In the recent weeks, the Hays High football team has made strides towards winning a state title after closing out its regular season with a 56-6 win against the Topeka Trojans on Oct. 21 and a first-round playoff win of 44-20 against the Wichita West Pioneers on Oct. 28. On Nov. 4, the Indians faced off against the Valley Center Hornets at home.

In a big game without star junior running back Malik Bah, who injured his arm in the Wichita West game, the Indians faced some doubt in the community. In the first quarter, after a short offensive drive from Valley Center, the Hays High offense got off to a quick start with a 40-yard run by senior quarterback Kyreese Groen, followed by a short quarterback keeper by Groen for a touchdown to make it 6-0.

After a quiet first quarter following the touchdown, Groen found senior wide receiver Keamonie Archie for a 43-yard touchdown reception to make it 13-0. After a couple stagnant drives by both teams, Valley Center found the end zone to cut the lead to 13-6.

In the third quarter, senior Bryce Salmans, stepping in for the injured Bah, exploded for a 59-yard touchdown run to extend the lead to 21-6. After some great defensive drives by the Indians, including an interception by senior Connor Dreiling, Salmans found the endzone once more to bring the lead to 28-6.

The final score of the game ended in a Hays High victory of 28-6, and the Indians tied the school record for wins with a record of 9-1 on the year. They will be hosting the Salina Central Mustangs at home on Friday, Nov. 11.

24elucio@usd489.com