By TYLER HENRY
Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post
A fourth-quarter lightning delay was the only thing capable of slowing Salina South on homecoming night, staving off a Cougar victory by just under an hour.
South dominated their matchup with Valley Center in every aspect of the game, holding a 40-12 lead before a heavy thunderstorm set in over Salina Stadium.
The delay may have ended the game with 7:08 left on the clock, but it did little to dampen the spirits of those who stuck around, erupting in scattered cheers around the stadium under cover from the downpour.
While the Cougars have established themselves as one of the best passing attacks in the state of Kansas, it was the run game that shone brightest on Friday, led by freshly crowned homecoming king Armane Redmond.
Redmond toted the rock 22 times for 212 yards and four touchdowns; the senior also caught a pass for nine yards.
For his part in the win, Izzy Telles looked great through the air, completing 13 of his 19 passes for an additional 134 yards and a touchdown strike to Jaxton Kitchener.
South’s defense looked stellar through three quarters, holding the Hornets to just 29 rushing yards, and keeping sophomore standout Isaac Duncan off balance with a pair of big picks.
With this win, the Cougars improve to 3-1, their best start since 2014 while Valley Center slides to 1-3.
The Cougars will be on the road next week to take on 2-2 Ark City.
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