Davin Morgan’s late first-half touchdown helped give Hutchinson High the lead right before halftime on Friday at Valley Center, and the Salthawks controlled the game from there and beat Valley Center 32-18.
The win propelled the Salthawks all the way up to the No. 9 seed in Class 5A West. The Salthawks, who improved to 3-5, will travel to Emporia for the first round of the playoffs.
The first half went back and forth, as Kendrick Green had an interception return for a touchdown for Hutchinson, countering an early Valley Center score. Brodie McCuan added a 10-yard touchdown run, giving Hutch its first lead at 12-11.
Morgan’s touchdown, along with the extra-point kick, gave Hutch a 19-18 lead at halftime. The Salthawks’ defense dominated the second half, as Hutchinson outscored Valley Center 13-0.
