On Friday night, Manual’s football team beat the Meade County Greenwaves, 41-14. The game also marked senior night for the class of 2025. The Crimsons Crazies designated the game as camouflage-themed.
First Half:
Meade County received the ball to start the game after a Manual kick off. Manual’s defense quickly forced a three and out only seconds later, allowing Manual to gain possession for the first time in the game.
On one of the first plays, quarterback Kaden Mack (#6, 10) threw the ball to Trent Claypool (#3, 12) for one of the Crimsons’ first big receptions. After a few more plays, Gerian Traynor (#34, 10) was able to get the Crimsons a first down after being tackled in the red zone. Mack then threw a short pass to Willis Nofsinger (#5, 12) for the Crimsons’ first touchdown. The extra point by Parker Friedman (#53, 12) was good. Manual now led Meade County, 7-0.
Meade County got the ball back, but during the kick off, one of their returners dropped the ball and was forced to pick it up. As a result, the Greenwaves started off their drive deep within their own territory. They were not able to get the first down, punting a few plays later.
During the return, Nofinsger ran to the endzone for a touchdown, but Manual was penalized 25 yards for unsportsmanlike conduct and a block in the back. As such, the touchdown did not count, and Manual was pushed back into their own territory from the original spot where Nofsinger caught the ball, which was close to their own 30-yard line.
Despite this, Mack shoveled the ball to Aiden Blakey (#8, 12) who was able to sidestep a few Meade County defenders for a Crimson first down. The first quarter ended only a few seconds later.
To start the second quarter, Manual still had possession. A diving catch by Dahmarie Wilson (#14, 10) allowed the Crimsons to advance to Meade County’s 1-yard line. Shortly after Wilson’s crucial catch, Mack ran it into the endzone after a fake handoff for Manual’s second touchdown of the game. The extra point by Friedman was good, and Manual now led the Greenwaves 14-0, with 11:10 left in the first half.
Meade County then got the ball back, but the Crimson defense forced them to punt on fourth down. Once Manual got the ball back, Mack threw to Nofsinger for a first down. A few players later, he threw the ball for a touchdown, this time to Blakey for 35 yards. Friedman made the extra point, and Manual now led the Greenwaves 21-0.
Meade County got the ball back, but, yet again, the Crimsons’ defense forced a quick three and out, allowing Manual the opportunity to score once more before the half ended. And, only a few plays later, Laterrian Spencer (#10, 11) ran the ball into the endzone for Manual’s fourth touchdown of the night. The extra point by Friedman was good. The Crimsons now led the Greenwaves 28-0 with 3:28 left.
Meade County got the ball back, but Manual’s defense forced them to punt again. Manual then got the ball back, but they had to punt for the first time of the game shortly after. With only seconds to go, Friedman punted the ball for 52 yards. Meade County was not able to gain any offensive momentum as the clock ran out shortly later, ending the first half.
Halftime:
Halftime started with a performance by the national award-winning Manual Dazzlers. Their senior dancers were also recognized as a part of Senior Night. Following their performance, senior members of Manual’s Crimson Sound Marching Band and Color Guard were honored on the field with their families. The band and Color Guard then put on a short performance, playing Manual’s fight song, “Stand Up And Cheer” to conclude halftime.
Second Half:
Manual received the ball to start the second half, but the Crimsons punted the ball after they were unable to convert on third down. Meade County got the ball back, but they too were forced to punt after they were unable to convert. During the punt return, however, Manual dropped the ball and the Greenwaves were able to recover it near midfield.
Unflinched, Manual’s defense stopped Meade County from gaining any yards, forcing them to punt again. Brayland Miles (#14, 10) returned the ball for a couple of yards, but the Crimsons were penalized during the return for holding and a block in the back, pushing them back far into their own territory. As a result, Manual had to punt the ball, a 52-yard punt by Jackson Pritts (#17, 10), a few plays later.
Once Meade County got the ball back, they were able to advance down the field. During one play near the red zone, Meade County’s quarterback threw a 29-yard pass for the Greenwaves’ first touchdown of the game. The extra point was good. Manual still led Meade County 28-7 with 5:42 left in the third quarter.
Manual got the ball back, but Pritts, who took over as quarterback for Mack, threw an interception. Only a few plays later, Meade County was able to score a touchdown, making the score now 28-14, still in Manual’s favor, though. The clock ran out only a few minutes later, ending the third quarter.
Manual got the ball back to start the fourth quarter but punted it away a few players later. The Greenwaves then got the ball back on their 5-yard line. A quick three-and-out followed. Regaining possession, Manual was able to advance down the field until eventually, Rashad High (#7 10) ran into the endzone for a touchdown, Manual’s fifth of the game. The extra point by Friedman was unsuccessful, but Manual still retained their lead, 34-14, with 7:55 left in the game.
Meade County then got the ball back for their second drive in the fourth quarter. A roughing the passer call against the Crimsons’ defense allowed Meade County to gain a first down and advance into Manual’s territory. However, Manual’s defense was able to breach the Greenwaves’ offensive line, sacking their quarterback. With a loss of 10 yards, it was third down and 20. Meade County was unable to convert on third down and decided to go for it on fourth down. They were unsuccessful, however, as Chaz Stallard (#9, 12) was able to knock down a pass by Meade County’s quarterback.
Manual got the ball back near midfield but punted only a few plays later. Pritts kicked the ball 41 yards deep into the Greenwaves’ territory. Meade County punted a few plays later, allowing Manual to have good field position. A few plays later, Blakey ran it into the endzone for Manual’s sixth touchdown of the game, making the score 41-14, after Friedman made the extra point. Less than two minutes remained in the game.
“We really sort of took our foot off the gas a little bit in the second half and we just had to refocus, get ourselves together and they just did a good job of mentally refocusing and starting fresh,” said head coach Keith Eckloff.
Meade County got the ball back, but with little offensive momentum and a lot of Manual defensive momentum, they were unable to make any last-minute plays.
The game ended shortly later, with Manual winning, 41-14. The Crimsons now improve to 8-1, winning the Class 6A District 3 title in the process.
“It just feels surreal, really. Being a senior on one of the best Manual teams ever, I’d say…I can’t wait for college, but these are my brothers and I love them to death,” said Cameron Jessee (#19, 12).
“I mean, it’s senior night and I was just excited to be here and we’ve come a long way,” said Cash Zuuberer (#18, 12).
“I’m really glad for this group of seniors not just to get the win on senior night but also to become back-to-back district champions,” said Eckloff.
Manual will next play Male in the Old Rivalry Game at Veterans Memorial Stadium next Friday at 7 p.m.
