For the first time in its school history, St. Thomas Aquinas won back-to-back state football championships.

For the first time in Kansas state history, a head coach has won 10 state football titles when Randy Dreiling and Aquinas took the trophy in Emporia on Saturday.

The Saints handled Hays, 35-13, at Welch Stadium to win the Kansas Class 5A state championship. Aquinas won the Kansas Class 4A state title last year before moving up a class this year.

The title marked the 10th for Dreiling, with three at Aquinas and seven at Hutchinson, to become the all-time leader in state titles. Dreiling was previously tied with former Kapaun Mt. Carmel coach Ed Kriwiel at nine championships.

“I’ve been fortunate to have the privilege to coach some great players and great teams, and this is one of those teams right here,” stated Dreiling. “The EKL (Eastern Kansas League), Rockhurst, the 5A playoffs – for this team to go through that schedule undefeated shows how much they wanted it each week, and were mentally prepared and physically tough each game.”

The Saints (13-0) raced out to a 21-0 lead, as Aquinas held off Hays on its drive in the first quarter, then took over and quarterback Elzie Slaughter connected with Brett Yankovich for a 41-yard touchdown pass and a 7-0 lead.

Junior running back Calin Arndt capped a traditional Aquinas five-play, 68-yard drive with a 23-yard rushing score and a 14-0 lead with 8:28 left in the half. Then on the next possession, Hays went for fourth down and failed to give Aquinas the ball at the Indian 36. On the ensuing play, Slaughter struck again, this time on a 36-yard run for a 21-0 halftime cushion.

Hays (8-5) finally got on the board after a partially blocked punt led to an eventual 23-yard touchdown pass from Ian McGuire to Holden Lind. McGuire stepped into starting at quarterback due to injuries but finished with 80 passing yards and two touchdown passes.

Aquinas defense stepped up with an interception, which led to another Slaughter touchdown run – this time for 26 yards – for a 28-7 margin with 5:54 left. Another Hays turnover on downs at its own 31 led to another Arndt 16-yard run to the right pylon, and a 35-7 romp with 3:42 left.

Arndt finished with 154 rushing yards and two scores, while Slaughter ran for 98 rushing yards and two rushing scores, while added 83 passing yards in the win. Gunner Greeson paced the Saints with 15 tackles.

Elzie Slaughter ran for two touchdowns and threw for another in the Class 5A state title game. (Photo: Darryl Woods, 810 Varsity)