SEAN BOSTON
Hutch Post
With a veteran offensive line, key returners on both sides of the ball, and meaningful varsity experience gained a season ago, Hutchinson High School enters the 2025 football season with sights set squarely on a deep postseason run.
“We lost some great football players from last year's class. You can't deny that fact or look past the truth,” said head coach Mike Vernon, now in his eighth season with the Salthawks. “However, I look at the playing time our younger guys got in mop-up time and how they handled themselves. I know they can play and I know my staff can coach.”
Hutchinson is coming off an 8-3 season in 2024 that ended with a 28-0 loss to Hays in the Class 5A state playoffs. Still, the Salthawks continued their recent trend of winning seasons, the program has posted at least seven wins in four of the last five years.
With 12 returning starters (seven on offense, five on defense) and 16 total lettermen back, Vernon believes this year’s team has a high ceiling.
“I believe we have a low floor, but I also believe we have an extremely high ceiling," Vernon said. "We have the capability of being a very tough out for any team on our schedule.”
That schedule includes a mix of AVCTL Division I and II powers, highlighted by the season opener at defending Class 4A state champion, Andover Central (12-1). The Jaguars are replacing almost their entire production from the championship team.
A major strength lies in the offensive line, where four of five starters return: Kylan Mendoza, Bailey Bishop, Taylor Reiman, and Karson Ettiene. Vernon called the unit “very exciting” and praised its growth through adversity in 2024.
“This group got thrown into the fire last year and had to perform,” Vernon said. “I’m very excited about the potential of this group.”
Senior quarterback Robert Hunter returns to the program after transferring from Wichita East and is expected to contribute heavily on both sides of the ball.
“He is an athletic kid who we will utilize on offense as well as defense,” Vernon said. “We will lean on him heavily for offensive production. I believe he will have a big year.”
The backfield will feature seniors Jeremyah Gaitho-Karanu and Karmelo Green, both expected to carry the load in the run game.
On defense, senior middle linebacker Jackson Anderson leads the charge. Vernon believes the returning All-League standout is poised for a breakout season.
“Jackson Anderson will have a 1st Team All State season at middle linebacker,” Vernon said. “He is a skilled football player that continues to get bigger and faster. With our scheme he will make a name for himself.”
Other returning starters include defensive tackle GaVaughn Embers, defensive backs Tramel Walker, Camrynn Harris, and Brodie McCuan.
Still, there are concerns as the season approaches.
“We lost a lot of high-quality football players to graduation,” Vernon said. “Our young guys got a lot of playing time last year, but you never know how kids will react when bullets are flying.”
Depth and durability will be tested over the course of the season, Vernon added. “Our numbers aren’t as high as years past. Football is a numbers game and you need bodies. I worry about attrition and keeping our guys healthy.”
Despite the question marks, the goal remains unchanged.
“We want to play in the semifinal game,” Vernon said. “It is very attainable for this group.”
Vernon holds a 39-30 record at HHS and is 68-49 overall in head coaching stops at Inman, Nickerson, and Hutchinson.
2025 Schedule
Sept. 5 at Andover Central
Sept. 12 at Valley Center
Sept. 19 vs. Maize
Sept. 26 vs. Salina South
Oct. 3 at Derby
Oct. 10 vs. Campus
Oct. 17 at Newton
Oct. 24 vs. Maize South