After dominating most of the year, adversity hit the Trojans in the state championship game when they were down 28-20 with less than two minutes remaining in the state championship game against two-time defending champion Nemaha Central.
Southeast of Saline tied the game with just 57 seconds left, then struck again moments later. With only 11 seconds remaining, he connected with receiver Tucker Thaxton on a 29-yard touchdown pass, clinching a dramatic victory and solidifying their place in Trojan history as they went on to win their first state championship since 2005.
“We were all excited after the game and the game-winning touchdown; we knew we had to finish the game,” head coach Mitch Gebhardt said. “Nemaha Central is a very good football team, and we knew we had to finish.”
Gebhardt and the Trojans have come so close in the past years, and to finally get over the hump for them was a dream come true.
“It was unbelievable the support from our community we had throughout this year and previous years,” Gebhardt said. “Southeast of Saline is a special place, and our community loves football. We have been close several times over the years, and to win it is a great feeling. I am very proud of this team. They never gave up on anything that was thrown at them throughout the year. The players and coaches went to work every day and worked to get better.”
