Broncbusters Drop Season Finale to No. 1 Hutchinson

Photo by: Adam Shrimplin/Garden CIty Athletics

Hutchinson, KS — Garden City walked into Gowans Stadium ready for a heavyweight matchup with the nation's No. 1 team, but the Blue Dragons controlled key moments as the Broncbusters fell 27–14 in Saturday's season finale. The loss closes the year at 6–5 overall and 3–3 in Jayhawk Conference play.

Early Stops, Defensive Answers

Garden City came out firing on defense, forcing a turnover on Hutchinson's first play when Nathan Baudry recorded a strip-sack and Mahonri Maiava fell on the loose ball. The Broncbusters generated pressure throughout the first half, holding the Dragons to a rushing touchdown and a field goal while forcing multiple third-down stops. But offensive penalties and long-yardage situations kept Garden City from capitalizing early, trailing 10–0 at halftime.

Second-Half Punch, but Hutch Responds

Hutchinson extended the lead to 17–0 before Garden City delivered its best drive of the day—a sharp 88-yard march capped by Cenard Bennett's 38-yard touchdown grab from DaeOnte' Mitchell. The momentum was brief, as Hutchinson answered with another touchdown drive and a late field goal to regain full control at 27–14.

Garden City kept punching, converting a short-field opportunity into a Mitchell touchdown run early in the fourth, but the Dragons' ball control and defensive pressure prevented any further rally.

Season Summary

Despite the loss, Garden City wraps up a winning season at 6–5, showing steady growth under a young roster that delivered marquee road wins, battled through adversity, and proved capable of competing with the league's best. With a strong defensive core and explosive playmakers returning, the Broncbusters head into the offseason with momentum and a foundation built for 2026.