By Devin Hanney, Sports Director
Photo Credit: Lori Blake
Friday night, Mitch Gebhardt began his 14th season leading the Southeast of Saline football team as their Head Coach. In all of those years, the Trojans have never lost a season opener.
Southeast of Saline found themselves in a defensive battle early on as they paid a visit to Rock Creek to begin the 2023 football season. The lone score of the first two quarters was a 4-yard touchdown run by SES sophomore Grady Gebhardt. The 2-point conversion attempt failed and SES would lead 6-0 at halftime.
After forcing the Mustang offense off the field, Southeast of Saline would score again with 7:22 left in the 3rd quarter. A highlight throw from quarterback Daniel Kejr to Tucker Thaxton of 60 yards, along with the 2-point conversion, put the Trojans up 14-0.
Rock Creek would strike back and score just two minutes later on a touchdown pass of their own. Mustangs added the PAT kick and cut the SES lead back to seven. Daniel Kejr would score his first rushing touchdown of the season about three minutes later to put the Trojans back up 20-7.
The final quarter did not see much movement. Southeast of Saline would play possession football and chew the clock up while adding one more score. Gebhardt would score from 21 yards away on his second rushing touchdown of the game. The Trojans would finish it off from there and get the road win, 26-7.
The Trojan defense only allowed 84 yards in the second half and forced 4 turnovers in the game. Southeast of Saline will be at home on 9/8 to host the Beloit Trojans.