SEAN BOSTON
Hutch Post
WICHITA, Kan. — The Hutchinson Community College football team is favored to win the Jayhawk Conference, the conference announced at its Media Day on Friday at Riverfront Stadium.
The Blue Dragons have now been the preseason favorite to win the title for six straight seasons.
"This conference is a gauntlet, and you've got to bring your 'A' game each and every week," HutchCC head coach Drew Dallas said.
Dallas has a record of 38-4 entering his fifth season as the Blue Dragons head coach.
"I'm really excited about the football team we have put together," Dallas said. "It all starts with our staff who's gone out and recruited a good group of guys and just continues to develop them."
Dallas spoke about the depth of this years team and how that will be a big factor entering the season.
"You're going into a new season and constantly looking at a depth chart and a roster of who you've got and trying to build a team," Dallas said. "I really like the development we've had in the weight room, on the field conditioning wise, and just the maturity this team has. I think one thing that is going to be big for us is just having good quality depth."
Hutchinson finished the 2023 season with a 10-1 record, its only loss coming in the NJCAA national semifinal to East Mississippi.
The Blue Dragons return nine overall starters and 18 overall letter winners back from last season.
One of those returners is starting quarterback and Jayhawk Conference co-Offensive Player of the Year, Samari Collier.
The Blue Dragons will also have the other half to the co-Offensive Player of the Year, as Benson Prosper transferred in from Highland.
The Blue Dragons open the season on Thursday, August 29 at home against New Mexico Military Institute.
HutchCC will begin practice for the 2024 season on Thursday, August 1.
2024 KJCCC Preseason Poll
1. Hutchinson
2. Garden City
3. Butler
4. Highland
T5. Coffeyville
T5. Independence
7. Dodge City