The #18 NJCAA ranked Coffeyville Community College Red Raven football team opened up their 2016 season with a 34-29 loss to the #16 ranked Hutchinson Community College Blue Dragons.

On a beautiful evening at Veterans Memorial Stadium, a slow first half set the tempo in favor of Hutchinson who raced out to a 27-7 halftime lead  over the Ravens.  The lone first half score for the Red Ravens was a 60 yard touchdown scamper from freshman running back Antwan Barksdale.

The Red Raven defense set the tone early in the second half.  Sophomore defensive back Willie Hobdy intercepted a Hutchinson pass and returned it 48 yards for a Raven touchdown to increase the score to 27-13.

After forcing the Blue Dragons to punt, CCC took the ball back and marched 80 yards in a 9 play drive that was capped off by a one yard run by sophomore receiver Cole Murphy.  This moved the Red Ravens closer with a score of 27-20.

With twelve minutes left in the game, Red Raven freshmen kicker Cooper Lee nailed a 30 yard field goal to pull the score within 4 points at 27-23. 

After the Lee field goal, the Blue Dragons got the ball back and promptly threw an interception to Red Raven sophomore defensive linemen Shawn Simeon who returned the ball to the Hutchinson 14 yard line.  The mometum was swinging full into the Ravens favor, however, two plays later Red Raven sophomore quarterback Kelan Newton threw an interception that was returned for an 8 yard touchdown.  This extended the Blue Dragon lead to a 34-23.

Not wanting the excitment to end, Coffeyville came right back with a quick 34 yard touchdown pass from Kelan Wright to sophomore receiver Terry Wright.  However, with a failed 2 point conversion, the Red Ravens were still behind by five points with a 34-29 score.

With 8 minutes to go in the game, both teams exchanged possessions, but neither team was able to mount any further scoring threats.  The game ended with the Blue Dragons running out the clock and ending the game with the 34-29 score.

The Red Ravens were led offensively by freshman running back Antwan Barksdale who carried the ball 12 carries for 114 yards.  Sophomore Terry Wright led The Red Raven receiving corps with 5 receptions for 86 yards.

Sophomore linebackers Eldridge Thompson and Marquis Hendricks were both credited for 11 tackles which topped the Red Raven defense.

Next up for the Red Ravens will be a trip to Iowa Falls Iowa to take on Ellsworth Community College.  The game is set for Sept 3^rd at 1:00 p.m.