BUDA — The Hays High School Hawks scored 35 unanswered points in the second half and pulled away from Leander High School Lions for a 45-13 non-district victory Thursday, Sept. 17, at Bob Shelton Stadium.
The Hawks improved to 3-1 after turning a three-point halftime lead into a decisive win. Hays led 10-0 after the first quarter, but Leander cut the margin to 10-7 before halftime. The Hawks responded with 14 points in the third quarter and 21 more in the fourth.
Hays’ defense limited Leander to 230 yards of total offense, including 54 rushing yards on 20 carries. Leander quarterback Luke Tomasits completed 14 of 31 passes for 176 yards and two touchdowns, but was intercepted once.
“I thought our defense played awesome all night long,” Hays coach Mark Torres said. “They had some big plays toward the end of the half to make it a little bit interesting, but we had a lot of opportunities early in the game that we weren’t able to cash in on.”
Torres credited the coaching staff with settling the players at halftime and restoring their confidence. The defense continued to give the offense favorable field position after the break.
“The defense continued to do what they were doing — short fields for the offense, a big return, a big takeaway,” Torres said. “It definitely showed what we’re capable of doing.”
Hays will open District 26-6A play against Johnson High School at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25.
For those planning to attend the game, the Hawks will be on the visitors side of the stadium. More details are available at bit.ly/3TI2sQz.
“We’re 3-1 right now, but that means nothing,” Torres said. “This is district play. Let’s do everything we can to have one more point next Friday night.”
