By TYLER HENRY
Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post
The Rock Creek Mustangs (6-3) dominated the Chapman Fighting Irish (3-6) on Friday night, putting on a show for the home faithful en route to a second-round playoff berth.
While the season comes to a close for Chapman, the Mustangs will make the trek to Wichita for a Round of 16 bout with 8-1 Wichita Collegiate next week.
Rock Creek’s defense stole the show in this one, accounting for four of the Mustang’s eight touchdowns on the day.
The party started in the first quarter, when a punishing hit on an Irish ball carrier jarred the ball loose, leading to a 60-yard scoop and score for Eli Bell.
That score put the Mustangs ahead 13-0, and Rock Creek wouldn’t have to wait long for another, as the Irish fumbled the ball away in their own end zone for six more points.
Eager not to fall behind, the offense kicked into high gear, as Mack Lee hooked up with Daegen Vinduska for a 53-yard touchdown strike.
That capped off just the second drive of the day for the Mustang offense, which needed just five plays to drive the length of the field for two scores.
On the ensuing drive, Rock Creek tipped a pass that found the mitts of Kade Wellfringer who returned it to paydirt, and on the very next play, they did it again, as Vinduska added a defensive touchdown to his collection.
At the intermission, the Mustangs led 40-6 and they never looked back, cruising down the home straight to claim a 54-18 victory.
The Mustangs and Spartans will square off at 7:00 next Friday in Wichita, with a ticket to the 3A quarterfinals on the line.