Salina Central makes it to the Class 5A state finals for the first time in 20 years with a 30-28 victory over Great Bend last night.

The last time Central went to state was in 2005 with a 13-0 win streak.

Great Bend was in favor of winning as they were #1 in 5A State (previously undefeated).

During the first quarter both teams tied with six points. Running Back Cooper Reves made the first touchdown of the game.

The ‘Stangs tricked the Panthers with a fake field goal attempt during the third quarter, passing to Wide Receiver Bodie Rodriguez in the end zone for a touchdown, giving them a sixteen point lead.

The Mustangs led the rest of the second half, but the Panthers fought their way back to cut the deficit to two. They scored a touchdown going up 30-21 with under a minute to go.

The Panthers rallied with another late touchdown, but it ultimately didn’t matter as the Mustangs recovered the onside kick attempt, ending the game with a massive upset on the road, winning 30-28.

The Mustangs now go up against Basehor-Linwood (12-0) next Friday at 2 PM in Emporia for the right to call themselves the 2025 5A football state champion.