Hutchinson CC Sports Information

The Hutchinson Community College football team looks to re-ignite its 2021 season in a place that since 2006, the Blue Dragons haven't had a ton of success.

The Blue Dragons (2-3, 2-3 Jayhawk Conference) travel to northeast Kansas to take on the Highland Scotties in a 1 p.m. kickoff at Porter Family Stadium.

One week ago, the Blue Dragons were within striking distance of taking down No. 3 Independence at Gowans Stadium. But the Pirates stunned the Dragons with 6 seconds remaining with a 53-yard touchdown pass as Hutchinson fell 33-28. The Blue Dragons had two 14-point leads in the game.

Now the Blue Dragons return to a location where they suffered an equally painful loss two seasons ago that knocked them from the top spot of the NJCAA Rankings. Sitting 5-0 to start the 2019 season, the Blue Dragons trailed Highland 29-27. Hutch drove deep into Scotty territory, only to have an 18-yard field goal blocked.

Since 2006, the Blue Dragons are just 2-5 at Highland, including three-straight losses at Porter Family Stadium. Hutchinson's last win at Highland was 29-12 in 2012.

Overall, the Blue Dragons have dominated the series with Highland, winning 34 of 39 games in the series. Last season, Hutchinson rolled over Highland, 77-7 at Gowans Stadium.

One week ago, Blue Dragon sophomore Anwar Lewis became the first Blue Dragon running back to have three-straight 100-yard games since Dezmon Jackson had five in a row in 2018. Lewis became the first running back to rush for 100 or more yards against the Pirates with 123 yards on a career-high 28 carries and a 31-yard touchdown. Now averaging 130.4 rushing yards per game, Lewis is the Jayhawk Conference's leading rusher and ranks No. 6 in the NJCAA.

The Blue Dragon defense looks to turn things around after a rough second half against Independence. The Dragons gave up 278 yards and 26 points in the final two quarters after a strong opening half.

Highland (1-4, 1-4) enters the game on a four-game losing streak after winning its season opener against Fort Scott. Last week, the Scotties dropped a 41-7 decision to Butler at Porter Family Stadium.

The Blue Dragons play their final two games of the regular season on the road before a bye week on October 30. The Region VI Playoffs start Sunday, November 7.