ANTHONY GORGES
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Salthawks and Mustangs traded blows Friday night at Gowans Stadium, but Hutchinson came up short in a 36-27 loss to defending Class 5A state champion Salina Central on Senior Night. The Salthawks honored 13 seniors during the matchup.
Hutchinson won the coin toss and elected to receive the opening kickoff. The Salthawks marched 63 yards down the field, converting a fourth-and-3 on their own side of the field along the way. Junior quarterback Davin Morgan scored the game's first touchdown on a 13-yard run less than three minutes into the game.
Salina Central answered immediately. Trae Wise returned the ensuing kickoff approximately 70 yards for a touchdown to tie the game at 7.
The teams continued to trade scores throughout the first half. Hutchinson took a 14-13 lead when Morgan connected with senior D'Angelo Gray for a 50-yard touchdown.
However, the Mustangs regained the lead and went into halftime ahead 20-14. Hutchinson's defense recorded a sack of Salina Central quarterback Griffin Hall on the final play of the first half as the Mustangs looked to add to their lead.
The second half followed a similar script, with both offenses continuing to find ways to score.
Salina Central opened the second half with a touchdown to extend its lead to 27-14. Hutchinson responded with a 9-yard touchdown pass from Morgan to Lamar Govain, marking the duo's eighth touchdown connection of the season.
The Salthawks then attempted an onside kick in an effort to regain possession. Hutchinson initially appeared to recover the ball, but officials ruled it went out of bounds before either team established clear possession. Salina Central took advantage of the possession and added a field goal to make it 30-21 in the fourth quarter.
Penalties became a factor for both teams in the second half. One of the biggest came with just under seven minutes remaining, when a 40-yard Hutchinson rushing touchdown was called back.
The Salthawks were then stopped on fourth-and-inches, turning the ball over to the Mustangs. Hall added a touchdown on a quarterback keeper with less than three minutes remaining to extend Salina Central's lead.
Hutchinson found the end zone again with just 12 seconds left, but the extra-point attempt was blocked. Salina Central held on for the 36-27 victory.
The Salthawks (1-5) will look to bounce back next week when they travel to face Maize South (2-4).
As always, catch all the action on KWBW Radio, 1450 AM and 98.5 FM.