By TYLER HENRY
Salina Post contributor
For the first time in the 2020 season, the Southeast of Saline Trojans faced a real test and they passed with flying colors.
The Trojans coasted past Colby by a final score of 32-8, handing the Eagles their first loss of the year.
Once again, defense won the day as SES cashed two turnovers in for scores, including a pivotal pick six for Jaxson Gebhardt in the third quarter.
It was a good night on the ground for Bryant Banks as well, who racked up over 100 yards on 20 carries.
Southeast came to play early, forcing Colby into a three and out on their opening drive. They then proceeded to move the ball 75 yards and capped it off with a 20-yard hookup from Gebhardt to Chase Poague.
After trading two punts each, Colby took over backed up deep in their own territory. Quarterback Ryan Meyers had the ball punched out by Matthew Rodriguez and it rolled into the end zone where it was recovered by SES for their second score of the game.
The Trojans looked sharp out of the locker room at halftime too, putting together a five play drive that was capped off by a 22 yard touchdown run from Jaxson Gebhardt.
After holding opponents out of the end zone for 12 consecutive quarters, the SES defense finally bent, allowing Zane Betts to run one in from five yards out to make it a two score game.
After forcing the Trojans into a quick three and out, Colby looked primed to make a comeback with their fans finally getting into the game. All of that momentum was dashed on the first play of the drive as Jaxson Gebhardt ripped a pass away from a receiver and housed the return to put SES out of reach.
After taking their first loss of the season, Colby will have a great chance to rebound against 0-5 Russell next week.
Southeast moves to 5-0 on the year for the fourth time in the Mitch Gebhardt era. Their next task will come against Goodland, who lost to Smoky Valley in double overtime this week.