Manhattan advances to SubState after hosting Wichita Northwest in the third round of the playoffs for a 27-18 victory on Friday. 

Manhattan’s defense showed up ready on Friday as they picked off the Northwest quarterback on their own one yard line to set up MHSfor their first score of the game to go up 6-0 early in the first. To finish off the first quarter the Indians stopped NW on a fourth down in Manhattan territory. 

During the second quarter Manhattan would go all the way down field on a 63 yard drive to punch in another rushing touchdown from senior quarterback Keenan Schartz to make the score 12-3 near the end of the second. The MHS defense held up during the second quarter, forcing a turnover on downs, a missed field goal and a forced fumble while only allowing a single field goal during the first half.

“We really embrace the challenge each week,” Schartz said. “And, you know, we spend a tremendous amount of time watching film and preparing for our opponents and I think that’s why we’re more successful than others.”

Manhattan came out in the third slow on both sides of the ball as the defense would allow a touchdown and the offense would miss a field goal and fumble the ball that was recovered by NW. MHS led going into the fourth quarter 13-10 but would need to work harder if they wanted to win. In the fourth Manhattan showed the same dominance they used all season long as they went on to score a rushing and passing touchdown back to back in the fourth to increase their lead to 27-10 with 7 minutes left. NW set themselves for a touchdown up with three minutes left in the game and attempted an onside kick but failed. Manhattan won 27-18 to advance to SubState. 

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

Manhattan’s next game is on Friday vs Derby for the second time this season.