Picture this: a high school football showdown that echoes last year's epic clash, where one team clinches victory in a display of sheer dominance, securing their place in state history. But here's where it gets exciting—could this rematch redefine a dynasty, or is a new challenger ready to rise? Let's dive into the thrilling Class 3A State Championship game between Andale and Hayden, unfolding step by step, and explore what made it unforgettable.
HUTCHINSON — Friday, November 28, marked the return of a familiar rivalry: the rematch of the previous year's Class 3A State Championship. In a commanding performance, Andale (13-0) overcame Hayden with a decisive 38-6 win, clinching consecutive state titles. For beginners new to high school football, a 'state championship' is the pinnacle of the season, where teams compete for the ultimate honor in their classification, often involving intense rivalries and strategies that can make or break legacies.
The Indians, showing their prowess, have now captured six out of the past seven Kansas state crowns—a feat that speaks volumes about their consistency and talent. This loss marked Hayden's sole defeat of the season, despite their impressive run, including three successive trips to the title game. Imagine the pressure on both sides: Andale defending their throne, Hayden hungry to claim it. And this is the part most people miss—the Wildcats' resilience in reaching the finals three years in a row, even as underdogs.
To capture the game's momentum, here’s a detailed play-by-play of the Class 3A State Championship:
FINAL: Andale 38, Hayden 6
Hayden's quest for a state championship ended short against Andale's relentless drive. The Indians triumphantly lifted the Class 3A State Championship trophy, marking their fifth title in the last six years—a streak that's hard to ignore.
UPDATE: 8:04 p.m. (CT): Andale edging closer to yet another state crown
Andale's stout defense halts Hayden on a fourth-down attempt, giving the Indians possession at their own 35-yard line. With Andale ahead 38-6 and just 6:30 remaining, the game seems all but sealed, highlighting how turnovers—when a team loses the ball involuntarily—can shift momentum irreversibly.
UPDATE: 7:57 p.m. (CT): A hat trick for Andale's dynamic Harp
Sam Harp, the Indians' standout, dashes for a 22-yard rushing touchdown, his third of the match. Executing a sharp jump cut through the middle, Harp sprints untouched into the end zone. Andale maintains a 38-6 lead with 9:20 on the clock, showcasing the explosive potential of a single player's breakaway runs.
UPDATE: 7:52 p.m. (CT): Andale snatches an interception to capitalize
Hayden's Connor Hanika launches a pass downfield, but Andale's Sam Harp intercepts it, advancing into Wildcat territory. This marks Hayden's third turnover of the evening, a critical error in football where the opposing team gains the ball unexpectedly. Andale, leading 30-6 with 11:24 left, looks poised to lock in the victory.
UPDATE: 7:50 p.m. (CT): Quarter three wraps up: Andale 30, Hayden 6
As the fourth quarter begins, Hayden controls the ball at Andale's 38-yard line. The Wildcats desperately need a touchdown to revive their championship aspirations— a reminder of how football's clock can add dramatic tension.
UPDATE: 7:47 p.m. (CT): Andale extends their commanding advantage
The Indians drive down the field effectively, with Jack Horsch powering in from 5 yards out for a touchdown. Andale appears unstoppable right now, widening the gap to 30-6 with 56 seconds in the third quarter.
UPDATE: 7:40 p.m. (CT): Hayden's offense stalls, leading to a punt
Following Andale's score, Hayden's drive ends abruptly on three plays, forcing a punt—a kick to relinquish possession when unable to advance. The Indians take over at Hayden's 46-yard line, ahead 22-6 with 2:25 remaining in the quarter.
UPDATE: 7:36 p.m. (CT): Harp's sprint delivers a lengthy touchdown for Andale
Sam Harp takes the handoff and bolts 46 yards to the end zone for another Andale score, capitalizing on a Hayden fumble just two plays prior. The tide has turned decisively toward the Indians, who now lead 22-6 with 4:39 left in the third.
UPDATE: 7:35 p.m. (CT): A fumble hands the ball back to Andale
Hayden attempts a double reverse—a deceptive play meant to confuse defenses—but the ball is mishandled in the backfield, and Andale recovers the loose ball. Possession shifts to the Indians, who trail 16-6 with 5:30 to go in the third quarter.
UPDATE: 7:33 p.m. (CT): Hayden's defenders engineer a turnover
Andale's Sam Harp throws into the middle, where Hayden's Mason Becker leaps for an interception. The Wildcats gain the ball at Andale's 49-yard line, illustrating the high-stakes gamble of passing in contested areas.
UPDATE: 7:29 p.m. (CT): Hayden finally scores
The Wildcats mount an impressive series, with quarterback Connor Hanika scrambling to connect with an open Kade Mitchell for a 7-yard touchdown. The two-point try fails, leaving Andale in front 16-6 with 7:18 in the third quarter.
UPDATE: 7:19 p.m. (CT): The second half kicks off
Hayden starts the third quarter with the ball at their 32-yard line, trailing the Indians 16-0.
UPDATE: 6:56 p.m. (CT): HALFTIME: Andale 16, Hayden 0
Andale holds a halftime lead after scoring twice in the second quarter. Hayden struggles with sustained drives but remains close enough to strike back in the second half. The Wildcats will receive to begin the third period.
UPDATE: 6:50 p.m. (CT): Hayden compels Andale into a punt
After a Hayden turnover, Andale fails to advance, and the Wildcats' defense forces a punt. Hayden takes over at their 4-yard line with 1:05 in the second quarter, still down 16-0.
UPDATE: 6:44 p.m. (CT): Andale's first turnover of the game
Hayden's Connor Hanika throws deep to the sideline, but Andale's defenders intercept. The Indians possess the ball at their 39-yard line, leading 16-0 with 2:30 left in the quarter.
