TOUCHDOWN BY TOUCHDOWN

Blue Dragon football has a season to remember.

Ashlyn Neufeld | Reporter & Designer

“Touchdown Blue Dragons,” said the announcer after Hutchinson Community College added yet another six points to the scoreboard.

The HutchCC Blue Dragon football team has been leading the rankings for weeks now, following some of the biggest seasons that the team has had. The team won their first national championship two years ago, and went 9-2 overall last season.

Head Football Coach Drew Dallas said, “I think if we go 1-0 each week, that ranking will take care of itself. That number one ranking only matters if it's at the end of the season.”

Coming into this season, the team expected big things for themselves. They took it week by week and focused on controlling their outcome.

“[Most excited about] the opportunity to control our own destiny. When it is this late in the year, and you still have ultimate control over your goals, that is really all you can ask for,” said Dallas.

Football is the ultimate team game and no one man will make a team great. This season for the Blue Dragons has been about working together and letting their time, effort, and teamwork be shown off, which is what has been happening with each win. “Our football team shows up to work and handles business pretty much on a daily basis. For the most part, they operate the right way and approach each day with the right mindset and it’s paying off for them,” said Dallas.

The team has been ranked No. 1 for about six weeks now, having been within the top three spots since preseason. The team has definitely had its challenges this season with injuries and just all out close call endings.

Dallas said, “We had a string of turnovers in both of those games [a close game against Coffeyville and a win in overtime to Iowa Central] and were able to overcome it against two really good football teams.”

Undefeated - a title most teams can not claim - belongs to the Blue Dragons as they finished their regular season on Nov. 12 with a win against Iowa Western. The next stop on their journey is a home semi-final game on Dec. 3 at Gowans Stadium.

10 2022 Football Season Scoreboard 0

Date Opponent Result Aug. 27 Navaro College W, 42-0 Sep. 3 Ellsworth CC W, 70-7 Sep. 10 Iowa Central CC W, 31-28 Sep. 24 Coffeyville CC W, 14-9 Oct. 1 Butler CC W, 27-19 Oct. 8 Dodge City CC W, 47-14 Oct. 22 Garden City CC W, 65-7 Oct. 29 Highland CC W, 31-7 Nov. 5 Independence CC W, 53-0 Nov. 12 Iowa Western CC W, 29-28

Results as of Nov. 15, 2022.

Ashlyn Neufeld | Photo

Wide Receiver Malik Benson, Lansing, looks down at his opponent after catching the ball. Benson had four receptions and two touchdowns in the game against Independence. Ashlyn Neufeld | Photo

Head Coach Drew Dallas asks a referee for clarification on a questionable call. The Blue Dragons defeated Independence Community College 53-0 on Nov. 5.

Ashlyn Neufeld | Photo

Punter Trevor Whiteman, Udall, sends the first punt of the game towards the end zone. Whiteman had two punts during the game totaling 121 yards. Ashlyn Neufeld | Photo

Benson takes a tumble while catching the ball in the first half of the Independence game. Benson had 95 receiving yards during the game. Ashlyn Neufeld | Photo

Running Back Dylan Kedzior, Claremore, Okla., runs the ball in the first half of the game. Kedzior rushed 85 yards total in the Independence game.

‹Ashlyn Neufeld | Photo

Quarterback Dylan Laible, Little Elm, Okla., passes the ball in the first quarter of the Independence game. Laible had 150 passing yards and two touchdowns against Independence. Ashlyn Neufeld | Photo

Kedzior pushes toward the end zone in hopes for a touchdown. Kedzior had one touchdown against Independence and scored nine touchdowns throughout the season.

Ashlyn Neufeld | Photo

Defensive back Monterio Smith, Bessemer, Ala., celebrates a play. Ashlyn Neufeld | Photo

Defensive back Dasheen Jackson, Columbus, Ga., runs to intercept a catch.

Ashlyn Neufeld | Photo

Offensive Lineman Izaya Vimahi, Kahuku, Hawaii, prepares for the play ahead of him.

‹Ashlyn Neufeld | Photo

Long Snapper Ashton Ngo, Andover, sights in his teammate before a snap.