The Manhattan High Indians finished off their 2022 regular season at home vs. Wichita Northwest on Friday to go 8-0 on the season. Following Manhattan’s win on Friday, they’re now the only undefeated 6A team in the state, granting them the number one seed for the playoffs and home field advantage the whole rest of the playoffs. 

MHS started the year off going 3-0 before playing a strong and physical Washburn Rural team at home. Both teams came out strong and ready for this game as it came down to the final play of the game, and both fought, as the score at half was 21-17 Manhattan. During the second half, each team only scored one touchdown bringing the score to 28-25 Manhattan with only two minutes in the game. Washburn had a strong drive from their own 20 going down to the 50 yard line when the Washburn quarterback threw a bad ball that was intercepted by junior safety Max Stanard to seal the game and remain undefeated.

They then went to play Emporia where they won in an outstanding game led by senior running back Deandre Aukland, having only two carries for 88 yards and one touchdown that contributed to their 58-7 blowout win to improve to 5-0.

“[our coaches] push us every day, ” senior Deandre Aukland,“and we work hard so it’s just a result of our work.”

The Indian’s next game was against their rivals the Junction City Blue Jays as they would battle for the silver trophy. Manhattan did not hold back this game as seniors Deandre Aukland and Keenan Schartz ran for a combined 208 yards and two touchdowns apiece. MHS closed out the game only allowing one touchdown in a 44-7 blowout to keep the Silver Trophy home for another year.

“This game means a lot to everyone, and it’s always a big game” senior wide receiver Jaxon Bowles said.”We all played our part in the game, and that’s what made us the better team out there.”

For Homecoming, MHS hosted Lansing for a game that would not disappoint the crowd. This was an electric Manhattan as they combined for 297 yards rushing and rushed for six touchdowns in a 65-0 blowout, as the Indians improved to a 7-0 season with only one more regular season game left to play.

“It’s a really special place to play,”Schartz said,”and I’m proud of our team for embracing the pressure of playing at home in front of all our fans.”

Manhattan hosted Wichita Northwest last Friday for Senior Night, celebrating 20 outstanding seniors. MHS started off on a great foot offensively vs WNW but their defense could not stop them in the first quarter. Manhattan’s defense would then bounce back in the second quarter allowing zero points, as their offense would take care of business to be up 28-14 at the half. Manhattan did not give up the whole game, as they continued to dominate on the ground and complete the perfect regular season out as they won 56-28 to go 8-0 in the regular season.

“We’ve handled it well this year,” head Coach Joe Schartz said, ”and I’m very proud of the kids and them stepping up to every challenge that’s come their way.”

Manhattan’s next game will be at home vs. Wichita North on Friday to start the postseason.