Demon Magic!
Dodge City 2 Garden City 1 (OT)
It took seven minutes into the first overtime against rival Garden City for the Red Demon Soccer team to take their first lead of the night. But with the Memorial Stadium lights dancing and the large partisan crowd roaring – the Demons (7-0, 3-0) pulled off a fantastic finish to remain undefeated on the 2024 season.
The second half was played almost entirely on the Garden City end of the field, but the Buffalo defense and goalkeeper kept the Demons out of the net – sending the game to overtime. While the Demon offense was frustrated all night with 20 shots on goal and 10 corner opportunities, Olivares summoned a little Demon magic heading the ball over a defender and then chipping the ball over the Garden City goalie to send the Demon faithful into chants of Ole! – with commemorative 2016 Championship scarves waving.
Coach Saul Hernandez was pleased with the outcome – even if it came with some difficulty. “Our boys had to overcome adversity as it was the first time we were behind on the scoreboard all season long. They persevered as we have faith in our style of play and in each other in order to continue to keep the pressure on. It was a good test against a physical side and this game is only going to help us improve as a team.”
The Red Demons are headed to Great Bend on Thursday to complete the first round of WAC action. “I can’t believe we are almost to the halfway point of the season. It has been exciting to watch the boys compete, as this is a totally different team than it was last year. I’m not just talking about the personnel but our adjustments that we have made to our playing style. I have loved every moment of it and enjoy watching the boys grow individually and as a team. We are taking it one game at a time and being present in each moment in practice and in the games.”
The Demons return home next Tuesday night to Memorial Stadium to take on the Derby Panthers. The program will be honoring the 2020 State Championship team – and will be handing out scarves to the first (250) fans in attendance.
Red Demons Shine on Homecoming
Dodge City 42, Wichita South 8
The Dodge City High School football team put together an impressive four quarters on Friday night at Memorial Stadium in their final tune-up before conference play begins next week at undefeated Liberal. The Demons defeated Wichita South with a commanding score of 42-8. The Titans lost in Week 2 to Liberal by a score of 18-6.
The Red Demons showcased all three phases of the game on Friday night securing their second victory in front of a large homecoming crowd at Memorial Stadium.
Dodge City struck first, with Cade Barnett powering through for a 3-yard touchdown in the first quarter, putting the Red Demons ahead 7-0. The drive was kept alive by a great throw and catch from Flores to Tabib to get the Demons inside the five-yard line.
On the very next drive, the Titans threatened on a couple of big plays to start the drive. However, on a fourth and goal attempt the Red Demon defense – led by their all-conference outside linebacker Dylan Sonday – turned back the Titans on what would be their only sustained drive of the game.
The Demons continued to build momentum in the second quarter, with Alan Flores scoring on a 1-yard run and Bryson Unzueta returning a punt for a spectacular 66-yard touchdown down the home sideline. Flores connected with Cooper Spear for a 26-yard touchdown pass late in the first half, bringing the soore to 28-0.
Wichita South managed to find the end zone just before halftime, with a 90-yard kickoff retum by Johnson, bringing the soore to 28-8.
Dodge City didn’t let up after the break. Alan Flores threw a back shoulder ball to Jayden Amaro for a 19-yard touchdown early in the third quarter, extending the lead to 35-8.
Bryson Unzueta capped off the scoring with a 5-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.
The Red Demons’ defense was a significant factor in the game forcing five turnovers, including two interceptions from Junior Ty Scheck.
Sonday led the defense with (8) total tackles.
Alan Flores threw for 197 yards and two touchdowns to lead the offense. Ryan Gonzales led the rushing attack with 76 yards. Dodge City’s balanced attack included 254 rushing yards overall, effectively controlling the tempo of the game.
Next Week
The Red Demons (2-1) travel to Liberal (3-0) for their first conference game of the season. Liberal defeated Guymon soundly at home on Friday night after defeating Wichita South in Week 2. The game will also feature the Battle for the Bell – sponsored by Sunflower Bank.
The Red Demon Soccer team clinched the first “Bell Victory” of the fall on Tuesday night defeating a previously unbeaten Redskin soccer team 1-0 in Liberal.
Red Demons Put On a Show for Opening Night
The first home football game at Memorial Stadium each September serves as the unofficial kickoff to fall in Dodge City. The Red Demon Football team did their part to make sure the home crowd had plenty to cheer on as they defeated the Woodward Boomers 40-6 on a picture perfect night at the Palace on the Plains.
The evening could not have started much better for the Red Demons as they took the opening kickoff and drove the length of the field – capping their first drive of the season with an 11 yard run by Alan Rios. On the play, Rios ran through a huge hole on the right side of the Boomer defense following a kickout block by running back Ryan Gonzalez and a wipeout block by offensive lineman Aldo Reyes. The Cruz Rios extra point put the Demons up early, 7-0.
