 HUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) — The Hays High Indians used a dominant ground game and timely passing to defeat the Hutchinson Salthawks 27-6 Friday night in a Class 5A regional playoff matchup at Gowans Stadium.

Hays senior running back Holden Lind powered the Indians’ offense, rushing for 178 yards on 28 carries and scoring two first-quarter touchdowns to give Hays an early 13-0 lead.

The Salthawks had a chance to close the gap late in the second quarter, but quarterback Robert Hunter’s pass intended for Lamar Govain was intercepted at the goal line, keeping Hutchinson scoreless at halftime.

In the second half, Hays extended its lead as quarterback Zane Vieyra connected with receiver Brogan Albers for a pair of touchdown passes, sealing the victory for the Indians.

Hunter accounted for Hutchinson’s only score with a 5-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, but the Salthawk offense struggled to find consistency against the tough Hays defense.

Hutchinson ends its season at 7-3, while Hays (8-2) advances to the Class 5A Sectional round to face top-seeded Great Bend (10-0), which rolled past Wichita Bishop Carroll 49-7 on Friday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762601214727.jpeg" alt="Hays defeats Hutch High 27-6 to end the Salthawks season in class 5A regional." />
 <figcaption>Hays defeats Hutch High 27-6 to end the Salthawks season in class 5A regional.</figcaption>
 </figure> HUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) — The Hays High Indians used a dominant ground game and timely passing to defeat the Hutchinson Salthawks 27-6 Friday night in a Class 5A regional playoff matchup at Gowans Stadium.Hays senior running back Holden Lind powered the Indians’ offense, rushing for 178 yards on 28 carries and scoring two first-quarter touchdowns to give Hays an early 13-0 lead.The Salthawks had a chance to close the gap late in the second quarter, but quarterback Robert Hunter’s pass intended for Lamar Govain was intercepted at the goal line, keeping Hutchinson scoreless at halftime.In the second half, Hays extended its lead as quarterback Zane Vieyra connected with receiver Brogan Albers for a pair of touchdown passes, sealing the victory for the Indians.Hunter accounted for Hutchinson’s only score with a 5-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, but the Salthawk offense struggled to find consistency against the tough Hays defense.Hutchinson ends its season at 7-3, while Hays (8-2) advances to the Class 5A Sectional round to face top-seeded Great Bend (10-0), which rolled past Wichita Bishop Carroll 49-7 on Friday night.

🏈 Hays High stops Hutchinson in regional playoff game to end Saltawks season