Sports Zone 11.25.23: SIU football advances to second round of FCS playoffs, Mayfield High School reaches state championship game

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – It was a momentous day in Carbondale on Saturday, as Saluki Stadium hosted its first ever FCS playoff game, and the Saluki faithful were treated to one of the most dominant performances of the year.

The scorinig started less than three minutes in, as the Salukis marched 74 yards on nine plays, and Ro Elliott scored from three yards out to give SIU a 7-0 lead.

Then, an interception set up the Salukis at the Nicholls 35-yard line, and Justin Strong punched it in from one yard out, so after just 5 1/2 minutes, the Salukis’ lead doubled to 14.

But the first quarter scoring would not stop there. After a Nicholls State drive that took 11 plays but barely reached SIU territory, the Salukis just kept on keeping on. SIU started on its own 20-yard line, but it took just two minutes before Nic Baker connected with Aidan Quinn for 14 yards and the score, and before the first 15 minutes elapsed, the Salukis already had a 21-point lead.

That lead would be more than enough, as the Salukis defense pitched its second shutout in the last five games, the offense added a couple more scores in the second half, and that adds up to a 35-0 SIU victory.

The Salukis will travel to No. 4 Idaho next Saturday for a second-round clash at 9 pm.

In high school football, Mayfield advanced to the Class 2A state championship game with a 31-28 victory over Beechwood on Friday night. Cape Central’s second straight final four run ended in a 52-22 loss to Cardinal Ritter on Saturday.