Salina Central's Balanced Offense Is Brutally Effective

There have been quite a few surprises so far this fall with upsets seemingly every week. The reasons are varied, some offenses sputter early in the season, defenses get dinged up, teams underperform...all the usual suspects.   Then there are teams that are hitting on all cylinders and getting better every game. Teams like Salina Central who is flying high and unbeaten so far in 2025.   Six weeks down. Six games won.   Obviously, to stand undefeated at this point in the season after running a grueling gauntlet of games so far requires stellar play in all three phases of the game.   That is the case with Salina Central as well but the offensive side of the ball has been so impressive that I wanted to focus on it specifically and point out why it has been performing like a well-oiled machine so far this fall.   In this report we are taking a closer look at the Salina Central offense in order to unpack what has made them such a dominating force so far this fall. The defense has been playing lights out as well, and will be reviewed at a later date, but this report will be focused specifically on offense .   So without further adieu, let's take a look under the hood of this high-octane offense.     2025 SEASON SO FAR   Team record: unbeaten at 6-0   The Mustangs put an exclamation point on their undefeated season with last week's 23-13 victory over defending state champion Andover Central. Going into last week's win over the Jaguars, the offense was averaging 50+ points the last few games and getting stronger weekly. This week they have another test as they play in tonight's Thursday night game, hosting a dangerous Andover squad who stands at 4-2 on the season, with their only loses coming at the hands of 4A #1 ranked Kapaun in the season opener and then 6A #1 ranked Maize in game two. Since then they have been on a roll, winning four straight.   OFFENSIVE LINE   The war is usually won or lost in the trenches and for the Mustangs it is a devastating team strength. Averaging 275+ pounds across the front, they are also anchored by a pair of D1 bookend tackles. These guys are an impressive group who work well as an integrated unit and are all versatile enough to play multiple positions. They effectively set the stage for the offense to systematically dismantle defenses by consistently walling off in pass pro to supercharge the pass game or bust out the bulldozers to dominate in the run game.   [player_tooltip player_id='401683' first='Kaden' last='Snyder'], 6'6”, 305, OL, Salina Central, ‘26, the KU-commit is off to a strong start helping spearhead a dynamic offense that can beat teams in the air or on the ground. Lining up at left tackle he has prototype size, elite mechanics and the athleticism to overpower opponents or use his quick feet and instincts to gain quick leverage before burying defenders in the turf. So far this year he has been rock-solid as expected, allowing zero sacks and has delivered 40+ pancake blocks through six games for a powerhouse offense that is averaging 500+ yards a game in total yardage.   [player_tooltip player_id='557340' first='Warrick' last='VanBlaricon']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/warrick-vanblaricon/"></a> , 6'3, 285, OL, Salina Central, '27, he is another projected D1 trench warrior who is the other bookend tackle on the right side of the o-line. With excellent size, reach and quick feet, he is a smart, versatile offensive lineman who can play any of the o-line positions across the front. He is off to a hot start helping provide team leadership as well as consistently walling off in pass pro or delivering sledgehammer blocks in the run game. He is already getting significant next-level attention and rightly so, as he is a baller.   Saijon Mills, 6'1, 270, OL, Salina Central, '26, with the two above getting most of the attention, this guy has been flying under the radar somewhat but word is getting out that he is a force who is ready for the next level. Lining up at right guard he has a powerful base with quick feet that he uses to effectively pull and chip or just bulldoze the defender out of the gap. He is also a standout shotput/discus thrower and may play both sports at the college level.   Also stepping up: Reyce Kelley, 6'3, 265, OL, Salina Central, '27, the junior is another one flying under the radar but is starting to get some attention for his play so far this year. With ideal size and reach he can play any of the interior lineman positions but has settled in as the center to help solidify the inside game. Also starting along the front is left guard, Parker Pinks, 6'3, 290, OL, Salina Central, '27, who is another mauler with good size, a powerful base and is versatile enough to play tackle or center if needed.   BACKFIELD   The Mustang backfield is in good hands with a couple of guys who are playing as well as anyone in the state at their positions. With great line play up front and these two gifted playmakers in the backfield this is a difficult offense to try and contain. The two below are off and running on great seasons and are peaking at the right time.   [player_tooltip player_id='1579589' first='Griffin' last='Hall']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/griffin-hall/"></a> , 5'10, 175, QB, Salina Central, '27, as a first-year starter, he has not wasted any time establishing himself as one of the top young gunslingers in the state. A dual-threat who can beat teams with his arm or his legs, he has been red-hot all year, completing 78 out 106 passes for 1,090 yards, a sizzling 74% completion percentage, an impressive 15 TD passes to only one interception and an elite-level passer rating of 142 through six games. He has also run for 474 yards, averaging just under eight yards a carry and scoring four more touchdowns. This guy is a rising-star sharpshooter who is getting better with every game.   [player_tooltip player_id='1515945' first='Cooper' last='Reves']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/cooper-reves/"></a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/cooper-reves/"></a> , 6'2, 215, RB, Salina Central, ‘26, representing the other half of the Mustang backfield dynamic duo, this guy has been in beast mode all season and week end and week out has been one of the top running backs in the state. Through six games he is averaging 210+ yards rushing per game, piling up 1,261 yards on 129 carries, a 10-yard per carry average and has scored 11 TD's. He has also caught 16 passes out of the backfield for another 148 yards to give him1,400+ total yards and 12 TD's. This guy is a dominator who has all the tools, he can trample defenders running between the tackles or show his burst and acceleration roasting defenses on the perimeter.   RECEIVERS   Hall has spread the ball around to a number of receivers, with four guys tied for a team-leading 16 receptions (the first three guys below plus Reves above). The Mustangs have been effective getting the ball downfield to their receivers as well as hitting the RB out of the backfield. These guys have been leading the charge in the pass game.   [player_tooltip player_id='1515943' first='Keaton' last='Smith'], 5'10, 175, WR/RB, Salina Central, '26, he is a versatile playmaker who has caught 16 passes for 256 yards, averaging 16 yards per reception and has scored four touchdowns through six games.   Gannon Cole, 5'10, 160, WR, Salina Central, '26, the senior wideout has caught 16 passes for 287 yards and scored a team-high five receiving touchdowns through six games.   Brody Rodriguez, 6'1, 175, WR/KR, Salina Central, '26, he is a combo receiver/return man who hauled in 16 passes so far this year for 207 yards and has scored four touchdowns. He has also added another 100+ yards on kick returns.   Noah Peck, 6'5, 240, TE/WR, Salina Central, '26, he is a large-and-in-charge tight end who can flex out as needed and make the contested catch over the middle. Through six games he has caught 10 passes for 166 yards.   These guys are an impressive group with top playmakers in all the key positions. They are ultra-strong in the trenches, have a dynamic backfield that can air it out when needed or can run it down the throat of the defense as required.   In conclusion, get out and see an offensive machine in action while you still can.   And, as always -   Keep Grindin'

There have been quite a few surprises so far this fall with upsets seemingly every week. The reasons are varied, some offenses sputter early in the season, defenses get dinged up, teams underperform...all the usual suspects.