BUDA – Thirteen fourth quarter points Thursday, paired with critical defensive stands in the final minutes, pushed the Hays football team to a thrilling 41-35 win over the Austin Maroons.

The victory, which ended a two game skid for Hays, pushed the program a win closer to a potential playoff berth with two more district contests remaining.

Both teams went toe-to-toe in a slugfest that featured four ties and two lead changes. Hays and Austin were knotted up at 14-14 at halftime and remain...