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David Jester (left) and Earl Parker wrap up an Iowa Western player for a tackle during the NJCAA Division 1 National Championship on Dec. 17 in Canyon, Texas. Photo by Chris Norez/Collegian 
Johnathan Boyd fights back tears on a hill behind an end zone on Dec. 17 at Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium in Canyon, Texas. The Blue Dragons lost to Iowa Western 28-10. Photo by Reyna Sanchez/Collegian 
Blue Dragons quarterback Christian Johnson throws a pass during the NJCAA Division 1 National Championship game on Dec. 17 in Canyon, Texas. Photo by Reyna Sanchez/Collegian 
The Blue Dragons huddle up before their NJCAA Division 1 National Championship game on Dec. 17 in Canyon, Texas. Photo by Chris Norez/Collegian 
Rayshawn Reyolds (1) breaks up a pass during the first half of the NJCAA Division 1 National Championship game on Dec. 17 in Canyon, Texas. Photo by Chris Norez/Collegian 
Derrick Salley Jr. catches a pass and looks to turn upfield during the NJCAA Division 1 National Championship game against Iowa Western on Dec. 17 in Canyon, Texas. Photo by Chris Norez/Collegian 
Derrick Salley Jr. looks to evade an Iowa Western defensive back during the NJCAA Division 1 National Championship game on Dec. 17 in Canyon, Texas. Photo by Chris Norez/Collegian 
Kordell Gouldsbey returns a punt during the NJCAA Division 1 National Championship game on Dec. 17 in Canyon, Texas. Photo by Chris Norez/Collegian 
Christian Johnson turns up field for a big gain during the Blue Dragons’ NJCAA Division 1 National Championship game loss to Iowa Western. Iowa Western won 28-10. Photo by Chris Norez/Collegian. 
Derrick Salley Jr. hauls in a touchdown pass from Christian Johnson during the NJCAA Division 1 National Championship game on Dec. 17 in Canyon, Texas. Photo by Chris Norez/Collegian. 
Johnathan Boyd celebrates a big defensive play for the Blue Dragons on Dec. 17 in Canyon, Texas during the NJCAA Division 1 National Championship game. Photo by Chris Norez/Collegian. 
The Blue Dragon captains head to midfield for the pregame coin toss before the NJCAA Division 1 National Championship game on Dec. 17 in Canyon, Texas. Photo by Reyna Sanchez/Collegian. 
Cale Coonrod watches the final seconds expire during the NJCAA Division 1 National Championship game on Dec. 17 in Canyon, Texas. The Blue Dragons lost 28-10 to Iowa Western. Photo by Reyna Sanchez/Collegian
By Chris Lachenmaier
Sports Editor
IG: @chrissylach
CANYON, Texas – On a windy Wednesday, the Hutchinson Community College football team found itself in another NJCAA national championship against Iowa Western, for a second year in a row.
Coming off a national championship win in 2024 against Iowa Western, the Blue Dragons were in high hopes for another national championship. Having an undefeated regular season and semifinal win, the top-ranked Blue Dragons couldn’t quite finish the job, falling to No. 2 Iowa Western 28-10.
Hutch brought the hype in the first quarter with Christian Johnson finding Derrick Salley for a big catch in the end zone, bringing the Blue Dragons to a 7-0 lead.
The Reivers limited the Blue Dragons after and set the tone in the second quarter.
“We were fired up once we figured out they wanted the ball (first),” said sophomore linebacker Teegan Haines. “That was a threat to us, and we took that personally. We wanted to go out there and stop them right away.”
Denzel Moore, the punter from Australia, said he thought Iowa Western was ready after last year’s championship loss.
“I think after last year, they lost to us, and little things like that mean a lot to us and play a good part in these games,” More said. “They had a really good game plan for us, and they executed very well.”
Coach Drew Dallas was denied a third national championship in his six seasons.
“Yeah it hurts, I mean, that’s part of football,” Dallas said. “You’re gonna win some and lose some. I’m just proud of this team for getting to this point. And I thought the guys played hard. We just didn’t make enough plays, and you know I’m really proud of how fast they started and our defense hung in there, gave us some chances, but at the end of the day these things hurt, and they need to hurt and that’s how you learn from them and grow. And we’ll have a chip on our shoulder moving on for sure.”
Hutchinson led 10-0 after one quarter but fell behind 14-10 by halftime. The Blue Dragons never got their offense going in the second half.
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