Red Raiders Face Toughest Test Yet Against State Power Hayden

Wamego (2-1) @ Topeka Hayden (3-0) | Friday, September 26

After bouncing back from their lone setback of the season with a dominant 34-8 victory over Marysville, the Wamego Red Raiders face their most formidable challenge yet when they visit second-ranked Topeka Hayden on Friday night.

The Red Raiders opened their season with a statement, crushing Concordia 40-6 in Week 1. Week 2 brought their only stumble—a hard-fought 21-13 loss to rival Rock Creek. Last week's 34-8 dismantling of Marysville got them back on track and has the Red Raiders riding high heading into Friday's showdown.

But Friday presents an entirely different level of competition.

The Hayden Challenge

Topeka Hayden faces Wamego carrying an undefeated record, the weight of high expectations, and recent championship heartbreak. The Wildcats sit at No. 2 in Class 3A after back-to-back appearances in the state title game, falling to Andale and Cheney respectively over the past two seasons.

"Topeka Hayden is #2 in 3A and coming off back to back State Runner Up finishes," said Wamego head coach Weston Moody. "They have not lost a lot of football games the last two years and there are a lot of the same jersey numbers as last year on the field for them."

That continuity and championship experience makes Hayden a formidable opponent. The Wildcats return a battle-tested core that knows what it takes to win at the highest level—they're just looking for that final breakthrough.

Red Raiders' Weapons

Wamego won't back down from the challenge, not with the weapons they've developed through three weeks.

Quarterback Logan Fulton has been efficient and explosive, completing 48 of 73 passes for 709 yards and eight touchdowns. His favorite target has been Dominic Falco, who has emerged as one of the area's most dangerous receivers with 360 yards and five scores already this season.

On the defensive side, Mason Isch has been everywhere, leading the Red Raiders with 35 tackles through three games. His ability to read and react will be crucial against a Hayden offense that has proven difficult to stop over the past two seasons.

What to Watch

This game will test Wamego in ways they haven't been tested yet this season. Can the Red Raiders' offense maintain its explosiveness against a defense that's played in state championship games? Can Wamego's defense slow down a Hayden squad loaded with championship-caliber talent?

The answers to those questions will reveal a lot about just how good this Wamego team can be in 2025.