Hutchinson High couldn’t get its offense on track Friday, as the Salthawks managed just 195 yards and turned it over three times in a 27-6 loss to Hays in the second round of the Class 5A playoffs at Gowans Stadium.
It’s the second straight year Hays ended Hutchinson’s season at Gowans. Hays was last year’s 5A runner-up.
Hays led 13-0 at halftime, but the Salthawks got back in the game with 8 minutes, 53 seconds left in the third quarter when Robert Hunter ran into the end zone from 5 yards out. But the Indians answered with a Brogan Albers touchdown catch from Zane Viega, the first of two touchdowns for that duo in the second half.
Hutch struggled to get its running game going, mustering just 64 yards on 31 carries. Hays grinded out 212 rushing yards and 332 yards of offense.
The Salthawks end their season 7-3.
