By DAREN DUNN
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — After a disappointing start to the fall season, Hutchinson Community College (1-2) used 409 rushing yards and 564 yards of total offense to down Fort Scott (0-4) Saturday night.
Anwar Lewis had more than half of Hutchinson's rushing yards (210). "Any time you average 11 yards a carry is pretty special," head coach Drew Dallas said after the game.
The Blue Dragons started 0-2 after winning the national championship in the spring. "Winning a college football game is a hard thing to do, as we learned the first two games of the season," Dallas said.
The Dragons had a week off to prepare for Fort Scott, a team that has not won since November of 2019. The Greyhounds played three games in the spring before cancelling the remainder of the season.
Lewis picked up where running back Jaheim Simmons left off. Simmons entered in goal-to-go situations and punched in two touchdowns for the Blue Dragons in the first half. His runs came from 1 and 3 yards out, respectively.
Dylan Laible threw a 19-yard TD pass to Russell Wilkey and C.J. Moya added two field goals in the first 18 minutes to put Hutchinson up 20-0. Simmons' second TD run added to the lead before Fort Scott scored with 1:06 before the half. It is the third touchdown just before the half Hutchinson has given up in as many games. The extra point was blocked and the Greyhounds did not score again.
Hutchinson struggled in the third quarter against Butler, but thrived behind the strong running of Anwar Lewis against Fort Scott. Lewis scored twice in the third quarter. His 9-yard run capped a 9-play, 75-yard drive before he had a quick-strike from 36 yards away.
Backup quarterback Daisean Cash entered the contest with Hutchinson leading by 35. He added a 4-yard touchdown pass to Rykem Laney just before the end of the third quarter.
Tim Byrd Jr. and Alec McCuan finished the night strong for the Hutchinson running attack. Byrd Jr. rushed for 37 yards while McCuan added 57. Corey McKnight also had 58 yards.
Anwar Lewis stole the show with 210 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries. Dylan Laible threw for 132 yards and one TD. Cash completed two passes for 24 yards and one touchdown. Cash also carried the ball once for 27 yards.
Fort Scott came into the contest averaging negative 7 yards per game on the ground. The Greyhounds finished with negative 26 yards rushing on Saturday. Hutchinson held Fort Scott to 138 yards of total offense.
Fort Scott's leading rusher, M.J. Fuller, had 8 yards. Reagan Davenport threw for 164 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
Jaylon Bass paced the Blue Dragons defensively with six tackles, one tackle-for-loss, one fumble recovery and one forced fumble. Nadame Tucker had two sacks.
FINAL: Hutchinson 55 Fort Scott 6
The Blue Dragons hit the road next Saturday to take on No. 3 Garden City (2-1). The Broncbusters lost to Independence Saturday night 26-13. The Broncbusters had a 13-10 halftime lead.