. The Indians compiled 247 yards with 169 on the ground.
The Indians play at home for the first time when they host Bentonville, Arkansas for homecoming.