By TYLER HENRY
Salina Post contributor
After a week off due to a covid-cancellation, the Southeast of Saline Trojans will continue their quest for an undefeated season.
This week, the foe looking to prevent them from going 1-0 will be the Smoky Valley Vikings, who will host the Trojans in Lindsborg.
Smoky Valley is coming off a one-point loss at the hands of Scott City which dropped the Vikings to 2-4 on the year.
While SES wanted to play Goodland last week, the Friday off did give them a chance to rest up and reload for their final two games of district play.
“We did have some kids who were dinged up who got a little time to heal,” coach Mitch Gebhardt said. “As players and coaches we would have liked to have played on Friday but if you’re looking at the positive side that’s it.”
The rejuvenated Trojans will look to make it six straight wins against a Smoky Valley team that has been steadily improving over the course of the season.
After failing to score in two of their first three games, the Vikings bounced back to win two of their next three, including a shootout against Hillsboro, and a double-overtime win over Goodland.
“They play very physical, so we have to match that physicality,” Gebhardt said. “They run the ball very well and they play very good defense so we really have to come to play this week.”
While Smoky Valley does run the ball well, they haven’t done much else this year, amassing just 278 yards and no touchdowns through the air so far this season.
On the ground, the three headed monster of quarterback Jake Lucas and running backs Trystan Stambaugh and Kade Blanchat have racked up over 1,000 yards rushing and nine touchdowns.
The focus for Southeast of Saline this week is to not lose any of the steam that the 5-0 team had going into last week.
“We have to keep the foot on the accelerator,” Gebhardt said.
Kickoff in Lindsborg is set for 7pm, and as always games can be heard on KINA (910 am or 107.5 FM) or streamed live on Salina Post.