Crimsons shut out Ballard in the battle of the undefeated
Manual’s cheerleaders wave to the student section.
September 24, 2022
The Crimsons defeated the Ballard Bruins 21-0 on Friday night at Manual Stadium. The game was designated jersey night by the Crimson Crazies.
First Half:
During the first quarter, the ball was exchanged back and forth between the Crimsons and the Bruins. Although the Bruins were able to bring the ball into the red zone twice, they could not score a touchdown, resulting in several field goal attempts. However, the Bruins missed both attempts.
Defense was a very important factor during the first half as the score remained 0-0 until the second quarter.
However, with a little over four minutes remaining in the first half, Zeek Washburn (#22, 11) put the Crimsons on the board with a 1-yard touchdown rush, with the extra point completed by Parker Friedman (#34, 10). Crimsons then led the Bruins 7-0.
Halftime:
Halftime began with a performance from the Manual Dazzlers.
It was then followed by a performance from the marching band, the Crimson Sound, alongside the Colorguard.
Halftime commenced with the Manual’s Athletic Department recognizing the girls’ track team, alongside coach Tim Holman, for being the 2022 Class 3A Girls’ State Track & Field Champions.
Second Half:
Defense was significant again in the third quarter, as both the Crimsons and the Bruins exchanged punts. The score remained 7-0, with Manual in the lead.
With a little over six and a half minutes left during the fourth quarter, Zeek Washburn (#22, 11) scored again for the Crimsons with a 37-yard touchdown rush. Extra kick by Friedman was successful. Manual now led the Bruins 14-0.
Ballard then received possession of the ball after the kickoff. While around their own 25 yard line, linebacker Miles Rhodes (#13, 12) intercepted the ball and ran it back for a touchdown. This happened to be Rhodes’ second touchdown of his school career, with his first being in Manuals’s 47-14 win over the Bruins last year. Extra kick by Friedman was successful once again. Manual was in the lead 21-0.
Rhodes was later presented with the game ball.
The game ended shortly after, Manual winning 21-0.
When asked how he thought the team played, quarterback Tyree Stoner (#7, 9), said “I think we played great. We had a few mishaps in the first half, but we came back in the second half stronger and better,” citing that their newfound confidence and determination to win came from Head Coach Donnie Stoner’s “strong speech” during halftime. This speech ignited a fighting spirit in the Crimsons.
Manual (6-0) will face off against St. X at St. X on October 7th at 7 pm. When asked how he felt about playing St. X, Stoner said he “can’t wait.”
