The Salina Central Mustangs kicked off their 2024 season by beating Salina South 55-13, claiming their fourth straight Mayor’s Cup win.
“We have not had this long of a streak since 1991,” head coach Mark Sandbo said. “For this senior class to graduate and walk down that athletic hallway and see the Mayor’s Cup – it is pretty special for them.”
Despite the blowout, Sandbo said there were some mistakes regarding multiple flags thrown for unsportsmanlike conduct.
“We were not as disciplined as we would like to be,” Sandbo said. “But we addressed that over the weekend and on Monday, so we have gotten it corrected.”
Sandbo also pointed out South’s energy, which posed an early challenge for the Mustangs.
“They came out pretty fired up,” Sandbo said. “I think our biggest challenge was matching their energy. Once we settled in, though, you saw what we were capable of.”
After a competitive first half, the Mustangs’ defense dominated the second, holding South scoreless. Sandbo highlighted players like senior defensive end James MacKinney, junior defensive end Connor Carter, and senior nose guard Zach Calisti as key contributors.
“That is a credit to our box (defensive lineman/ linebackers) and our secondary (defensive backs),” Sandbo said. “Guys like MacKinney, Carter, and Calisti were terrific. We were able to get pressure with a three- or four-man rush, which is huge. When you can get pressure like that, it usually turns into a fun night, and that second half was a lot of fun for our defense.”
With the Mayor’s Cup win behind them, the Mustangs now turn their attention to their upcoming game at Arkansas City. Sandbo noted there are areas for improvement.
“We are going up against a well-coached team in Ark City,” Sandbo said. “They are looking for their first win, so we have to be ready for that challenge. One of the main things we need to work on is controlling the line of scrimmage. We were disappointed with our running game in Week 1, and that is going to be a big focus against them.”
Sandbo said another challenge for the Mustangs will be containing Arkansas City’s junior quarterback, Jordey Pierce.
“He is a good decision-maker, a solid thrower, and pretty athletic,” Sandbo said.” We have to contain him. Putting pressure on him will be crucial, and controlling the line of scrimmage will be important not just for this game, but for the rest of the season.”
The Mustangs will travel to Arkansas City for a 7 p.m. kickoff on Friday.
