KEDZIOR, TAYLOR TAKE KJCCC OFFENSIVE, DEFENSIVE HONORS

For the second-straight week, Blue Dragon running back Dylan Kedzior (left) is named the KJCCC Offensive Player of the Week. Nikko Taylor (right) is this week's Defensive Player of the Week. (Photos by Andrew Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)
For the second-straight week, Blue Dragon running back Dylan Kedzior (left) is named the KJCCC Offensive Player of the Week. Nikko Taylor (right) is this week's Defensive Player of the Week. (Photos by Andrew Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)
October 4, 2022

Hutchinson CC Sports Information

For the second-straight week, Hutchinson Community College running Dylan Kedzior led the No. 2-ranked Blue Dragons to a huge victory. This week, Kedzior was joined by sophomore defensive end Nikko Taylor – the pair were named the NJCAA Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week, respectively, on Tuesday.

Kedzior and Taylor played huge roles in No. 2 Hutchinson's 27-19 victory over No. 9 Butler on Saturday at Gowans Stadium. The victory vaulted the Blue Dragons (5-0) into sole possession of first place in the KJCCC heading into this Saturday's game at Dodge City.

Kedzior, a 6-foot, 205-pound third-year running back from Claremore, Oklahoma who won conference Offensive Player of the Week honors after the victory over Coffeyville, produced 234 total yards and four touchdowns to lead the Blue Dragons.

Kedzior rushed for a career-high 230 yards on 28 carries with rushing touchdowns 23, 17 and 7 yards. He also caught a highlight-reel 4-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter to tie the game at 13-all. Kedzior is the first Blue Dragon to have a 200-yard rushing game since Anwar Lewis vs. Fort Scott last season. He is the first Blue Dragon with three rushing touchdowns in one game since Lewis vs. Garden City in the KJCCC Championship game one year ago.

Taylor was a force, especially in the second half against the Grizzlies. The 6-5, 240-pound defensive end from Overland Park, finished with nine tackles, including 3.5 tackles for loss and two quarterback sacks.

In the second half, the Taylor had six tackles with two quarterback sacks to hold the Grizzlies to just three points in the second half.

The Blue Dragons have now earned four league Offensive Player of the Week awards, two defensive awards and one special teams award. Other winners this season have been quarterback Dylan Laible, running back Rontavious Richmond, linebacker R.J. Evans and return specialist Darby Roper.