By TYLER HENRY
Salina Post contributor
The Southeast of Saline Trojans continue to shred through the NCAA, bludgeoning the Ellsworth Bearcats 72-6 to advance to 3-0 on the season.
Through their first three games of 2021, SES has outscored their opponents 158-12, dominating on offense, defense and special teams.
Tonight also marked a historic offensive performance as no team prior to this one had ever put up 70 or more points under head coach Mitch Gebhardt, who has now won seven consecutive games against Ellsworth.
“We talked this week about coming out and getting after it and our guys continued to play hard the entire game,” he said.
The fireworks began early for the Trojan offense, who found the end zone on their first play from scrimmage as Chase Poague housed a 68-yard toss from Luke Gebhardt.
That set the tone for the rest of the night, as Southeast led 36-0 at the end of the first quarter.
Any remaining questions about the comfort of the offense were put to rest as SES amassed a staggering 487 yards from scrimmage.
Luke Gebhardt picked apart the Bearcat secondary with ruthless precision, completing 8/9 passes for 190 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions.
The Trojans looked dominant on the ground as well, racking up 273 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns.
Up 66-0 before the half, Southeast pulled several key starters to give their young talent a chance to shine, and shine they did.
Backup quarterback Daniel Kejr broke loose for a 33-yard touchdown run to put the Trojans up 66-0 just before halftime.
The defense was also in their usual midseason form, forcing three turnovers and blowing up the Ellsworth run game, which had amassed negative 31 yards at the half.
It was also a big night for Jude Golden, who carried the ball nine times for 85 yards and a touchdown as SES cruised through the second half to a 72-6 victory.
“It was a good opportunity for some of our younger kids to play and for us to get a chance to coach them on a Friday night,” Gebhardt said.
The Trojans will now turn their attention to the 2-1 Russell Broncos as they return to Gypsum for homecoming a week from now.
For continuing coverage of the SES Trojan football team stay tuned to the Salina Post.