UPDATE: 6:42 p.m. (CT): A chaotic end-zone play results in an Andale touchdown
Sam Harp delivers a precise pass into the end zone, but the receiver fumbles at the 1-yard line, and Andale's Hunter Grimes recovers for a score. Hayden's coaches argue for an incomplete pass, sparking debate on officiating—a point that often divides fans on whether calls are fair or game-changing.
Andale leads 16-0 with 3:59 in the second quarter.
UPDATE: 6:36 p.m. (CT): Hayden's drive ends quickly
Andale's defense rises to the occasion, limiting Hayden to three plays and a punt. The Indians take possession at their 37-yard line, up 8-0 with 6:10 remaining in the second.
UPDATE: 6:32 p.m. (CT): Harp launches Andale into the lead
Andale's Sam Harp rushes for a 1-yard touchdown, capped off by a successful two-point conversion. The drive was sparked by Lane Parthemer's 60-yard burst, demonstrating how a big play can set up scoring opportunities.
Andale leads 8-0 with 7:37 left in the second quarter.
UPDATE: 6:22 p.m. (CT): Hayden's risky play nearly pays off
The Wildcats attempt a double reverse, culminating in Connor Hanika's deep throw to Makhi Kidd, who is open in the end zone but the ball falls short. Hayden punts, pinning Andale at their 9-yard line. The game remains scoreless at 0-0 with 10:12 in the second.
UPDATE: 6:22 p.m. (CT): First quarter concludes: Hayden 0, Andale 0
A fake punt by Hayden—a trick to avoid kicking and instead advancing—keeps their drive going. The Wildcats begin the second quarter at Andale's 36-yard line.
UPDATE: 6:20 p.m. (CT): Hayden's deceptive punt keeps momentum
What seemed like a punt for Hayden turns into a first-down conversion via Kade Mitchell's quick move on a fourth-and-6 play. The score stays 0-0 with 30 seconds in the first quarter.
UPDATE: 6:11 p.m. (CT): Hayden stops Andale on downs for a turnover
Andale marches the full field, but Hayden's defense holds firm, forcing a turnover on downs—an unsuccessful fourth-down attempt—on Hayden's 5-yard line. Sam Harp's pass toward the end zone is denied, giving Hayden their first offensive series. No score with 5:30 in the first.
UPDATE: 6:03 p.m. (CT): Andale begins on offense
The Indians start at their 20-yard line, with Sam Harp gaining 22 yards on the opening rush.
The coin toss
Hayden wins the toss and defers, allowing Andale to kick off first in the Class 3A State Championship.
Pregame
Hayden football vs Andale, Class 3A State Championship details
- Date: Friday, November 28
- Start time: 6 p.m. CT
- Location: Gowans Stadium, Hutchinson
Andale football key performers
- Passing: Sam Harp: 813 yards, 63% completion, 13 touchdowns, 1 interception
- Rushing: Sam Harp: 1,375 yards, 30 touchdowns
- Receiving: Jack Horsch: 326 yards, 15 catches, 4 touchdowns
Hayden football key performers
- Passing: Connor Hanika: 1,659 yards, 60% completion, 23 touchdowns, 3 interceptions
- Rushing: Kade Mitchell: 941 yards, 13 touchdowns
- Receiving: Kade Mitchell: 463 yards, 21 catches, 5 touchdowns
Andale football 2025 season results
- September 5: Away at El Dorado — Andale won 104-0 (an example of their overwhelming dominance in early games)
- September 12: Home vs Wellington — Andale won 77-20
- September 19: Away at Rose Hill — Andale won 53-13
- September 26: Away at Wichita Collegiate — Andale won 54-7
- October 3: Away at Nickerson — Andale won 45-3
- October 10: Home vs Smoky Valley — Andale won 68-0
- October 17: Away at Wichita Trinity — Andale won 68-20
- October 24: Home vs Hesston — Andale won 57-0
- October 30: Home vs Chapman — Andale won 69-0
- November 7: Home vs Clay Center — Andale won 51-6
- November 14: Home vs Pratt — Andale won 57-7
- November 21: Home vs Rock Creek — Andale won 41-7
Hayden football 2025 season results
- September 5: Home vs Eudora — Hayden won 28-6
- September 12: Away at St. Michael the Archangel — Hayden won 49-0
- September 19: Away at Bishop Ward — Hayden won 46-7
- September 26: Home vs Wamego — Hayden won 42-6
- October 3: Away at Hiawatha — Hayden won 51-0
- October 10: Home vs Holton — Hayden won 53-22
- October 17: Away at Perry Lecompton — Hayden won 48-7
- October 24: Home vs Jefferson West — Hayden won 42-0
- October 31: Home vs Columbus — Hayden won 70-7
- November 7: Home vs Wellsville — Hayden won 42-0
- November 14: Home vs Jefferson West — Hayden won 43-29
- November 21: Home vs Santa Fe Trail — Hayden won 46-0
Liam Keating reports on high school athletics for The Topeka Capital-Journal. Share stats or tips with him at Lkeating@gannett.com
But here's where it gets controversial: Is Andale's dominance in Kansas high school football creating an unfair monopoly, or does it inspire others to push harder? Some argue that frequent turnovers, like Hayden's three, are just bad luck, while others see it as a sign of strategic brilliance. And this is the part most people miss—the fumbled touchdown call that might have changed the game's narrative entirely. What do you think? Does Hayden deserve more credit for their three straight final appearances, or is Andale's back-to-back wins a testament to unbeatable talent? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you agree with the officials' ruling, or is there a counterpoint we haven't considered? Let's discuss!
