In some occasions, the opening game of the season is not fun to watch. Yellow flags, careless play and missed assignments often litter the game. That was the case in the first half Friday night as Southeast of Saline played host to Sacred Heart.

Early on, the game was played mostly between the 20-yard lines as both teams struggled to move the football. That would change with just under a minute left in the first quarter as Senior Seth Eklund returned a Sacred Heart punt 40 yards to the one-yard line. On the next play, Junior quarterback Jaxson Gebhardt would run up the middle for the first score of the game. Aaron Kitchener would add the extra point kick as the Trojans took the lead, 7-0.

The lone score in the second quarter would also belong to the Trojans when Senior Raef Boley scored on an 8-yard touchdown run. Another Kitchener kick would put the Trojans up 14-0 at the half.

During his halftime comments, Southeast of Saline Head Coach Mitch Gebhardt expressed his regret in not running the football more. That dedication was very clear in the second half as the Trojans started with the opening kick. It wouldn’t take long for Bryant Banks to get involved. After only 31 yards in the first half, the Junior tailback would pummel the Sacred Heart defense on his way to a 66-yard touchdown run. The ensuing kick was fumbled by the Knights and just two plays later, Banks was scoring again.

SES would score four rushing touchdowns in the third quarter and rush for over 100 yards. The Trojans led 42-0 at the end of the third, bringing the running clock into play for the fourth quarter. The Trojans would score two more rushing touchdowns and run to a 54-0 win.

Banks finished with 157 yards on just 11 carries and 2 touchdowns. Jaxson Gebhardt had 17 Carries for 83 yards and 3 touchdowns. Raef Boley added a score along with Freshman Michael Murray. Seth Eklund also found the end zone with a 66 yard punt return.

The Trojans dominated on defense as well with an interception and a fumble recovery.

Southeast of Saline will travel to Beloit next Friday night.