Wednesday night the Hutchinson (Kansas) Blue Dragons came back from an early 14 point deficit and held on to defeat No. 1 Iowa Western 28-23 to win the 2024 NJCAA National Championship.

Blue Dragon freshman return specialist Kordell Gouldsby was named the game’s Most Valuable Player.  Gouldsby had the biggest play of the game with a 73-yard punt return for a touchdown in the third quarter that gave the Blue Dragons a 28-17 lead.

Iowa Western answered with a touchdown, but the Reivers missed on a two-point try and the Dragons led 28-23.

After the Dragons missed a field goal, the Reivers’ final drive started at its own 15. Iowa Western converted one fourth down on the drive and marched to the Hutchinson 11. On fourth-and-5, Hutchinson dialed up a heavy rush and a desperation pass fell incomplete.

Gouldsby finished the game with 158 total return yards – 90 punt return yards on four returns and 68 kickoff return yards on three returns.

Hutchinson was outgained by Iowa Western 448-305. The Blue Dragons had 191 yard rushing and 114 passing. Iowa Western had 412 passing yards and 36 rushing yards.

Former Iowa State quarterback Hunter Dekkers threw for 412 yards on 29 of 51 passing with two touchdowns to lead Iowa Western.

Hutchinson wins its’ second national football title and finishes the season 11-1. Iowa Western finishes the season at 11-2, with both losses coming against the Blue Dragons.  Iowa Western came up just short of becoming the first team to win the NJCAA Division 1 football title three years in a row.