HOISINGTON — Nothing fancy, just old-fashioned Hoisington Cardinal football.

Quarterback Kolter Hahn sparked a 297-yard dominant rushing game with a trio of rushing touchdowns. Hahn rushed for 136 yards and scored on 11, 13 and 24-yard runs.

Thomas Higgins delivered the defensive highlight of the season with a dazzling 95-yard interception return to showcase a 38-6 victory over Clay Center in Friday's 3A playoff opener.

The Cardinals' offense scored on five perfectly executed time-draining scoring drives to keep the football away from Clay Center.

"We were sharp offensively. We didn't have a ton of possessions, but we took advantage," said Hoisington coach Zach Baird. "I give all the credit to our seniors. We saw different fronts and they communicated and adjusted well."

The Cardinal defense turned back Clay Center in the Red Zone before nearly earning a shutout. Cayden Schwab scored on a 6-yard run to spoil the shutout hopes.

The Cardinals (7-2) play Chapman (7-2) at home next week in a second-round playoff game.

Clay Center 0 0 0 6 — 6

Hoisington 6 8 8 16 — 38

H—Hahn 13 run (pass fails); H—Hahn 24 run (Merlau run); H—Hahn 11 run (Hahn run); H—Higgins 5 run (Chambers from Staudinger); H—Higgins 95 interception return (Klug run); CC—Schwab 6 run (run fails)

RUSHING—H—297; Hahn 11-136; Merlau 11-76.

PASSING—H—Hahn 1-20, 20.

RECEIVING—H—Holinde 1-20.

3A WEST, SECOND ROUND—Andale 9-0 vs Cheney 7-2; Hoisington 7-2 vs Chapman 7-2; Holcomb 8-1 vs Wichita Collegiate 5-4; Hesston 8-1 vs. Hugoton 5-4

3A WEST, FRIDAY—Andale 1, Larned 0 (forfeit); Cheney 38, Pratt 14; Hoisington 38, Clay Center 6; Chapman 48, Concordia 20; Holcomb 55, Wichita Trinity 7; Wichita Collegiate 60, Goodland 18; Hesston 21, Scott City 6; Hugoton 53, Lyons 0