Gross guns down Emporia with six touchdowns

Junior quarterback runs for four touchdowns, throws for two more as Mustangs cruise 56-24

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Photo by Mykah Trusty

Central quarterback Gunnar Gross (9) completes a pass to senior wide receiver Talan Gary as junior offensive lineman Addison Branstetter leads the way with a block during the Mustangs’ 56-24 victory over Emporia Friday night at Salina Stadium.

The Salina Central Mustangs beat the Emporia Spartans in a 56-24 blowout Friday night at Salina Stadium with quarterback Gunner Gross playing his best game this season.

Gross went 15-for-21 on pass attempts, throwing for 283 yards and two touchdowns. Gross also rushed for 56 yards and four touchdowns.

Gross’ performance was more than enough to impress Head Coach Mark Sandbo.

“He looked really good,” Sandbo said. “He threw the ball off really good.”

Gross’ main target was Dez Gibson, who caught five passes for 94 yards and a touchdown.

“I definitely think the chemistry with the wide receivers is better,” Gross said. “We’re putting in extra work and everyone seems to be on the same page.”

Running back Kenyon McMillan had a big game with 107 yards rushing and a touchdown, along with 38 receiving yards and a TD through the air.

“He ran the ball really well and made some explosive plays,” Sandbo said.

McMillan said he was pleased with his performance.

“Yeah, I am happy with how I played,” he said. “I just need to work on the little stuff in my game.”

The defense only allowing 10 points in the first three quarters, allowing two touchdowns with a running clock in the fourth quarter.

Sandbo and the team already are preparing for the matchup in next week’s homecoming game against Andover.

“We better be ready,” Sandbo said. “Because they are gonna be.”