Riding momentum from a 56-24 thrashing of Emporia last Friday, the 2-1 Mustangs are facing off against the 2-1 Andover Trojans Friday night at Salina Stadium.

Andover is a formidable opponent, Head Coach Mark Sandbo said, but they are a manageable opponent.

“This is a better team than what we faced last week,” Sandbo said. “Our kids are pretty honed in, they understand that Andover is a good football team.”

Leading the charge is quarterback Gunnar Gross, who threw for two touchdowns and rushed for four more against Emporia.

Even after last week’s performance, Sandbo is still expecting more out of Gross.

“I expect him to play better,” Sandbo said. “I think every week he needs to take a step forward, and I think he has.”

With the higher expectations, Sanbo is still very happy with how Gross has been playing.

“He’s a terrific player for us,” Sandbo said. “He’s making the right decisions and being the right leader.”

Overall, Sandbo is happy with how his team has been performing in games and in practices.

“We feel like our practices are getting better starting all the way from the beginning of fall camp to where we are now,” Sandbo said. “It helps when you put some W’s in the win column.”

It’s a big game for the Mustangs, but they are prepared and ready to defeat the Trojans for the first time since 2013.

“Coming under the lights Friday, we’ll be ready to go,” Sandbo said.