Heights and Hutch basically run the same offense, so preparations for Friday's game shouldn't have been too difficult for the defense.
The Salthawks did their part, the Falcons not so much in a 42-7 Hutch win in the 6A playoffs.
"We played what I think is a good team and our kids executed well all night; offensively, defensively and special teams," said Randy Dreiling, Hutch head coach. "It was a great game."
Heights ends their season at 7-3. Hutch (8-2) advances and will play Topeka (9-1), next Friday. Heights was in the 6A state title game last season and both teams have displayed their dominance in the classification over the years. Heights and Hutch have matched up two other times during the Dreiling-Rick Wheeler era and the win was bittersweet for Dreiling.
"I felt every ounce of pressure this week, I knew one of us was going to be dissapointed," Dreiling said. "It's tough playing someone you like."Hutch struck first on their opening possession when Trevor Turner pitched to Colby Turner, backing in for from five yards out to lead 7-0. They never trailed and proceeded to score on nearly every possession. They didn't punt once.
The defense was stifling, not surrendering a point until the late minutes of the fourth quarter.
"They are dangerous and we had to gang tackle them," Dreiling said. "Fly to the ball, run to the ball and all our kids did that. I couldn't be more proud of them."
"Our scout team did a great job so we were able to get a really good look in practice. It's the playoffs - the most fun time of the year, this is what you live for," said Tanner Higgins, Hutch safety.
Hutch scored on their next three possessions, Trevor Turner scoring on runs before finally throwing one pass - his only one of the game - for a 34-yard touchdown to Evan Gaines-Grissom. They lead 28-0 at halftime and never looked back.
"That's our game plan," Dreiling said.
