By TYLER HENRY
Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post
For a fifth straight season, the Southeast of Saline football team will waltz into the high school state football playoffs undefeated, and as both league, and district champions.
Each year, the Trojans have capitalized on their high-seeded status, winning nine playoff games in their last four runs.
While many of the names and numbers on the field have changed over the years, the commitment to the Trojan Way, and to consistent improvement has remained steadfast, and is a big part of what makes this year’s squad such a threat in Class 2A.
“I’ve been impressed with our progression throughout the season,” SES head coach Mitch Gebhardt said. “We played a tough schedule but our kids continued to take steps forward and work to get better every week and that’s what I’m the most proud of. They take on whoever we play and work towards doing the best they can.”
It can be tempting for any team in November, especially one with such lofty expectations, to look past a first-round opponent, but from Clay Center to Lyons, the Trojans have prepared for every game in the exact same way, and this postseason will be no different.
“We need to keep taking things one week at a time and understanding that every week is important,” Gebhardt said. “That 1-0 mentality is so important, especially in a playoff bracket, and it matters that you put your best game together on Friday night.”
One thing Southeast has this year that it hasn’t always is home field advantage throughout the entire playoff, ensuring that the road to a state title match runs through Gypsum as fall turns to winter.
“Playing at home is huge for us,” he said. “Our kids are excited about that. We have a lot on the line every week and we’re in control of our own destiny in terms of where we get to play. We have our routine at home that we get to stay in and we keep doing that as long as we win games.”
The first hurdle in Southeast’s quest for 2A glory comes in the form of the Larned Indians, who enter this playoff matchup at 2-6 to the Trojan’s 8-0.
Larned is led by 1-2 punch of junior tailback David Colglazier, and senior tailback Jimmy Gardner, who have carried the load for the Indians on the ground.
The Trojan secondary could have ample opportunities in this game against a Larned passing attack that has 11 interceptions and just three passing touchdowns this year.
Despite the numbers, the Indians have faced down some of the top teams in Class 2A this year, and will be in no interest to go down without a fight on Friday night.
“Larned has played some awfully good football teams and coach Kieth does some great things with them,” Gebhardt said. “Offensively they’re going to try to run the football and sprinkle in enough passes to throw you off balance. We have to shut them down defensively and we need to attack where we can and take care of the football.”
Kickoff for this game is scheduled for 7:00 in Gypsum, and as always the game can be streamed with live video and commentary on Salina Post (click here), or heard on KINA (910 AM/107.5 FM), with Devin Hanney and Russ Cossel on the call.