It was a rematch of Class 3A District 6 teams in a first-round playoff matchup on the western side of the Class 3A bracket.
Hesston had defeated Wichita Trinity in a shootout 66-34 three weeks ago. But this time, Coach Tyson Bauerle’s team put together a game plan that enabled the Swathers to shut out the visiting Knights, 35-0.
After stopping Trinity on the first possession of the game, Hesston marched 56 yards in six plays, with Blaine Wilson scoring the first of his three touchdowns on a 6-yard run. Wilson added his second touchdown of the first quarter 2 minutes and 34 seconds later, as he scored on a 96-yard run. Hesston then scored with 1:09 remaining in the first half, as Blaine Wilson broke free to score on a 12-yard run.
Hesston led at halftime 21-0, as the Swathers outgained the Knights 243 yards to 86 yards of total offense.
In the second half, the Hesston defense was impressive as the front line and stunting linebackers put considerable pressure on the Trinity Academy quarterback. The first Swather score in the third quarter was the result of an interception and 47-yard return by Gavin Larson.
Hesston ended the game with 379 total yards of offense, as the Swathers rushed for 261 yards on 29 carries. Jerick Humphreys completed nine of 16 passes for 118 yards. Blaine Wilson rushed for 184 yards on 17 carries and had three rushing touchdowns. Daxon Deering was the leading receiver with seven receptions for 90 yards.
Hesston improved its record to 6-3 and will move forward to the second round at 7 p.m. Friday night against Rock Creek.
