Salthawks Stifle Spartans in Playoffs

Hutchinson used a run of over 50 yards on the opening drive of the game to take an early lead and never trailed on the way to a 34-0 victory over Emporia High in the first round of the 5A football playoffs Friday night in Hutchinson.  The Black & Red converted multiple fourth-down tries on their first drive before finally stalling out just outside the Salthawk red zone.  The drive ate most of the first quarter clock as Hutch led 7-0 after the first 12 minutes.  After trading punts, Hutchinson marched back into the red zone in the second quarter.  EHS had appeared to stop the drive with a one-handed Grady Howe interception in the end zone, but it was ruled an incompletion and the Salthawks converted on fourth down and passed for a touchdown to take a 14-0 lead.  Late in the half, the Spartans went for a trick play but Hutchinson converted the interception and used a short field to score just before the break.  EHS blocked the PAT and the ‘Hawks led 20-0 at half.  Hutchinson scored the only points of the third quarter and never let the Spartans into the game.  EHS marched down to the Hutchinson 2-yard line at the end of the game but ran out of time.  Micah Gray led the Spartans with 12 carries and 58 yards rushing.  Emporia High wraps up the season 2-7.