For both Manchester and Triway, this game was going to be a true measuring stick to see where each team stood. Manchester came into the night at 3-0, having beaten Smithville (3-1) in week 1, scoring 50+ points in each of its last two games, and being ranked #7 in DIV in the latest AP poll. Triway on the other hand came in at 2-1, getting a highlight win over DV playoff contender Waynedale in the previous week. Last season's matchup was won by Triway [I]at[/I] Triway, and this year's game was at the same location. That set up for what could be a deciding game in the Principal Athletic Conference race.
Manchester's bread and butter for decades has been their Big 10-like running philosophy, and this year is no different as they had already accumulated over 1,000 yards in their first 3 games on the ground. They didn't show any signs of slowing down in the first quarter as they jumped up on the Titans early as Hunter ran through a gaping hole in the line on his way to a 32-yard touchdown run. That would be it for Manchester's potent rushing attack, though. After their 74 rushing yards in the first quarter, they only amounted for 5 rush yards in the second, 16 in the third, and 7 in the fourth to finish with 102 on the ground.
Triway's Ben Cline followed up his 200-yard performance against Wayedale with another exceptional night against the Panthers. The 6' 195lb Senior running back answered right back with a bust up the middle and outran everyone down the sidelines on his way to a game-tying 64-yard run with just under three minutes to go in the first quarter.
The second quarter was all Triway. Ben Cline got going again by tacking on a 52-yard scamper down the sideline for a touchdown to give Triway a lead they would hold the rest of the game. The ensuing kickoff return saw Triway's Kenny Goldstein get a helmet on the ball as it came [I]flying[/I] out of Kreakbaum's hands and was pounced on by Triway's Patrick Jones to give the Titans excellent field position and a chance to break the game open. The Titans capitalized with 2:40 to go as Sophomore quarterback Derek Carmichael found senior wide receiver Stephan Shehy for a 13-yard strike to put the Titans up 20-7 at halftime.
The game slowed down in the 3rd quarter as both teams were trying to implement their halftime adjustments but could not get anything going. Manchester was winning the field position battle, though, as they upped the intensity and backed Triway up to its own 1 yard line by halfway through the fourth quarter. On 3rd down, Carmichael threw the ball down the sideline for what could have been a much-needed first down, but it was picked offf by Hunter of Manchester. Like clockwork after an emotional turnover, Manchester quarterback Stephen King went for it all on the very next play, finding his tall, physical receiver Tim Pfeiffer in the end zone for a 20-yard TD pass.
That would be all for the Manchester offense, though. After being held on 4th down in their own territory with just over 3 minutes to go in the game, Manchester's defense began to make mistakes. Two personal foul penalties assisted Triway in their game-sealing scoring drive that finished with 1:43 on the board and was capped off by Carmichael's 1-yard plunge into the end zone on 3rd down and goal.
The game was ultimately put on ice when Triway's Brandon Butcher (4 tackles, 1 TFL, 3 sacks, 1 INT) picked off King with under 30 seconds to go in the game. King started the game 0-8 passing and finished 8-22 for 143 yards, 1 TD and 2 interceptions (other intercepted by Triway's Kenny Goldstein). Manchester's star running back Zac Kreakbaum, who coming into the game had piled up 444 yards and 8 rushing TD's had only 51 yards on 12 carries. Hunter finished with 67 yards on 6 totes with his first quarter score.
Triway was led on the ground by Ben Cline who finished with 171 yards and 2 touchdowns on 21 carries. Carmichael, whose first varsity start came in the previous week's win over 3-1 Waynedale, was still filling in for normal starter Cole Drake who was out for the 2nd week in a row with a bruised knee. Carmichael showed no signs of inexperience as he exhibited a gutsy, physical, and [I]effective[/I] performance by going 11-14 for 68 yards with 1 TD and 1 interception. His primary target was fellow Sophomore Sawyer Polen who caught 7 passes for 35 yards.
Both teams will need to get back to work as they have key PAC-7 matchups coming up next week. Triway travels to undefeated CVCA in what could be another telltale game for the PAC-7 lead. They hope their defense can keep up their strong play up front as they will face one of the best running backs in the state in Pettigrew. Manchester will host a 3-1 Fairless team that is playing inspired under a new coach.
May God continue to bless you.
-Marcum
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