HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchisnon Salthawks were getting set to recieve the opening kickoff from Salina Central Friday night when mother nature decided to strike lightning within 10 miles and delay the start of the football game between the Salthawks and the Mustangs for 51 minutes. When play began, Hutchinson drove 65 yards to score. The Salthawks led 6-0 early in the first quarter. After that, the Mustangs put on a lightning show of their own including an 82-yard punt return by Gage Prester that was part of 24 unanswered points.

Hutchinson looked like it was going to regain the lead late in the second quarter when Jalen Barlow fumbled the football out of the end zone just before scoring a touchdown.

Hutchinson’s head coach Mike Vernon was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct on the call. When he questioned that call, he was given another penatly and ejected.

Hutchinson dominated the third quarter, but two miscues and turnovers twice inside the Salina Central 20 yard line denied Hutchinson from scoring.

Salina Central senior quarterback Jackson Kavanagh scored from 4 yards out to seal the deal at 31-12.

Hutchinson hosts Newton next Friday night for Homecoming at Gowans Stadium. Salina Central travels to Haysville-Campus to take on the Colts.