DRAGONS LOOK TO REBOUND VS. HIGHLAND
Hutchinson CC Sports Information
Despite the loss to Butler two weeks ago, the Hutchinson Community College football team still controls its path where the NJCAA national playoffs are concerned.
But the margin for error now is extremely small and the No. 3-ranked Blue Dragons will likely to need to win out over the final two weeks of the regular season.
BLUE DRAGON FOOTBALL
No. 3 Hutchinson (7-1, 3-1) vs. Highland (5-4, 1-4)
When: Saturday, November 9, 2024
Where: Gowans Stadium, Hutchinson, KS
Kickoff: Noon
Radio: KHUT-FM (102.9), 11:30 a.m. – Sean Boston (PBP); Rob Dreher (Analyst)
Video: Blue Dragon Sports Network, 11:30 a.m.
X: @bluedragonsport
CLICK FOR FULL BLUE DRAGON GAME NOTES (PDF Format)
The home stretch of the 2024 regular season begins Saturday as Hutchinson plays host to the Highland Scotties at Noon at Gowans Stadium. It's First Responders/Military Appreciation Day with the Blue Dragons. All first responders and military personnel, both active and retired will be admitted free with a guest with proper identification.
The Blue Dragons nearly rallied from 17 points down in the fourth quarter two weeks ago against No. 10 Butler. But the sixth turnover of the game ended a final comeback attempt in a 27-22 loss to the Grizzlies at Gowans.
The setback saw the Dragons drop two spots in the NJCAA Rankings to No. 3, which is still inside the four-team playoff pool. The formula appears easy for the Blue Dragons ... defeat Highland this weekend and win on the road at Garden City next week to likely clinch a spot in the playoffs.
In order take care of the first order of business, the Blue Dragons and their No. 1 overall offense will take on one of the stingiest defenses in the KJCCC in the Scotties.
The Blue Dragon offense ranks No. 1 in the KJCCC in scoring (45.5 ppg), total offense (470.4 ypg), second in rushing (286.0 ypg) and second in passing (212.4 ypg).
Highland's defense ranks third in scoring defense (16.3 ppg), third in total defense (291.9 ypg) and No. 1 in passing defense (154.4 ypg).
Saturday's game also features the KJCCC's leading rusher and leading passer.
Blue Dragon running back Waymond Jordan Jr. leads the KJCCC in rushing with 984 yards and 14 touchdowns. He is just 16 yards shy of becoming the 20th Blue Dragon in history to rush for 1,000 yards.
Highland quarterback Gunnar Smith is the KJCCC's top passer at 244.6 passing yards per game. He's completed 139 of 273 passes for 2,201 yards with 17 TDs.
The Scotties enter the game after dropping a 48-21 decision to Garden City last week.
Highland has dropped 3 of the last 4 and 5 of the last 7 games after climbing as high as No. 8 in the NJCAA rankings.