Blue Dragons roll to 71-12 victory, extend winning streak to 10 games
Information obtained from HCC officials
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kordell Gouldsby returned two punts for touchdowns and Derrick Salley Jr. caught three scoring passes as No. 1-ranked Hutchinson Community College routed Independence 71-12 on Saturday at Gowans Stadium.
The victory extended the Blue Dragons' winning streak to 10 games, dating to the final four contests of the 2024 season, and marked their return to home turf after a 35-day road trip. Hutchinson (6-0, 2-0 KJCCC) tied for the fourth-longest winning streak in program history.
Gouldsby scored on punt returns of 34 and 56 yards, giving him four and five career return touchdowns, respectively. He finished with 161 all-purpose yards, including four punt returns for 118 yards, two receptions for 37 yards and six yards rushing.
Salley's three touchdown catches — covering 1, 5 and 45 yards — gave him 12 receiving scores this season, tying Lonnie Crittenden (1970) and Cordarrelle Patterson (2011) for second-most in program history. Salley led Hutchinson receivers with 63 yards on four catches.
Quarterback Christian Johnson completed 9 of 12 passes for 116 yards and three touchdowns while adding 17 rushing yards. Backup Hudson Ferralez went 6-for-12 for 99 yards and rushed for two touchdowns.
The Blue Dragons' defense recorded a season-high 10 sacks, tying for third-most in a single game in program history. J'Lynn Allen had three sacks, while DaMun Allen notched his fourth interception in three games. Amir Hill and Earl Parker also had interceptions in the five-takeaway performance.
Hill blocked a punt, giving Hutchinson seven blocked kicks this season.
Hutchinson outgained Independence 415-294 and dominated on the ground 200-29. Daeshawn Carter led the rushing attack with 50 yards and a touchdown on seven carries, while Lekedrin Harvey added 49 yards and a score on seven attempts.
Placekicker Alejandro de la Poza contributed 17 points on field goals of 31, 41 and 26 yards while converting 8 of 9 extra points.
The Blue Dragons led 17-0 after one quarter, 37-0 at halftime and 58-6 after three quarters. Independence's consecutive quarters streak without allowing a touchdown ended at 11.
Hutchinson hosts No. 12 Coffeyville at 7 p.m. Saturday. Independence fell to 3-4 overall and 1-3 in the KJCCC.
Head coach Drew Dallas recorded his 55th victory with the Blue Dragons, who improved to 61-24-5 all-time against Independence, including 35-10-2 in games played in Hutchinson.