By SEAN BOSTON
Hutch Post
Hutchinson (1-0) at Valley Center (1-0)
Hutchinson made a loud statement in Week 1, rolling to a 34-0 shutout win over defending Class 4A state champion Andover Central. It was the Salthawksâ first season-opening shutout since 2004, when they blanked Newton 14-0.
Senior linebacker Jackson Anderson was everywhere, piling up 15 tackles, three for loss, and delivering a 48-yard pick-six that put an exclamation point on the defensive effort. Hutch held the Jaguars to just 145 yards on 50 snaps, a stingy 2.9 yards per play.
On the other side of the ball, Hutchinson turned a new page, running a spread offense for the first time in more than 20 years after decades in the flexbone. Senior quarterback Robert Hunter looked comfortable, throwing for 123 yards and three touchdowns while spreading the ball around.
Valley Center also flexed in its opener, outlasting Eisenhower 38-28. Senior quarterback Carter Thatcher was the difference-maker, completing 16 of 23 passes for 278 yards and two touchdowns. His sophomore target Spencer Crumrine showed flashes of stardom with five catches for 110 yards and two scores, while junior R.J. Logan chipped in five receptions for 69 yards. The Hornets balanced things with 179 rushing yards, led by Cooper Booneâs 87 and a touchdown, while Thatcher added two more on the ground.
Fridayâs matchup at Hornet Stadium feels like an early measuring stick in the Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division I and could have implications later in the season in Class 5A West. The Salthawks won last year's meeting in the Salt City, 13-0. Hutchinsonâs revamped offense and stingy defense get a tougher test against a Valley Center team that can hurt you both through the air and on the ground.
The key? Slowing down Thatcher. The Salthawks held Andover Centralâs Max Olson to just 39 passing yards last week. Thatcher wonât be limited to that, but if Hutch can keep him closer to 100 than 200, theyâll likely head home with a 2-0 record for the first time since 2022.
Prediction: Hutchinson 28, Valley Center 14
Central Christian School (1-0) vs. Canton-Galva (1-0)
Central Christian wasted no time in Week 1, cruising past Sunrise Christian 62-14 in Bel Aire. The win avenged last yearâs 54-50 loss to the Buffaloes and gave the Cougars the upper hand right out of the gate.
The Cougars set the tone immediately, taking the opening kickoff back for a touchdown just 16 seconds in. By the end of the first quarter it was 28-0, and they stretched it to 56-14 at halftime. The game ended early in the third quarter under the 45-point mercy rule.
CCS did nearly all of its damage on the ground, piling up 296 rushing yards on just 32 attempts, an eye-popping 9.3 yards per carry. Seniors Piercen Huff and Konnor Sullivan were unstoppable. Huff ran 13 times for 149 yards and three touchdowns, while Sullivan added 12 carries for 138 yards and four scores. On defense, Huff and junior Luke Eigsti each picked off a pass.
Canton-Galva also opened with a blowout, blanking Lost Springs-Centre 42-0. The Eaglesâ offense was balanced, 116 yards rushing and 88 passing for 204 total, but the defense stole the show, holding Centre to zero net yards. The Cougars finished with 44 passing yards, but were pushed back for minus-44 on the ground.
This week brings a tougher challenge for Canton-Galva on the road. Central Christian dominated last yearâs meeting 48-0, and with Huff and Sullivan looking nearly unstoppable, itâs hard to see this yearâs result being much different. Expect the Cougars of CCS to roll again.
Prediction: Central Christian 42, Canton-Galva 24
Moundridge (1-0) vs. Sterling (1-0)
Both Moundridge and Sterling look like contenders in Class 1A, and Fridayâs matchup could be an early measuring stick for both programs. Sterling opened with a 47-6 statement win over a talented Sedgwick team, while Moundridge rolled past Bennington 52-0.
For Moundridge, this is a crucial second straight home game before hitting the road for three in a row. The Wildcats have been strong at home, going 4-1 since the start of last season. A year ago, Moundridge went on the road and handled Sterling 28-7, but this yearâs challenge looks stiffer.
Sterling showcased its power run game at Sedgwick, piling up 379 rushing yards as part of a 412-yard night. Senior Zane Farney was the star, rushing 18 times for 155 yards and four touchdowns. Coupled with the leadership of four-year starting quarterback Logan Isaac, the Black Bears have the experience to make a deep playoff run.
Moundridge was equally sharp in its opener, totaling 301 yards of offense, 196 on the ground and 105 through the air. The Wildcatsâ defense smothered Bennington, holding them to 102 total yards and forcing three turnovers.
This one has the makings of a classic small-school battle, and it may come down to who wins at the line of scrimmage. Moundridge has a defense capable of slowing Sterling, but the Black Bearsâ experience and motivation after last yearâs loss might give them the edge. Donât be surprised if Sterling pulls this one out late.
Prediction: Sterling 28, Moundridge 20