By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER
Hays Post
The Hays High Indians played a tenth football in a single season for just the ninth time in school history as the Indians visited Andover on Friday.
The defenses reigned supreme in the first half. Each team forced a turnover on downs in the others territory. Hays went three and out, but the Trojans missed a 25 yard field goal to score the first points.
The teams again traded turnover on downs. Following Andover's second one, Hays went 10 plays and 57 yards to score the first points of the game with 1:37 left in the half. The Indians converted on a fourth down and third down on the drive. Jaren Kanak scored from three yards out.
Andover went to the air for their final drive of the half, driving to the 27 yard line before Gavin Meyers recorded a 14 yard sack. The following play the Trojans ran to the 20 yard line where Iden Balman forced a fumble that was recovered by Dalton Dale.
Highlights
The Indian defense stayed stout in the second half, forcing Andover to punt on their first three possessions. Hays took advantage of the second and third punt by scoring on a pair of Kanak runs. Kanak first scored on a 35 yard run with 4:37 left in the third quarter for a 12-0 advantage. His third and final score came on a 24 yard run and an 18-0 lead with 2:56 left on the fourth quarter clock.
The lone Andover touchdown came on a 57 yard pass with 2:56 left in the game for the final difference of 18-6.
Coach Tony Crough
Jaren Kanak rushed for 190 yards on 26 carries. Roy Moroni rushed for 71 yards. The Hays defense recorded five sacks, three by Gavin Meyers.
Hays improves to 8-2. Andover ends their season at 7-3.
It is just the third time in program history Hays will play 11 games in a season. 1993 and 1984 were the other two seasons.
Hays will play at Maize next week. The Eagles beat Bishop Carroll 28-21. Also in 5A West, Kapaun beat Maize South 37-21 and Wichita Northwest ran around Salina Central 66-21 for a matchup next week of the Crusaders and Grizzlies.