Varsity football dominates at Topeka West
Sophomore Ashton Brennan runs the ball down the field during the Manhattan High School Varsity football game. The rival game against Junction City took place on Oct. 5 at JC. The Manhattan Indians played hard, but their efforts weren’t enough and they lost their first game of the season 9-7.
October 26, 2018
Manhattan High Varsity Football (6-1) put on a clinic in Topeka last Friday night, beating Topeka West (1-6) 56-6 while missing players due to injury and illness. MHS has one more league game to decide the Centennial League Champion.
“It is that time of year when players suffer from illness and injury,” head coach Joe Schartz said. “This past week we had several key players out due to both illness and injury. However, we had several players step up. We started off a bit slow but soon picked up the pace with the first touchdown scored by sophomore Dayne Aschenbrenner with a 21-yard run.”
The Indians offense poured it on sporadically the whole night. Aschenbrenner alone from the touchdown run had a spectacular night, completing five of seven pass attempts for 55 yards. Senior Javon Peoples had a good night with nine rushes for 141 yards. Kalen Rauch had eight rushes for 83 yards and three touchdowns. Jaylynn Liggons rushed for 322 yards and scored a rushing and a receiving touchdown.
“Well, the offense was working well because our offensive line was blocking good,” Rauch said.
MHS has outscored its opponents 260-70 through the year.
While the offense had a great night, the defense wasn’t going to let them have all the credit.
The MHS defense was at it once again only allowing six points and totaling three turnovers. Both senior Raeshon Moore and junior B.J. Young had one interception. Senior Tyreek Toliver blocked a punt and he recovered it in the end zone for a touchdown. The MHS defense held Topeka to just seven yards rushing.
“Players bounced back after last week’s loss,” Schartz said. “And we continue to get better.”
Manhattan High Varsity Football (6-1) will return home next week to face off with Highland Park (0-7) on Senior Night.
“It’s going to be emotional since it’s my last regular season game,” Rauch said.
Schartz said he is proud of the seniors and is looking forward to honoring them Friday night.
“We are excited about honoring the senior players next week on Friday night,” Schartz said. “These seniors have shown great leadership and continue to work hard as we head into the last regular season game before the playoffs.”
