By JEREMY OBERMEYER
Salina Post Contributor
The Southeast of Saline Trojans traveled to Minneapolis Friday night in the first game of their state title defense.
After stumbling a bit on their first possession, the Trojans scored on their next three on their way to a 60-21 victory.
Minneapolis put together a sustainable drive about midway through the second quarter, capped off by a 35-yard touchdown pass from Owen Just to Brayden Johnson to pull within 14 points of Southeast at 20-6.
Enter the Southeast offense.
The Trojans proceeded to explode for 32 points in the final 7:00 of the second quarter, and the stifling Southeast defense did their part, holding the Lions to 68 total yards, 6 points, and recovering a Lion fumble in the first half.
The Trojan reserves played all of the second half with a running clock, scoring an early touchdown, and allowing just two touchdowns late in the game.
“We had to deal with some adversity already," Head Coach Mitch Gebhardt said. “I don’t like we started well, but I felt like our varsity guys did a really good job of finishing the second quarter.”
Seniors Gannon Jacobson and Grady Gebhardt had an outstanding night for the Trojans as Jacobson completed 14 of 17 passes for 267 yards and 5 touchdowns, while Gebhardt rushed for 87 yards and 2 touchdowns on 9 carries, adding 104 yards and 2 touchdowns on 6 receptions.
Southeast will host Clay Center for their home opener next Friday, while Minneapolis travels to Lyons.
The full video broadcast of this game is available on-demand below.