By TYLER HENRY
Salina Post contributor
The Salina Central Mustangs (1-7) will have their work cut out for them in the opening round of the playoffs when they travel to Wichita Northwest (6-0) for a meeting with the Grizzlies.
Wichita Northwest has had a phenomenal season to say the least, outscoring their opponents 354-30 in just six games en route to a #1 ranking in 5A.
The only thing that slowed the Grizzlies down in 2020 was the covid-19 pandemic, which forced them to cancel two of their games.
Wichita Northwest is led by senior running back Julius Bolden, who has been averaging an astounding 11 yards per carry, over 125 yards a game and 15 total touchdowns on the season.
The Grizzlies have looked sound through the air as well, with senior quarterback Mason Ross completing 67% of his passes for just under 600 yards and eight touchdowns without one interception to his name.
On defense, WNHS has been just as sound, holding opponents to five points per game and forcing 19 turnovers to add to 19 sacks.
Central will need big performances from junior quarterback Parker Kavanagh and running backs Micah Moore and Kenyon McMillan to keep things close with the top 5A team in the state.
The defense will also need to get off the field quickly after allowing 27 or more points in each of its last four games.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7pm on Friday night and the winner will advance to play whoever emerges victorious in a battle between Wichita Heights and Andover.