Hayti scored the first touchdown in Van-Far’s first district game of the year.

The Indians moved past that and then blew past Hayti to a 54-6 victory in the Class 1 District 1 tournament game on Saturday afternoon at home in Vandalia. They scored 54 unanswered points, including off four touchdowns run by Tyson Douglas in his 179 yards on 18 carries.

Van-Far (8-2) hosted a district game for the second straight season, two years after having to forfeit districts due to low roster numbers. The Indians are way past that problem, and head coach Lucas Gibson said they didn’t have much issue with Hayti (4-6) after some “miscommunication” on the game’s first touchdown.

“Our boys were hyped for this game,” Gibson said. “We had two weeks of rest, we were healthy and it was the last home game for the seniors.”

Gibson said the rainy and muddy conditions made it difficult to pass. The Van-Far defense came away with four interceptions, including two from Carson Huff and one each from Isaac Wardlow and Haden Lynn.

There were some fumbles as well, but Gibson said the safer bet was running the ball. The Indians made the most of this situation with 389 rushing yards. Evan Utterback had a big day on the ground with 143 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries to follow Douglas.

“We would’ve liked to open it up a little by throwing the ball, but nobody could get a grip on the ball,” Gibson said. “We ran the ball effectively so we just stayed on the ground and tried to hang on to the football.”

Douglas held on to the ball for long distances, including on touchdowns of 21 yards, 24 yards and 42 yards. His senior twin brother Malik Douglas will be out the rest of the season due to a torn ACL, giving Tyson more carries.

“I’m super proud of him,” Gibson said. “He’s taken it on and has had fun with it for sure.”

Gaven Gaston started the second half by returning a kickoff for a touchdown to trigger the mercy running clock for the rest of the game. The halftime was 40-6, but Van-Far eclipsed the 35-point threshold needed.

Hayti was in an even bigger hole, Gibson said, that grew after it seemed Hayti wanted to throw the ball more but just couldn’t given the conditions.  

Van-Far needs to avoid digging itself into a hole like last year’s season-ending loss at St. Vincent (10-0) in Perryville. The Indians lost 42-6 to St. Vincent and will have a rematch at the No. 1 team in Class 1 at 1 p.m. Saturday.

“We need to take care of the football,” Gibson said. “We fumbled twice in that game in the first half, and it got away from us.”