HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Rion Rhoades entered Saturday’s game winless against Iowa Western and his good friend Scott Strohmeier. The last two seasons, the Reivers have gone 2-0 against the Blue Dragons in wins of 20 or more.
That all changed Saturday and Rhoades has his defense to thank. No. 6 Iowa Western (0-2) entered Gowans Stadium Saturday with a sour taste in its mouth after an overtime loss last week. Looking to avenge the loss, the Reivers just made too many mistakes.
Credit the No. 16 Blue Dragon defense for forcing three safeties, two before halftime. The Blue Dragons (2-0) trailed 9-7 at the half after a late TD pass by AJ Bush. The extra point attempt failed.
HCC tallied seven points thanks to a 37-yard Luke Niemeyer field goal and two safeties.
The first safety came just four minutes into the game when punter Bobby Patterson had to kick a bad snap out the back of the end zone. The second came with a penalty in the end zone by the Reivers with nine minutes left in the half.
Chaz Capps took over at quarterback for the Blue Dragons after starter Chris James suffered an injury. James was sidelined and on crutches in the second half.
The Blue Dragon offense gained 233 yards, but never found the end zone.
DT JJ Holmes had a huge tackle in the end zone for the third Blue Dragon safety. It knotted the score at 9 in the third quarter.
Luke Niemeyer kicked two more field goals in the third to give the Blue Dragons the advantage. HCC led after three, 15-9.
Bobby Patterson hit a field goal in the fourth to close the Blue Dragon lead to three.
The Blue Dragons tried to extend their lead late in the fourth on another Niemeyer field goal. But the attempt was way wide.
Iowa Western had one last chance to win the game. Faced with a 4th and 21, AJ Bush hit D’Anfernee McGriff in triple coverage for a first down.
With 10 seconds remaining, the Reivers were on the Blue Dragon 15 in position to take the lead or tie the game.
AJ Bush dropped back and fumbled the ball thanks to Blue Dragon pressure. The race was on with no time on the clock as Ronheen Bingham scooped up the ball and ran for 74 yards to pay dirt.
Iowa Western’s sideline cleared the bench to shake hands with the Blue Dragons as HCC finished the game with a 21-12 victory.
It is Rion Rhoades first victory against Scott Strohmeier in three attempts.
The Blue Dragons are off next week and return to action Sept. 17 against Garden City in Gowans at noon.
FINAL: HCC 21 IW 12