On Friday night, the Southeast of Saline Trojans got exactly what they wanted...a rematch with Kingman. It was the Eagles who eliminated the Trojans 50 weeks ago in the Sub-State final four game and kept them from the State Championship. That game went to double overtime. This game would be settled in regulation.
Southeast started quickly and scored on the opening drive behind a 58 yard run from senior running back Nathan Friesen. That run would set up a big night for Friesen who finished with 11 carries, 128 yards and 2 touchdowns on offense. Kingman would answer after a 14 play drive with a Tristan Davidson 6 yard run. SES led at the end of the opening quarter, 8-6.
The two teams would continue battle in the second quarter with big plays on both sides, but neither team would be able to capitalize. The key play for SES came with 3.8 seconds left when quarterback Daniel Kejr hit senior Cameron Witte over the middle. Witte would do the rest, weaving through traffic and finding the end zone. That score would put the Trojans in the lead, 20-14 at the half.
Kingman would start the third quarter with the football, but the Trojan defense would quickly force them to punt. Shortly after getting the ball back, Friesen would find the end zone again on a 40 yard touchdown run. The two-point conversion from Kejr to Tucker Thaxton would give Southeast a 28-14 lead. The Eagles would strike again on a touchdown pass that would draw them back to within a possession and a 28-21 score going into the final quarter.
SES would assemble an 8 play drive capped by Daniel Kejr's 4 yard touchdown run. Kejr would also add the two-point conversion giving the Trojans a 36-21 lead. Kingman would score again but Southeast would never give the football back, ending the game with a 36-28 victory.
For Southeast of Saline, this is the third consecutive season they have started 10-0. The Regional Championship will propel the Trojans into the round of eight and a road trip next Friday to play unbeaten Hoisington.
You can watch a replay of the Southeast of Saline vs. Kingman game here: