Week 6: Southeast holds off late Garden City push, 21–10
Friday, Oct. 10, 2025 — Wichita, Kan.
After a scoreless first quarter, GCHS and Wichita Southeast emerged into the lead dance: Garden City struck first in the second quarter, but the Golden Buffs answered. In a game of few drives and tight margins, Southeast’s late-game defense made the difference, closing out a 21–10 victory.
How Southeast Won
Neither team broke through early, but momentum increasingly tilted Southeast’s way. After Garden City’s Joe Yanes rushed 9 yards into the end zone for a 7–0 lead, Southeast responded in kind with an 8-yard touchdown pass to William O’Bar. Both defenses held firm on their final drives of the half — GC’s attempt fell short after Ryder Carr was wrapped up for a loss. In the third, Southeast’s secondary struck again: Makoy Hemmert intercepted GC’s 3rd play of the half, halting what could’ve been a tying drive. The game remained knotted at 7 until mid-fourth. Then Garden City’s Miguel Marquez split the uprights from 30 yards out to give GC a 10–7 lead. Southeast answered quickly: their PAT attempt after their own touchdown failed, making it 13–10. GC’s defense then gave up a safety, pushing the Golden Buffs’ cushion to 21–10 — enough separation to close.
Garden City Takeaways
GC’s offense showed signs of balance: even though three of its drives ended in punts, the team converted one into a touchdown and managed a field-goal drive. Joe Yanes and the backfield got GC on the board, and Marquez’s 30-yard kick showed the special teams could deliver under pressure. However, turnovers (especially the interception and short-yardage loss before halftime) and difficulty sustaining drives cost the Buffaloes. Their defense kept them in it early, but late miscues — especially the interception and safety — proved costly in a game decided by inches.
Southeast (Golden Buffs) Takeaways
Southeast’s offense did what it needed without extravagance — efficient drives, capitalization on GC mistakes, and taking advantage when GC threatened. O’Bar’s TD grab and the defense’s two takeaway plays (interception in the third, forcing GC’s drive to stall) were pivotal. The clincher was forcing GC into a safety, the kind of swing play that can seal tight games. The Golden Buffs maybe didn’t dominate all phases, but they made the moment plays when it mattered most.
Matchup Breakdown
Low-volume margin game. With only four drives apiece before halftime, both defenses were largely in control. Southeast’s ability to make the stop on GC’s final-half drive (after GC’s third-down attempt) and force Hemmert’s interception tilted the balance.
Field goals, safety, and takeaways matter. This game proved that when points are at a premium, special teams and turnovers become the difference. Marquez’s field goal got GC close, but GC couldn’t deliver the knockout blows. Southeast’s interception and forced safety added enough buffer.
Adjustment and creativity. Southeast’s defense adapted when GC tried to push momentum — showing discipline, turning GC’s aggression into opportunities. Meanwhile, GC’s offense showed both promise and limitations in its rhythm under pressure.
Final Game Numbers
Final: Wichita Southeast 21, Garden City 10
Score by Quarters:
- Southeast: 0 | 7 | 0 | 14
- Garden City: 0 | 7 | 0 | 3
QB efficiency (GCHS): Not fully documented in your list
Explosive plays / swing moments: Joe Yanes 9-yd TD run (Q2); William O’Bar 8-yd TD catch (Q2); Makoy Hemmert’s 3rd-quarter interception; 30-yd field goal by Miguel Marquez; safety by Southeast.
Program snapshot (GCHS): The Buffaloes fall to 1–? on the season (depending on prior wins), extending their road struggles but showing flashes of resiliency in this tight test.
Up NextSoutheast (Golden Buffs) hosts another test next Friday against Wichita West.
Garden City returns home seeking redemption against their southwest Kansas rival, Dodge City, in competition for the Hatchet Game. Pregame next week will begin at 6:15PM, with Kickoff at 7PM Live from Buffalo Stadium.