Even Hayden proved to be no match for the number one ranked team in Class 4A as Holton’s defense was outstanding and the offense scored 27 points in a big home win.  Cameron Karn intercepted a Jacob Tetuan pass three plays into the showdown of 1-0 district teams, and Holton’s defense would go on to hold Hayden to just 80 yards of total offense to improve to 8-0.  Holton scored on their second drive which converted a pair of third-downs before Drake Ewing took an option pitch 8 yards for the first score with 2:00 to go in the opening quarter.  The 7-0 lead stood past halftime as Holton’s ensuing 12 play drive got stopped on downs at the Hayden one-yard-line.  Holton converted 6 of 8 third downs in the half but also fumbled late to keep the halftime score close, despite Hayden registering only 3 first downs and not getting the ball across mid-field. 

          In the second half, the Holton defense continued to dominate, allowing Hayden to move the chains once in each the third and fourth quarters.  The home team got a Chase Wilson three yard score with :29 left in the third period to cap a 7 play 76 yard drive.  Then, early in the fourth, after a second defensive sack by Jacob Ewing, it was brother Drake Ewing delivering the dagger with a 51 yard touchdown run to put the game away 20-0.  Wilson added his second rushing touchdown on a 20 yard run with 1:32 remaining and after the Holton defense recovered a fumble, they took three kneel-downs to end the game 27-0. 

          Holton racked up 373 rushing yards with an average of 6.2 yards per play and was 0-1 passing.  Ewing had 29 carries for 175 yards and Wilson got 83 yards on just 6 carries.  Jaxon Wright also carried for 58 yards, including a 42 yard-run that set up Holton’s first score, and Karn had 47 yards on 11 carries. 

          It was Holton’s first win against Hayden since a 41-0 sub-state shutout road victory in 2005 and Holton went back ahead in the Wildcat series 5-4 dating back to 1998.  Hayden is 3-5 and needing a win against Wamego this Thursday, while Holton will prepare for their 15^th consecutive trip to the playoffs and try to wrap up a fifth straight undefeated Big 7 League title with a Jackson County game at Royal Valley.