POTTER - Hay Springs scored touchdowns on their first 11 possessions, including a fumble recovery in the end zone early in the first quarter, and the defending Class D6 runner-up Hawks defeated Potter-Dix for the first time since Aug. 24, 2018, 88-53, Friday night at Combs Field in Potter.

Senior tailback Dylan Raymer racked up 176 yards on just 10 carries and four touchdowns. He had touchdown runs of 11, 63, 28 and 22 yards. It's the second game-in-a-row where Raymer has had multiple touchdowns. His 22-yard sprint to paydirt extended Hay Springs' lead to a commanding 75-20 margin as the first half came to a close.

Hay Springs starters didn't play in the second half. 

The Hawks' defensive unit was just as impressive, converting three Potter-Dix turnovers into points. Early in the first quarter, sophomore Eli Scott capitalized on a high snap by recovering the ball in the end zone. Moments later, senior Dylan Young took advantage of a second fumble, punching it in from 21 yards out. And before the half ended, senior Talan Smith’s interception set up a six-yard touchdown run, giving Hay Springs a 37-6 advantage.

Sophomore Tripp Buettner added to the Hawks' total with 95 rushing yards and a touchdown on five carries.

Coyotes junior Dylan Tabor rushed for 113 yards and two touchdowns on six carries. Tabor also provided a spark on special teams with a 70-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. Senior Dawsen Monheiser chipped in 76 rushing yards on three carries, including a touchdown

Historically, the Coyotes have held the upper hand in this matchup, leading the series with the Hawks, 13-7, since 2003.

With the win, Hay Springs improves to 2-0 and will face Creek Valley next Thursday in Chappell. You can catch the action live on News Channel Nebraska's "The Big Boy" (98.7 FM or streaming online or the app) at 7 p.m.

Potter-Dix, now 1-1 after suffering their first regular-season loss since 2019, look to bounce back in Harrison to take on Sioux County next Friday.