Crimsons take over at the 30 yard line after Omari Alexanders (12, #2) return in the first half. Photo by Kate Hatter
Crimsons take over at the 30 yard line after Omari Alexander’s (12, #2) return in the first half. Photo by Kate Hatter

Keys to the game: Manual football versus Western

1. Keeping the foot on the pedal

In the first quarter of the win over Ballard, Manual controlled the Bruins attack, while the Crimsons offense struck first to take a 7-0 lead. That advantage, however, did not last long, as both sides of the ball looked sluggish until finding their rhythm late and making several key plays to seal the win.  If the Crimsons can gain an early lead and stay consistent throughout, it will put a lot of pressure on the opponent to make big plays which do not come easy against a stifling Manual defense.

Quarterback Tim Comstock (12, #3) runs for a gain of four at the beginning of the first quarter. Photo by Kate Hatter
Quarterback Tim Comstock (12, #3) against Central. Photo by Kate Hatter

2. Getting strong quarterback play

Coming off a breakout junior season, expectations were high for quarterback Tim Comstock (12, #3). Through the first four games, Comstock has yet to find the consistency he exhibited throughout last season. He will look to improve on his 45 percent completion rate and most importantly to avoid the turnovers that plagued him against Ballard last week. If Comstock can get the offense clicking and hit on its big play capabilities, it will give a big boost to the Crimsons.

3) Home cooking                                             

Keon Farris (10, #35) stops Ballard's Shawn Smith (12, #21) in the first half. Photo by Kate Hatter
Keon Farris (10, #35) stops Ballard’s Shawn Smith (12, #21) in the first half. Photo by Kate Hatter

As they say in the Wizard of Oz, “There is no place like home.” The annual homecoming game and moderate temperatures should result in a sizeable crowd and a rabid collection of Crimson Crazies to motivate Head Coach Oliver Lucas’s squad. Look for Manual to clean up the turnovers from last week’s game and attack Western early. This is a perfect evening for the Crimsons to capitalize on their home field advantage and to build momentum heading into the meat of the schedule.

Prediction: Comstock and the offense will put on a show for the homecoming crowd and the Crimson defense will stay solid as Manual will win easily 31-7.

The Crimsons and Warriors will kick off Friday night at 7:30 p.m. at Manual Stadium. Stay tuned to RedEye and follow @theCSPNSports and @luke_carns on Twitter for coverage of the game.

Leave a Comment
Donate to Manual RedEye
$1005
$2500
Contributed
Our Goal

Donations are collected through The Publishers, duPont Manual High School’s booster club for J&C. Your donation will support the student journalists of duPont Manual High School. Your contribution will provide equipment and cover annual website hosting costs.

More to Discover
Donate to Manual RedEye
$1005
$2500
Contributed
Our Goal

Comments (0)

Any comments that are attributed, related and meaningful to the story will be approved. We reserve the right to decline anonymous comments.
All Manual RedEye Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *