By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER
Hays Post
HAYS - Hays High set a school record for wins following a 49-12 over Salina Central in the 5A Quarterfinals at Lewis Field Stadium on Friday night.
Salina Central pinned Hays against the end zone after the Mustangs 10th punt of the season. The Indians first drive covered the 99-plus yards in 14 plays and was capped by a Bryce Salmans four yard run with :03 left before halftime. The extra point by Teegan Turnbull set a school record for extra points made in a season at 40 and a 7-0 lead for Hays.
Evan Lind forced a fumble and Wyatt Waddell recovered it on the next Mustang series giving Hays the ball at the Central 34 yard line. Malik Bah scored from less than a yard out and a 14-0 advantage.
Central drove into Hays territory but lost the ball on downs after an Evan Lind fourth down sack. Hays though couldn't take advantage after a holding penalty called back a touchdown run by Kyreese Groen and left the game 14-0 at halftime.
Highlights
Hays created separation in the third quarter by outscoring Central 28-6. The Indians scored on their first two drives, both Groen rushes. The first score from 56 yards away made the score 21-0 and the second from 11 yards for a 28-0 advantage.
Central scored the first touchdown on a 4th and 10 pass with 5:26 left in the 3rd quarter but missed the extra point at 28-6.
Hays answered back on a five yard drive capped by a Bah 7 yard run. Evan Lind closed out the third quarter with a pick six for a 42-6 lead with :01 left in the frame.
Central scored on a 53 yard run in the fourth and Hays finished the scoring on a 2 yard Groen run for the final of 49-12.
Coach Tony Crough
Hays improves to 10-1 behind 433 yards of rushing offense. The ten wins is a school record. Bah had 222 yards on 22 carries while Groen totaled 138 yards on 17 rushes. The Indians finished with 463 yards.
Salina Central lost starting running back Kenyon McMillan early in the game and finished with 262 yards total, 121 on the ground and 141 through the air. The Mustangs finish at 8-3.
Hays will face Maize in the semi-finals next Friday in Maize. The Eagles beat Hutchinson 21-14. Maize is undefeated at 11-0 and is the #1 seed in 5A West.
The 12th game of Hays' season next week will set a school record and will be the teams third ever appearance in the semi-finals.