However, Woodward would not go away easily as they proved throughout the night – putting up a fight the entire four quarters. A Red Demon turnover and some tough Mad Hatter defense kept the game at 7-0 at the end of the first quarter.
The Demons found pay dirt again halfway through the second quarter as Alan Flores threw a perfect pass to a streaking Cooper Speer in the back of the north endzone to put the Demons up 14-0. On the very next possession, Woodward kept things interesting as they scored on a long touchdown pass to get back within one score at (14-6).
The highlight play of the night for the Red Demons came on the ensuing drive. Senior Cade Barnett took a handoff from Flores and used a combination of power, speed, and a high step to cover 63 yards and score the Demons third touchdown of the game. A two point conversion put Dodge City up 22-6 and put the momentum on the Demon sideline to stay.
A safety before halftime made it 24-6.
Before the night was over, Barnett would score again – as well as Senior Ryan Gonzalez and the Demons would win comfortably by a score of 40-6. The Mad Hatters would hold Woodward (0-2) to four first downs for the game and only 113 yards of total offense – with 53 of those coming on the long second quarter touchdown pass.
The Red Demons (1-0) will travel to Olathe East next Friday night. The Hawks defeated Olathe Northwest 13-10 in their season opener. This will be the first ever trip to Olathe for the Red Demon Football program.
Grading the Game
Atmosphere: A+ The beautiful weather and a big home crowd (and student section) made for a fun night for the home team. Friday night’s are still a big thing in Dodge City – and the Pride of Southwest Kansas, Drill Team, Cheerleaders, and fans did a great job of kicking off the season.
Football: B First games are always a little rough, and three turnovers by the Demons will give Coach O’Neil plenty to talk about this week heading into a tough matchup with Olathe East. However, there were plenty of bright spots – and the Red Demon defense looked legit. There is a lot of season left to raise that grade to an A.
Video Game: A+ DCHS is known for its’ over the top production and Friday night did not disappoint. From the pre-game football intro to Ring of Honor videos to Halftime intro and the instant replays (and graphics) after each play – Dodge City remains undefeated.
Ring of Honor: A+ The DCHS Alumni Association once again did an outstanding job of showcasing the distinguished alumni of Dodge City. This year’s inductees: Travis Goff (KU Athletic Director) and Ross Bjork (Ohio State Athletic Director) appeared via video to accept.
Halftime: A The Pride of Southwest Kansas was excellent and will only get better as they showcased the first part of their complete show. The DCHS Drill Team debuted for the first time under the direction of Nikki Salem and were impressive. The Red Demon cheer squad did not perform at half, but were also impressive as they cheered from kickoff all the way to leading the band and football team in the school song to end the night.
Overall: A Next up for the Red Demons at home is Wichita South for Homecoming on September 20th. It will be tough for the home crowd to top opening night, but I am sure they will try.
Dodge City High School Hires New Head Softball Coach
The Dodge City High School Athletic Department has announced the hiring of Sabrina Hughbanks as the new Head Softball coach of the Lady Red Demons, pending Board of Education approval at the next scheduled meeting.
Hughbanks served as an assistant in the DCHS softball program this past spring. Previously, she was the Head Softball Coach at Ulysses High School, leading the Lady Tigers to their first Regional appearance in four years in 2023. While at Ulysses she also coached tennis. She is employed by the SKACD (613) as a Gifted Education Instructor.
A graduate of South Barber High School, Hughbanks was a state medalist in tennis and track, and was a two-time All-State 18A USSSA pitcher for KS/MO and a two-time All-State pitcher. She began her collegiate athletic career at Central Methodist University as a two-sport athlete in both Track & Field and Softball. She finished her collegiate athletic career at Southwestern Oklahoma State University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree. Sabrina also has a Master’s degrees from Emporia State University
Athletics have not only been a part of my life but have also shaped who I am today. Softball specifically has had a profound impact on my life in numerous ways – teaching me invaluable lessons in teamwork, communication, and collaboration, which is essential in both sports and professional settings.
It is an incredible honor to lead such a talented group of athletes and be a part of this amazing school community. I am looking forward to working hard alongside our dedicated players, supportive parents, and energetic coaching staff to continue the tradition of excellence that Dodge City High School softball has been known for. I can’t wait to get started!”
– Sabrina Hughbanks, DCHS Head Softball Coach
Coach Hughbanks is a great fit for our athletic department and softball program. She is passionate about growing the game of softball in Dodge City and will be an outstanding leader and role model for the student-athletes in our softball program. We are very pleased to introduce Sabrina Hughbanks as the 8th head coach all-time at Dodge City High School.”
– Jay Gifford, DCHS Athletic Director
The upcoming season (Spring 2025) will be the 30th season for Lady Demon Softball. Hughbanks’ grandfather Glen Piper and Great Uncle Roy Piper were both exceptional athletes that graduated from Dodge City High School and later went on to teaching and coaching careers. The 2025 season begins on March 27 at Legends Complex against WAC rival Great Bend.
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