By TYLER HENRY
Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post
After delivering an unexpected 40-6 beatdown to the Eagles in Kingman last week, the Southeast of Saline football team will turn its attention to the district portion of their schedule as they begin grappling for postseason seeding.
Even short-handed and in enemy territory, the Trojans dominated last Friday, proving once again that they are in the conversation among the top teams in class 2A, and showcasing the depth of their roster.
“I thought our defense played outstanding at Kingman,” SES head coach Mitch Gebhardt said. “They do a good job with a lot of things offensively but our kids were in the right spots and did a really good job.”
These first four weeks have provided true tests for the Trojans, who now hold wins over 3-1 Beloit and 2-2 Clay Center and Kingman, whose only losses came at the hands of SES and other state powers in 4-0 Louisburg and the defending 3A state champs in Cheney.
“The growth with our kids started in week one with Minneapolis and in the last three weeks they’ve taken big steps forward,” Gebhardt said. “We’re playing physical and you have to in games like that.”
First up in district play for Southeast (4-0) is Lyons (1-3), which has struggled mightily in recent years but is improving with a win already this season.
While the Lions don’t pose an immediate threat to SES, having lost in each of the last two years by a combined score of 154-7, the Trojans are keeping their focus within, and remain committed to playing better each and every week.
“We still have things we need to improve,” he said. “We need to continue to play team defense and we still need to watch film and make fewer mistakes on offense. If we can do that I think we’ll be in good shape.”
Despite being heavy favorites for their homecoming contest, Southeast still needs to take care of business if they want to stake their spot at the top of district 6.
“Every game is important and every district game is even more important,” Gebhardt said. “Everyone else is continuing to work and get better and we have to do the same as we continue to play hard and physical. At the end of the day this a league game, it’s a district game and we need to continue to play at a high level.”
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. and pregame coverage will be on Salina Post and KINA at 6:40. Devin Hanney and Russ Cossell will have the call.
You can tune in for live stream video and audio commentary at the link below 100% free on Salina Post.