Salina Central Defense Leads Mustangs Over Rival Cougars

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I opened up the season by scouting a city rival game between Salina Central and Salina South.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In a game marred with personal foul penalties, the Mustangs came from behind to defeat the Cougars 55-13.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I scouted my first game a little differently this season and instead of keeping stats in the press box, I roamed the sideline and just took notes on player's techniques and key plays in the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here is a look at four ranked prospects who had outstanding games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Redzone subscribers stay tuned tomorrow for a report on Salina South prospects and more offensive linemen prospects from both teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='866495' first='Tyrus' last='Young']</strong>, ATH, 6'1”, 200, Salina Central, ‘25</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Young is currently ranked No. 119 overall. The Mustangs have two talented linebackers and Young might be the quicker of the two. He can close up a gap and finish off tackles. He is a high-energy linebacker who plays with an emotional edge. He got his head to the correct side when making tackles and wrapped up ball carriers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1112371' first='Jack' last='Gordon']</strong>, QB, 5'11”, 185, Salina Central, ‘25</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Redzone scout Wade Cargile is a big proponent of the Salina Central Mustang signal caller. I now see why after catching him play in person. Gordon is currently ranked No. 328 overall, and I can honestly say he is under-ranked. He has a quick release and can throw a deep ball. He is quick and can be a factor in the run game. He plays with poise and is hard to tackle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1114751' first='Jesus' last='Delgado']</strong>, LB, 6'1”, 205, Salina Central, ‘26</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Delagado is currently ranked No. 150 overall in the Kansas Class of 2026. He caught my eye on an excellent open-field tackle on special teams early in the game. He is lightning-quick and tough as nails. If he continues to play like he did in week one a bump in the rankings is highly likely.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='557340' first='Warrick' last='VanBlaricon']</strong>, OL, 6'4”, 285, Salina Central, ‘27 (Pictured Above)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>VanBlaricon is ranked No. 2 overall in the Kansas Class of 2027 and is the top-ranked offensive lineman. This dude wears out the opposition both physically and mentally. I don't want to be the guy who lines up against him. I was very impressed with the right tackle's blocking on screenplays. He is long, strong, and can get extended against defenders. He will only get stronger and more technically sound as he continues to gain experience.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->