HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson senior quarterback Robert Hunter threw for 252 yards and three touchdowns — the second-highest single-game passing total in Salthawk football history — as Hutchinson rolled to a 35-13 homecoming victory over Salina South on Friday night at Gowans Stadium.
The Salthawks (3-1) wasted no time after the opening kickoff. Hunter connected with Larry Jeremiah on a 67-yard strike to set up an early red zone chance. On fourth-and-goal from the 4, Hunter lofted a pass to Lamar Govain, who outjumped the Cougar coverage for his third receiving touchdown of the season with 8:45 left in the first quarter.
On the ensuing kickoff, Salina South fumbled, and Max Harris pounced on the turnover for Hutchinson. One play later, Hunter fired a 24 yard touchdown pass to Deangelo Gray to push the lead to 14-0.
The Cougars (0-4) answered with a 42-yard scoring strike from sophomore Izreal Teles to Jay Curtis, trimming the deficit to 14-6 with 3:09 remaining in the first quarter.
Hutchinson extended its advantage before halftime as Eli Atha took a pitch in from 4 yards out to make it 21-6 at the break.
Salina South showed fight to start the second half, marching 75 yards in eight plays to close within 21-13 midway through the third quarter. But Hunter responded, leading a five-play, 80-yard drive capped by a 14-yard touchdown pass to Jeremiah Jr., his third of the night, extending the lead to 28-13 heading into the fourth.
Fullback Jeremyah Gaitho-Karanu sealed the win with a 7-yard touchdown run with 3:23 left, completing Hutchinson’s scoring.
Hunter has now thrown three touchdown passes in three of Hutchinson’s four games this season. Dating back to his sophomore year, it marked the fourth time in his career he’s hit the mark.
Kicker Zae Guilled was a perfect 5 for 5 in point after kicks on the night.
The Salthawks will travel to Derby next Friday to face the Panthers (2-2), who lost to Maize 42-21. Salina South will return home to Salina Stadium to host Valley Center.
FULL GAME REPLAY