The Hays High Indians faced off against the Salina Central Mustangs for a chance of competing at the state football semi-finals on Nov. 11. The Indians came in with a record of 9-1, and the Mustangs came in with a record of 8-2

In the first quarter, the electric Hays defense held Salina Central on their first drive, then Hays drove 99.5 yards to the house on 16 plays where senior Bryce Salmans punched in a short touchdown to make it 7-0.

The Indian defense forced a fumble on the following drive, and junior Malik Bah scampered in for his first touchdown of the day to make it 14-0.

In the third quarter, senior Kyreese Groen ran in for a 56 –yard touchdown on their third play of the drive. Central continued to struggle offensively, as the Indian defense forced a turnover on downs. On the ensuing drive, Groen ran in yet again to force the score of 28-0. Central answered by scoring to make the score 28-6. Bah ran in for his second touchdown to extend the lead to 35-6, followed by a pick six by senior Evan Lind to make the score 42-6.

In the fourth, Central ran for a 56-yard touchdown to cut the lead to 42-12. After a final touchdown by the Indians, the final score printed as 49-12.

The Indians advance to the 5A semi-finals with a record of 10-1, and they play Maize High School (11-0) on Nov. 18 at Maize.

24elucio@usd489.com