Salina Central Captures 5A State Championship with Dominant Second Half
Mustangs defeat Basehor-Linwood 51-34 behind Cooper Reves' 300-yard performance to claim program's seventh state title.
SALINA, Kan. — Salina Central completed a remarkable turnaround Friday night, capturing the Class 5A state championship with a 51-34 victory over Basehor-Linwood at Salina Stadium. The Mustangs, who finished just 4-5 last season, exploded for 41 second-half points after trailing 14-10 at halftime to claim their seventh state title and first under head coach Mark Sandbo.
Cooper Reves powered the championship run with more than 300 yards of total offense and four touchdowns, including 273 rushing yards on 26 carries. The senior running back was supported by what many consider the state's best offensive line and quarterback Griffin Hall, who added 63 rushing yards and a touchdown of his own. Salina Central's punishing ground game accumulated 336 total rushing yards while the defense forced five turnovers, including three interceptions by Jesus Delgado, Alex Garcia, and Eli Kreighbaum.
The victory makes Salina Central the first West bracket team to capture the 5A crown since Bishop Carroll in 2017, capping a 12-1 season. Basehor-Linwood quarterback Carson Dixon threw for 323 yards and four touchdowns, with Nash Morrison hauling in 124 receiving yards and two scores. The championship marks a stunning transformation for the Mustangs program, which has now won six consecutive games to close out their season.