The Hayfield football team couldn’t make up for a breakdown in a 34-18 loss at Kenyon/Wanamingo (2-3 overall) on the road Friday.

The Vikings (0-5 overall, 0-5 HVL) had the ball deep in K/W territory trailing 14-0 when they couldn’t convert a fourth and goal from the six-yard line.

K/W drove the field and scored as time expired in the first half and the Knights opened the first half by running the kickoff back for a touchdown to make it 27-0.

“That was a big swing and we buried ourselves in a hole,” Hayfield head coach Grant Klennert said.

The Vikings found their offense in the second half as sophomore quarterback Connor Nelson scored on a one-yard sneak and he hit Nate Timmons for a 50-yard score.

“Connor has really stepped up and done a fantastic job,” Klennert said. “It was one of the best passing performances in 20 years.”

STATS

Hayfield passing: Connor Nelson, 14-for-31, 320, TD, 2 INT

Hayfield receiving: Caleb Gilbertson, 4-for-118; Lucas Barkuloo, 3-for-72; Nate Timmons, 1-for-50, TD

Hayfield rushing: Joe Volgarino, 10-for-33, TD; Nelson, 8-for-(-2), TD