ANTHONY GORGES
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Another slow start made for a long night for the Hutchinson Salthawk football team as Salina South defeated Hutchinson 31-10 at Gowans Stadium on Friday night.
The Hutchinson defense forced a quick three-and-out to start the game, giving the Salthawks an early boost. However, the offense quickly turned the ball over when junior quarterback Davin Morgan was intercepted.
It was the first of three interceptions for Morgan. The Cougars capitalized on the turnover as junior quarterback Izzy Telles connected with senior wide receiver Jay Curtis for a 23-yard touchdown.
Hutchinson struggled to move the ball in the first half, and Salina South continued to capitalize on short fields. Telles connected with senior receiver Noah Hines for a 20-yard touchdown to extend the Cougars' lead.
South added two more touchdowns in the first half. Hutchinson's lone score came on a 22-yard field goal by kicker Tate England, and the Cougars took a 28-3 lead into halftime.
The second half started promisingly for the Salthawks. Hutchinson drove 80 yards, with Morgan using his legs to move the offense. The drive began with a 32-yard quarterback run and was capped off by Morgan's 10-yard touchdown run, giving Hutchinson its only touchdown of the night.
Defensively, the Salthawks played well in the second half. They forced two turnovers on downs and intercepted Telles in the end zone. However, Hutchinson stalled on multiple drives inside the 10-yard line.
Penalties also proved costly for the Salthawks, repeatedly putting the offense in difficult situations Friday night.
Hutchinson falls to 0-3 on the season and will travel to Haysville Campus (0-3) next Friday night. You can hear the game on KWBW Radio 1450 AM / 98.5 FM.
Salina South improves to 2-1 and will host Valley Center next week.