By ADAM COULTER
Salina Post Contributor
Sacred Heart returned to Salina on Friday nightfor Homecoming, but couldn't overcome numerous penalty yards and injuries in a 30-6 loss against Wabaunsee.
The game began with the Knights surrendering a long kickoff return that put the Chargers in the Red Zone for their opening series from scrimmage. Despite the short field, the Sacred Heart defense held its ground and forced a turnover-on-downs. Both teams had promising early possessions, but eventually each drive stalled as the game remained scoreless after the opening quarter.
The second quarter was much like the first, but, in addition to several key players out with injuries, most notably two-way starter Evan Bogart, penalties began mounting up for the Knights.
Finally, with just 19-seconds remaining before halftime, Wabaunsee quarterback Wyatt Wurtz connected with Miguel Hernandez on a 30-yard pass play to break the scoreless tie. A two-point conversation made the score 8-0 at the intermission.
Sacred Heart had won the opening coin toss and deferred possession until the start of the second half, but another drive was cut short giving possession back to Wabaunsee. The Chargers tacked on two additional touchdowns in the third quarter extending their lead to 22-0.
At the9:06 mark of the final quarter, a Michael Matteucci 3-yard touchdown carry put the Knights on the scoreboard. A two-point conversation attempt was missed, but Sacred Heart had cut into the Wabaunsee lead with the score 22-6.
The Knights were unable to score in the fourth quarter as the Chargers found the endzone once more with a late touchdown to make the final tally 30-6.
With numerous Knights not suited up, several younger Sacred Heart players saw playing time and contributed in a losing effort. Freshmen Noah Hines and Maddox Wells along with Sopomores Gabriel Rodriguez, Ben Marrs, Elias Gordon, and Luke Koland all stepped up and saw significant playing time as the Knights continued to battle through all four quarters.
Sacred Heart will go back on the road with another district game at Smith Center next Friday night. Pregame is set for 6:40 with a 7pm kickoff. The game can be seen and heard at salinapost.com.