MHS Varsity football alone at top

Cole Schmitt, Staff Writer

Manhattan High (4-0) Varsity football spoils Washburn’s (3-1) Homecoming football game in a dominating fashion 44-7 to take over first place in the league.

“We continue to come together and play as one,” Joe Schartz, head coach, said. “All three phases of the game (offense, defense, and special teams) had success.”

MHS dominated from the start, holding Washburn to four and out their first two drives and responding each time with touchdowns. MHS would go into the half up 35-7. The Manhattan Indians would shut out Washburn in the second half and would score off a touchdown and a defensive safety.

Senior running backs Jaylynn Liggons and Kevontae McDonald each had over 100 yards rushing. McDonald had 20 carries for 146 yards. Liggons had 8 rushes for 108 yards, including an 84 yard touchdown run.

“A bunch of hard work and focus” was put in during weeks of practice, said Liggons.

Manhattan High’s defense continues to shine, holding Washburn to only seven points. The week before the Washburn quarterback and running back had over 300 yards. This week, the Indians defense held them both to less than five yards rushing.

Manhattan High’s special teams had a blocked punt by Raeshon Moore that put the Indians with good field position, and eventually a touchdown run by McDonald.

After Friday’s game, MHS took over the top spot in the Centennial League and are now the only team left that is undefeated in the league.

“This is a big win,” Schartz said, “However, we don’t prepare for the game with the idea we are tied for first. We prepare for the game knowing they are the next opponent on the schedule. We have to keep our focus, one week at a time.”

MHS (4-0) will return home next week to face off with Emporia (2-2) at 7 p.m. to try to extend their winning streak. This will be the Manhattan Indians’ Homecoming game.

“We have to remember what got us to this point,” said Schartz, “which is hard work and the willingness to prepare each week. Every player has to continue to contribute.”