Stout defensive showing leads Hays past Valley Center

HAYS, Kan. (Catch it Kansas) - Playing without standout running back Malik Bah, 5A’s second seed Hays needed a big showing from his teammates, and they got it on both sides of the ball in a 28-6 win over Valley Center Friday night.

Quarterback Kyreese Groen got things started with a rushing score on a keeper, then later found Keamonie Archie for a big touchdown pass to give the Indians a 13-0 second quarter lead.

Standout Hornet running back Dai’Mont Mucker found the endzone later in the half to cut it to a 13-6 deficit, but those ended up being the lone points Valley Center could muster. Bryce Salmans, stepping in for Bah at running back, found paydirt twice after halftime to extend it to a three score game as the defense did the rest to keep the Hornets at bay and take it.

Hays ties a school record for wins in a season with 9, and will host a state quarterfinal game against Salina Central next Friday night. Valley Center sees their season come to an end with a 7-3 record.

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