Salina Central Upsets Great Bend 30-28 in 5A Semifinal
Mustangs advance to first state championship game since 2005, ending Panthers' perfect season
SALINA, Kan. — Salina Central pulled off a stunning upset Friday night, defeating previously unbeaten Great Bend 30-28 in the Class 5A semifinal to punch their ticket to the state championship game for the first time since 2005. The Mustangs' victory ended the Panthers' perfect season and capped a remarkable turnaround for a team that finished just 4-5 last season. Coach Mark Sandbo's squad relied on dominant offensive line play and a powerful backfield to control the game against the favored Panthers.
The victory extended Salina Central's winning streak to five games and improved their record to 11-1, while Great Bend suffered their first loss of the season to finish 11-1. The Mustangs will now face Basehor-Linwood for the Class 5A state championship next Friday, November 28, at 2:00 p.m. at Welch Stadium on the Emporia State University campus. During their five-game winning streak, Salina Central has averaged 48.8 points per game, showcasing the offensive firepower that carried them to this historic upset victory.