Garden City regains Hatchet Trophy, knocks off Dodge City

WICHITA, Kan. (Catch it Kansas) - In the 125th edition of one of the state’s best rivalry series, the 85th featuring the Hatchet trophy, Garden City used a big first half to regain the trophy, 28-14, topping Dodge City.

The Buffs ground attack was on display early and often, with three different rushers carrying the ball in for scores. Ryan Heiman got things started with a 70 yard run on the Buffs third play from scrimmage, a third down carry that put Garden City up in front of a big crowd that made the trip from Western Kansas.

The Demons second drive saw a pair of first downs, but ended without points, and then the Buffs started taking the clock down. Converting two third downs and another fourth, taking a long drive into the second quarter before Caleb Wiese finished it with a short carry for a 14-0 lead.

Dodge City, in need a jolt, got it in the form of a big kick return courtesy of Frio Vontress, starting the Demons at the Buffalo 12 yard line after a facemask penalty was tacked on. Daelyn Unzueta finished the drive out from 2 yards to put the Demons on the board in the second.

The Buffs ensuing drive was much less methodical with Zack Keosengphet taking over duties on the ground. The senior back set GC up with a 27 yard carry, then finished the drive with another of 17 for a score to get the lead back to 14. Then doom followed Dodge City on their next possession when Wiese stepped in front of a Kaden Garvalena pass and took it 57 yards for a pick-six, the final score for the Buffs and the last they needed in the 14 point win.

It’s the 32nd win in the all-time series of the Hatchet game for Garden City, Dodge City holding the advantage by 19 games since the trophy was introduced. But for 2022, the Buffaloes get the last laugh, getting the win and improving to 6-1 overall, one of just four teams in Class 6A with one or fewer losses through seven weeks. The Buffs will try to stop a red hot Great Bend team Friday night, while Dodge travels to Wichita Southeast after a bounce back game.

Copyright 2022 Catch it Kansas. All rights reserved.