Despite a steady rain, it was business as usual for the Crimson defense, as it smothered the Western attack by forcing six turnovers and keeping the Warriors off the scoreboard in a 41-0 homecoming win at Manual Stadium.
Turnovers played the biggest role in Manual’s victory, as the Crimsons forced two interceptions and four fumbles. As has been the case all season, consistency was the key for the Manual defense, who earned their second shutout this season.
The turning point came with 6:48 left in the first quarter, just after Manual failed to convert a fourth and one opportunity. With Western facing a 3rd down and 7 at their own 25, cornerback Omari Alexander (12, #2) picked off Western quarterback Tyon Pearson (10, #6 ) and scampered his way in for a pick six to open up the scoring.
The Crimson offense showed much improvement as it capitalized on excellent field position and jumped out to a 34-0 halftime lead. In a sharp contrast to last week’s sloppy victory over Ballard, quarterback Tim Comstock (12, #3) led a balanced attack running through the Western defense. Comstock’s night was highlighted by two touchdown passes to receiver Eric Niemann (12, #84).
“Right when the defense makes a turnover, we just want to get out there and score immediately, which is a big momentum shift,” Niemann said. The senior wideout had just two catches, but both of them ended in the end zone.
It was an extra-special night for Niemann, who, in addition to successfully making two TD catches, was also named Homecoming King.
“All week, we have been talking about putting four quarters together of all aspects: offense, defense and special teams,” Niemann said. “Tonight we did that and that is why we got the result we wanted.”
Running back Troy Henderson (10, #29) was also a key contributor, with ten rushes for 89 yards and a 36 yard touchdown run.
“You get happy, you get a frenzy–it’s just like you get in the red zone and it feels like home,” Henderson said.
The second half was anti-climatic, as the Crimsons controlled play and used their ground game to take advantage of the running clock throughout the half.
The Crimsons are in action again next Friday at 7:30 p.m. as they travel to take on Butler High School.
