Oct 28, 2023

🏈 Salthawks run past Wichita West, advance in 5A playoffs

Posted Oct 28, 2023 3:39 AM
Zion Burgess scoring on his third rushing touchdown of the evening. (Sean Boston/Hutch Post)
Zion Burgess scoring on his third rushing touchdown of the evening. (Sean Boston/Hutch Post)

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Salthawks advanced to the round of 16 in the class 5A state playoffs, knocking off Wichita West, 52-28 on Friday at Gowans Stadium.

Hutchinson (7-2) held a 52-6 lead going in to the fourth quarter before Wichita West (3-6) scored 22 unanswered points on the Salthawks reserves.

The Salthawks rushed for six touchdowns in the first round victory.

Robert Hunter started the scoring for the Salthawks on its second drive of the game, as the sophomore quarterback found the end zone from 32 yards out with 7:06 to play in the first quarter. Hunter added a 24-yard touchdown run in the second quarter, as well to extend the Hutchinson lead.

Zion Burgess scored three rushing scores in the win, a 14-yard run in the first quarter, and 50-yard and 29-yard runs in the third period.

Tayson Runyon connected on a 25-yard field goal with 3:23 left in the first quarter to give the Salthawks a 17-6 lead at that point.

Devon Spiller also joined in on the list of Salthawks with a touchdown, scoring on an 11-yard run midway through the second quarter.

The Salthawks also scored on a special teams play, as Jax Heneha blocked a West punt attempt into the end zone, where Chris Lachenmaier picked up the ball for a touchdown.

Hutchinson will travel to Maize South (7-2) on Friday for the second round of the KSHSAA class 5A playoffs. The Salthawks defeated the Mavericks, 28-23 on Sept. 15. The game will kick off at 7 p.m. from Maize South High School. 

The complete class 5A bracket is posted here.