The Manhattan Varsity football team (1-0) went up to Olathe Northwest (0-1) and dominated on away soil. The win gives them confidence going into a well-anticipated rematch of one of the best games of the year last year against Topeka High.

“I am satisfied with our overall performance,” head coach Joe Schartz said. “But there is clearly work to do in order to be ready for Topeka High this upcoming week. Our offense will have to cut down on the penalties. We cannot have 12 penalties for 104 yards and expect to win games. The kids played hard which I fully expected of them. I was proud of their efforts. Now we have to refocus in preparation for week two.”

The offense and defense for the Indians played great. The defense created four turnovers, while the offense scored six touchdowns. For the defense, senior Tyce Hoover was the standout player in the game. He had one fumble recovery and one interception while leading the defense to a 7-point standoff against Olathe Northwest. 

“The defense will have to continue to make stops and create turnovers and become better tacklers,” Schartz said. “We can’t give up big plays.”

Junior quarterback Dayne Aschenbrenner had three rushing and one passing touchdowns, the throw going to senior Tyler Higgins. Higgins might be a senior but this is his first year playing football since middle school. Senior running back B.J. Young had 13 carries for 135 yards and two touchdowns.

The Indians will now move onto next week’s game against the team they not only tied with for Centennial, but produced an electrifying 21-20 win at home in overtime — Topeka High. 

“I anticipate the Topeka High game to be fast and physical,” Schartz said. “Our team will have to be prepared for that.”