First week of the Kansas 4A-II started tonight. The KMAJ sports team went to Hayden to see the Wildcats take on the Prairie View Buffaloes.

Talk to any of the players, coaches, students, and parents of the Hayden Wildcats, you’ll see that they have one thing on their mind: unfinished business.

These people want another crack at the state title after last year’s 48-14 loss in the championship game to Pratt.

Hayden took their first step to a return trip to Salina with a dominate 48-6 over Prairie View. Hayden held Prairie View to 115 yards of offense, as the Buffaloes made their first playoff appearance since 2005.

Hayden took control early in the game in the second possession with a 35-yard touchdown run by Brent Peavler. After that possession the Wildcats never looked back, amassing 373 yards of offense.

Special teams contributed to Hayden’s success in the first half. Senior wide receiver DeShawn Hanika had a 61-yard punt return that nearly scored. The next play Noah Williams scored a two-yard touchdown. Freshman running back Desmond Purnell scored on a 50-yard punt return as well.

Due to those special team and big explosive plays, Hayden only had five first downs in the first half, yet lead Burlington 42-0.

Huston finished the game 8-17 for 181 yards and 3 touchdowns. Hanika added to his incredible season with 131 receiving yards and a touchdown. He eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark in receiving.

Hayden will play the Burlington Wildcats next Friday, as Burlington beat Columbus 22-21. We will host the game on 1440 KMAJ and kmaj1440.com.