Hutchinson CC Sports Information

The Hutchinson Community College football team's September gauntlet has extended into October.

For the fourth time in seven games this season, the Blue Dragons - now ranked No. 5 in the NJCAA Rankings - meet a nationally ranked opponent. On Saturday, it's the 13th-ranked Highland Scotties coming to Gowans Stadium for a noon kickoff for 2018 Fall Homecoming.

The game will be broadcast live on Blue Dragon flagship station KHUT-FM (102.9) and sister station KWBW-AM (1450) beginning at 11:30 a.m. with Countdown to Kickoff. Rusty Hilst (play-by-play), Rob Dreher (analysis) and Glen Grunwald (sidelines) will call the action. The game will also be videostreamed on the Blue Dragon Sports Network with the link available at 11:50 a.m.

The Dragons (5-1) are tied with No. 3 Barton City for first place in the KJCCC at 3-0. Highland is fourth at 2-1.

Hutchinson defeated No. 12 Butler 27-13 last Saturday in El Dorado in a game that wasn't as close as the score indicated. The Dragons built a 27-0 lead early in the fourth quarter, holding Butler to five total rushing yards for the game and only four first downs through three quarters.

Receiver Khalil McClain became the first Hutch receiver with a 100-yard game in 17 games with 111 yards on six catches and a touchdown. Dezmon Jackson rushed for 108 yards and a score.

Hutchinson's defense ranks No. 2 in the NJCAA in rushing defense (23.2 ypg). Hutchinson and Highland are tied for second in the nation in interceptions with 12 picks each.

Highland is 4-1 overall. All five games have been decided by nine points or less and the Scotties have trailed in each of their four wins. The Scotties play on the road for the second-straight week after defeating Iowa Central 21-18 last week.

Last season, Hutchinson defeated Highland 13-10 in double overtime at Gowans Stadium in a defensive struggle. Luke Niemeyer kicked a 37-yard field goal for the winning margin.

Saturday's matchup will be the first time in series history - this will be the 37th meeting between Hutchinson and Highland - which the Blue Dragons and Scotties will meet as nationally ranked opponents. In 2014, the Blue Dragons were No. 5 and Highland was receiving votes. Last year, both teams were in the receiving votes list.

Hutchinson holds a 32-4 all-time series record over Highland. Since 2006, the Dragons are 8-4 vs. Highland.