Red Demons earn first-ever trip to state

    On  Tuesday night, the Dodge City Red Demons again made school history by beating Maize to be the Demon team to make it to state.
    The Demons (16-3) got a 2-1 victory over the Eagles to advance them to the Class 6A state tournament on Friday.
    "This is awesome," coach Virgil Hutchcraft said. "I'm still a little speechless. It's starting to sink in though. It's a great feeling. But in our after game meeting, I told the guys we're not done yet. We still have more business to take care of."
    The Demons started early, with a goal two minutes into the game off of a free kick by Joel Gallardo.   
    Hutchcraft said to earn a free kick like that was a great goal.
    They held a 1-0 lead the remainder of the first half.
    Dodge City's second goal came in the second half off of a cross from Alan Rojas to Ivan Peralta.
    The Demons held the Eagles to one goal in the second half to win the game 2-1.
    "After getting that second goal and then seeing Maize score, we just held on for dear life," Hutchcraft said.
    The Demons ended up giving Maize their only two loses on the season.
    "It was an entire team effort," Hutchcraft said. "We wouldn't have been able to hold on. It was a fantastic effort."
    This win advances Dodge City to the Class 6A state tournament in Blue Valley Stillwell on Friday. They will be seeded either second or third according to Dodge City High School Athletic Director Jay Gifford. Topeka Washburn Rural will be seeded first after taking out Wichita East.
    "I'm surprised by the Topeka result," Hutchcraft said. "It gives us a boost of confidence. We should be able to play with them."