Hutchinson completes perfect regular season, claims sixth straight conference title
Information obtained from HCC officials
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kade Smith rushed for two touchdowns and linebacker Teegan Haines recorded 11 tackles to lead No. 1 Hutchinson Community College to a 27-14 victory over No. 14 Garden City on Saturday, Nov. 22, completing an undefeated regular season and clinching the Jayhawk Conference championship.
The Blue Dragons (10-0) captured their sixth consecutive conference title and extended their winning streak to 14 games, tying for the third-longest in program history. Hutchinson reached 10 wins for the 12th time in school history.
Quarterback Christian Johnson accounted for 314 total yards, completing 17 of 30 passes for 237 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He added 77 rushing yards on 17 carries.
Smith scored on runs of 2 yards in both the first and third quarters. Eddie McLaughlin caught a 29-yard touchdown pass from Johnson in the third period.
Haines anchored a dominant defensive performance that limited Garden City's league-leading rushing attack to 91 yards on 34 carries. The Blue Dragons recorded 15 tackles for loss, including seven sacks. Kevin Moorer had two sacks and recovered a fumble, while Ray Reynolds Jr. sealed the victory with a fourth-quarter interception.
Freshman kicker Alejandro de la Poza connected on field goals of 24 and 21 yards, giving him 12 for the season to tie for second in single-season program history.
Garden City (9-1) got touchdown passes from Dae'Onte Mitchell to Cenard Bennett and a rushing score from Mitchell but couldn't overcome the Blue Dragons' defensive pressure.
Hutchinson will host its NJCAA Division I National Playoff semifinal Dec. 6 at Gowans Stadium. The opponent will be announced next week.