By TYLER HENRY
Salina Post contributor
For the third straight week, the Saline County area will be treated to cross-county rivalry football as the Bennington Bulldogs travel to Solomon for a showdown of 3-1 teams.
Solomon is fresh off a 46-26 victory over the Herington Railers while Bennington took their first and only loss of the season at the hands of the #1 ranked Canton-Galva Eagles last week.
Since 2010, the two have met five times with Solomon holding a 3-2 advantage, but Bennington winning the last two.
Like many rivalry games, the energy in the locker room has been different this week as both sides prepare for each other.
“This game definitely means more to us,” Solomon head coach Mike Kilgore said. “It’s a district game and they’re a cross-county rival. There are bragging rights in this game and our goal is to get a victory on Friday.”
The last time these two met, Bennington stunned the then 4-0 Gorillas, who went on to lose their final five games of the season.
“We have to take every snap as if it could be our last one,” Kilgore said. “Bennington is a good team and they’re going to take advantage of their opportunities so we have to do the same.”
Solomon has been able to impose their will on the ground this season, racking up 670 yards and 16 touchdowns in their first four games, but Bennington may be one of the few teams on the Gorillas schedule capable of mitigating that attack.
Bennington also comes into this contest sporting the better passing offense between the two thanks to another solid season from senior quarterback Ryker Greene.
So far, Canton-Galva is the only common opponent that each team has faced, getting the better of the Bulldogs 60-42, and the Gorillas 54-6.
Kickoff between Solomon and Bennington is scheduled for 7pm at Solomon high school.
For continuing coverage of both the Bulldogs and Gorillas stay tuned to the Salina Post.