Hutchinson Salthawks shut out Emporia 34-0 in playoff opener

The Hutchinson High School Salthawks football team finished the regular season with a 6-2 record, with losses coming from larger 6A schools. The Salthawks are the No. 4 seed in the West division of the 2025 Kansas State High School Activities Association Football Championships. Their Week 9 matchup was against the 2-6 Emporia High School Spartans on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, at Gowens Stadium in Hutchinson.

The Salthawks received the opening kickoff and promptly took the ball down the field. The second play of the game was a long run of more than 40 yards, followed by a 6-yard touchdown run by senior quarterback Robert Hunter.

Emporia's plan on offense was to pound the ball up the middle of the formation, but the Salthawks' defense was up to the challenge. Emporia attempted only two passes in the game, with one being intercepted by Hutchinson senior Tramel Walker at the 1:17 mark of the second quarter. Emporia never crossed the goal line. The Salthawks forced turnovers on downs four times, and the Spartans punted twice. Emporia threatened to score late in the fourth quarter against the Salthawks' second string, but time ran out.

Hutchinson was in charge from the first possession. Hunter rushed for two touchdowns and threw for two more. The final touchdown was scored on a run by senior Karmelo Green. The final score was 34-0.

The Salthawks' season continues Friday with a Football Championship Regional matchup against the Hays High School Indians at Gowens Stadium. The Indians enter the matchup with a 7-2 record, having defeated Goddard-Eisenhower on Friday evening.