The Manhattan High Varsity football team improved its record to 3-0 by beating Highland Park 70-0 at home on Friday night. The team’s 10 scores were posted by senior Vinny Smith, junior Jaxon Bowles, junior Jaxon Vikander, senior Talique Houston, sophomore Jacques Toliver, sophomore Ian McNabb, junior Deandre Auckland, sophomore Charles Morgan and junior Nate Chandler. 

According to head coach Joe Schartz, the players entered the game with an aggressive mentality. 

“We go into every game with the same mindset that we want to play fast and physical, and be assignment-sound,” Schartz said. 

After opening with a 35-0 lead in the first quarter, players beyond the first-team squad gained an opportunity to play. 

“In a game like this, the advantage is that you do get some Friday night snaps for your JV players and the subs,” Schartz said. “I know the kids enjoyed it and it’s going to pay dividends down the road.”

The team, ranked No. 5 in 6A, will return to action on Sept. 24 at Topeka High.