For the first time since 2004, the Mustangs will face crosstown rival Salina South in the playoffs. The winner will advance to the state semi-finals to play the winner of Hays vs. Great Bend in the 5A West Championship game. 

Deep into the playoffs, this game brings an energy beyond the early season match up between the schools senior linebacker Jesus Delgado said.

“This game is really make or break for both teams,” Delgado said. “I feel like that’s what differs from a normal Mayor’s Cup.”

Earlier this season the Mustangs claimed the Mayor’s Cup for the fifth year in a row with a 31-21 victory over the Cougars.

The team is looking forward to the game, especially because a rivalry brings a different kind of fight to the field.

“We’re excited to play every week, but we’re just playing with a chip on our shoulder this week,” senior wide receiver Gannon Cole said, “trying to do the best we can to beat that team.”

Despite the intensity, the ‘Stangs are preparing for this game just like any other, and are going into it with that mindset Cole said.

“We like to say every week we want to be 1-0,” Cole said. “We just want to win. And that’s it. Same thing as normal.”

Delgado said that on the defensive end of the ball, they plan to execute as normal.

“I would say the mindset going into this is to beat the guy in front of you and do your job,” Delgado said. 

Ultimately, the goal is to win the game just like any other, Cole said, rivalry aside.

“It’s big stakes,” Cole said. “It’s obviously a rivalry, and we just want to beat those guys across town.”