By ADAM COULTER
Salina Post Contributor
Sacred Heart was back on the road Friday night to face Herington on its senior night. The Knights scored on their opening drive, never trailed in the game, and held on for a 22-16 win.
Sacred Heart didn't waste any time taking an early lead. Two carries from Dom Matteucci totalling 50 yards put the Knights ahead 6-0. The 2-point conversation attempt was also successful.
Trailing 8-0 late in the opening quarter, the Railers took advantage of a Knights turnover and excellent field position to even the score at 8-8.
Sacred Heart reclaimed the advantage with two second quarter touchdowns. Bryson Gotti hauled in the first touchdown reception to make score 14-8 although the two-point conversation was no good. Maddox Wells and Noah Hines hooked up for another score through the air for the Knights to extend the lead to two possessions.
The score was 22-8 at halftime and the third quarter was scoreless. Herington got its second score late in the game to cut the deficit to 22-16. In the end, a Railers onside kick was unsuccessful and the Knights held on for a 6-point road win.
Sacred Heart improves to 2-4 overall while Herington falls to 0-7.
The Class 1A, District 5 standings are as follows:
Valley Heights 4-0
Republic County 2-1
Sacred Heart 2-1
Bennington 0-3
Herington 0-3
Sacred Heart will host Republic County in the final regular season game for both teams. The winner will get no worse than an 8-seed in their 16-team bracket and will play their opening playoff game at home. The losing team will start the postseason on the road.
Kickoff is set for 7pm next Friday from JRI Stadium with live streaming audio and video at salinapost.com.