> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.citizenjournal.us/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Iowa Western rallies past Hutchinson to claim NJCAA football title
- URL: https://www.citizenjournal.us/iowa-western-rallies-past-hutchinson-to-claim-njcaa-football-title/
- Published: 2025-12-19T14:57:16.000Z
- Updated: 2026-05-29T22:10:12.000Z
- Description: Information obtained by HCC officials
- Author: Rica Simpson
- Tags: dnn, hutch, #sports

CANYON, Texas (AP) — Iowa Western scored 28 unanswered points after falling behind early, defeating top-ranked Hutchinson Community College 28-10 in Wednesday's, Dec. 17, NJCAA Football Championship game at Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium.

The second-ranked Reivers overcame a 10-0 first-quarter deficit to claim the national title in a rematch of last year's championship game.

Hutchinson (11-1) raced to an early lead, scoring touchdowns on its first two possessions and outgaining Iowa Western 108-39 in the opening quarter. Freshman kicker Alejandro de la Poza set a school record with a 52-yard field goal, and receiver Derrick Salley Jr. tied Roger Frazier's 20-year-old single-season touchdown reception record with his 13th scoring catch on a 15-yard pass from Christian Johnson.

Iowa Western seized control in the second quarter, scoring twice to take a 14-10 halftime lead. The Reivers dominated the final three quarters, outgaining the Blue Dragons 368-54.

Game MVP Daniel Swinney rushed for 153 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries. Quarterback Malachi Marshall threw for 213 yards and three touchdowns, completing 18 of 35 passes.

Hutchinson managed just 162 total yards, a season low. Johnson completed 10 of 21 passes for 89 yards but was sacked eight times. The Blue Dragons converted just 1 of 11 third-down attempts after the first quarter.

The Blue Dragons finished with a program-record-tying 11-1 mark and fell to 2-2 in NJCAA championship games. Head coach Drew Dallas completed his sixth season with a 60-6 record.