Salthawks' season ends with 27-6 loss to Hays in regional playoffs
Story & photos by Dale Grosbach
The Hutchinson High School Salthawks football squad came into the regional round of the 2025 Kansas State High School Activities Association Football Championships with a 7-2 record after defeating the 2-6 Emporia High School Spartans in Week 9. Their matchup on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, was the Hays High School Indians, who came in with the No. 5 seed in the West Region.
The Indians received the opening kickoff and took the ball down the field, running on every play. The drive took four minutes and 54 seconds and was capped off with a one-yard run by senior running back Holden Lind. The Salthawks then received the kickoff and set up for the offense. Tragedy struck when Hays intercepted a pass attempt on the Salthawks' first play on offense. The Indians then used an explosive pass play to set themselves up for a second running touchdown of five yards by Lind. Hutchinson blocked the extra-point try, making the score 0-13 for the visitors.
On subsequent possessions, Hutchinson struggled on offense due to poor field position and too many mistakes. On defense, the Salthawks were tested in the face of the Indians' power running game. The first half ended with the score remaining 0-13.
The Salthawks came out for the second half and received the kickoff. Hutchinson then completed an explosive pass play of their own, which set them up in the red zone. Senior quarterback Robert Hunter pushed across the goal line for the Salthawk score. The ensuing extra-point try failed when the kick hit the left upright. It appeared that the Salthawks had gained some momentum, but that quickly dissipated when Hutchinson attempted an onside kick and the Indians recovered the ball.
The balance of the game unfolded much like it had in the first half. Hays dominated with their running game and scored touchdowns in the third and fourth quarters. The final score was Hays 27, Hutchinson 6. The Salthawks ended the season with a 7-3 record.
Senior quarterback Robert Hunter was the leader on offense for the Salthawks. Several times, he carried the ball for positive yardage, escaping losses. A special recognition goes to the Salthawk defense. Outweighed across the line of scrimmage, the defenders were able to make stops despite the Indians' advantage.
