JUNCTION CITY - The way Hutchinson High got into the playoffs, the Salthawks sensed a special postseason upcoming. Of course, almost every November this century has been special for the Salthawks. Only once has Hutchinson missed the playoffs since 1999. The Salthawks didn't have another memorable playoff run this year. For just the third time in the last 13 seasons, the Salthawks will not play for a state championship, as Junction City continued its unbeaten season with a 56-21 win on Friday in the first round of the Class 6A playoffs. "It hurts that we couldn't keep it going," defensive back Peyton Pendergrass said. "I wish we could have kept it going for the seniors because of all the hard work they put into this. It's just disappointing." Hutchinson, which ends the season 6-4, got into the playoffs thanks to winning a three-way tiebreaker for the Class 6A District 8 runner-up spot. Last week at Wichita Northwest, Hutchinson went from end-of-the-season tears to jubilation in a matter of seconds after Dodge City beat Garden City and forced that three-way tie. That gave Hutchinson a chance to return to the state championship game. But Junction City, aided by a dominant rushing attack and 507 yards of offense, ensured the Salthawks' season would end. "It's extremely disappointing, because the expectations here are to win a state championship," Hutchinson coach Ryan Cornelsen said. "We fell short of those expectations, but we're not going anywhere. We'll get back to work this offseason, come back and be a better team next season." Hutchinson certainly had its chances Friday. Twice in the first half, the Salthawks moved inside the Junction City 20-yard line. Twice, the Salthawks didn't score. Hutchinson was also hampered with an injury to starting offensive and defensive lineman Austin Fletcher, who did not play. "Whenever you lose someone like Fletcher, it hurts," Cornelsen said. "But I thought Hunter DeGarmo came in and did a good job. The reality is it's one person, but he's a big part of our leadership." Now Hutchinson will experience a rarity - an early November home. Since making the playoffs in 2000, only twice has Hutchinson's season ended this early, including 2001 (first-round loss) and 2013 (missed postseason). "It hurts bad," fullback Brody Smith said. "All we can do now is focus on executing next year and working hard through the summer." THE QUICK HIT Key stat: Zero. That's the number of first-half points Hutchinson scored on two trips inside the Junction City 20-yard line. The turning point: Hutchinson was on the ropes, down 28-7 late in the second quarter. Then, the Salthawks had a great drive going. They took 10 plays and moved comfortably to the Junction City 16. Then, a pass play was called, and Junction City intercepted Hutch QB Canyon Maldonado. Four plays later, the Blue Jays scored again. Players of the game: Junction City RB Raye Wilson and Hutchinson FB Brody Smith. Wilson gathered 211 yards from scrimmage and scored five touchdowns while routinely slithering out of danger. Smith, just a sophomore, wrapped up an impressive season by rushing for 178 yards. He gained 72 of those on a second-quarter touchdown run. He said it: "That was a bad call. I should have tried to keep running the ball. I thought we could get behind them, so there's no doubt that drive and (subsequent Junction City) touchdown are on me." - Hutchinson coach Ryan Cornelsen on that late second-quarter interception. Up next: Hutchinson (6-4) ends its season. Junction City (10-0) will host Derby next week in a 6A quarterfinal.