By TYLER HENRY
Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post
The Central Mustangs gave Andover a real run for their money on Friday night, but the Trojans came back and held on for a tight 24-14 victory on senior night.
With this win, Andover completes its first undefeated regular season since 2013 and will have a chance at the number overall seed in Class 5A in a coin flip with Kapaun Mt. Carmel.
Central slides to 5-3 but will still host a playoff game in the opening round next week.
The Mustangs got off to an exceptional start, marching their opening drive down the field and punching in an 11-yard Griffin Hall run to take the gameās first lead.
Andover responded with a touchdown of their own, but the Mustangs scored again on the very next drive, this time with Hall from the goal line.
From there, both offenses stalled, and Central took a 14-7 lead into the locker room.
The defensive dominance continued into the third quarter, when Andover fumbled inside their red zone, forced a quick turnover on downs, then tied the game near the end of the frame.
Well behind the sticks, Central took a shot to the end zone that was intercepted by Andoverās Ryan Hatfield, and with wind in their sails, the Trojans marched the ball down the field and scored to take their first lead of the game with under five minutes remaining.
Central led a promising comeback drive but stalled out, giving Andover time to score a precious field goal to deny Kapaun Mt. Carmel, the only other undefeated team in the west, sole possession of the 1-seed and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
Griffin Hall turned in a valiant performance despite the loss, completing 17-of-21 passes for 131 yards while also rushing 27 times for 150 yards and two touchdowns.
With a 5-3 record, the Mustangs are projected to be the six or seven seed, setting them up for a rematch with either Goddard or Andover Central.
You can watch this game back any time on demand below.