No. 1 Hutchinson routs Dodge City 44-3 in conference opener
Information obtained from HCC officials
DODGE CITY, Kan. – Quarterback Christian Johnson accounted for 300 total yards and three touchdowns as top-ranked Hutchinson Community College opened conference play with a 44-3 victory over Dodge City on Saturday, Oct. 11, at Memorial Stadium.
The Blue Dragons (5-0, 1-0 KJCCC) extended their winning streak to nine games behind a dominant defensive performance that held the Conquistadors to 147 total yards and no touchdowns for the second consecutive game.
Johnson completed 16 of 29 passes for 230 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions. The sophomore also rushed for a game-high 70 yards on 14 carries, leading an offense that totaled 373 yards.
Wide receiver Derrick Salley Jr. recorded his third 100-yard receiving game of the season with seven catches for 135 yards and a touchdown. Salley extended his touchdown streak to five games and leads the nation with nine receiving touchdowns.
Kordell Gouldsby scored twice for Hutchinson, catching a 27-yard touchdown pass and returning a free kick 84 yards for a score. Gouldsby totaled 187 all-purpose yards.
The Blue Dragon defense recorded six sacks, eight quarterback hurries and 14 tackles for loss while limiting Dodge City to 25 rushing yards. D.J. Jester led the team with seven tackles, while DaMun Allen had two interceptions.
Hutchinson's defense also scored nine points. Darius Wiley sacked quarterback Edwin Merriweather in the end zone for a safety in the third quarter, and Bryce Summerall returned a fumble 33 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter.
The Blue Dragons jumped to a 14-0 first-quarter lead on Johnson's touchdown passes to Gouldsby and Rashaud Hurt. Adam Pineiro's 27-yard field goal in the second quarter accounted for Dodge City's only points.
Hutchinson returns to Gowans Stadium for the first time in 42 days when it hosts Independence at 1 p.m. Saturday.
Dodge City (1-5, 1-2 KJCCC) has lost five games to top-10 opponents this season.