Coming off of an 8-3 record in 2022, the Mustang football team is aiming even higher this season.
“The number one goal is to win state,” said senior quarterback Gunnar Gross, who threw for 14 touchdowns and more than 1,600 yards last season.
The Mustangs have reason to be confident. Last season, they won their regional for the first time since 2013 and their league for the first time since 2005.
“There’s been a lot of talk about a state championship,” said senior wide receiver Hunter Mowery, who caught eight touchdown passes while averaging 15 yards per reception last season. “I think we have a serious shot at it. We are returning the majority of our key starters from last year, and we have some solid underclassmen.”
Head coach Mark Sandbo said he feels an unfinished aspect of the team’s success last year.
“We felt like there’s still some meat left on the bone,” he said, “but overall we had a really good season.”
Though the players have a large goal, Sandbo emphasized taking the season one step at a time.
“Before we start talking about state championships, let’s start with our first win,” Sandbo said.
The team struggled at times defensively last year, giving up 33 or more points on five separate occasions. Sandbo said he sees improvement coming in that area.
“We expect to be a little bit better or maybe significantly better on the defensive side.” he said.
While some of the players said their goal was to win a state championship, Sandbo had a different answer to that question.
“Win the opener, win the cup, win the league and play some November football,” he said.
The Mustangs open the season Friday night at Salina Stadium against crosstown rival Salina South. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
