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Manchester Outlasts Thomas Dale 38-35

Captains from Manchester and Thomas Dale meet at midfield prior to Friday night's Region 6A semi-final
Captains from Manchester and Thomas Dale meet at midfield prior to Friday night's Region 6A semi-final (Byron Jones)

For the sixth time in seven seasons, Manchester will play for a regional title after defeating Thomas Dale 38-35 Friday night. Ethan Minter scored the games first points on a 13-yard keeper (Kick Ibdah). However, Manchester would reel off 24 straight points. Devin Bryant knotted the game at seven on a 14-yard score (Kick Davis). After Jon Tyree fumbled the ensuing kickoff, Lancers placekicker Jon Davis booted a 32-yard field goal to put them on top 10-7.


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The Knights opening drive of the second period resulted in a punt that pinned Manchester down on their own two yard line. The Lancers marched right down the field and Jason Wright capped off the 11 play 98-yard drive with a one yard touchdown run (Kick Davis) to increase the lead to 10.

With 2:06 remaining in the half, Wright dropped a 69-yard touchdown bomb to Tyee Stephens (Kick Davis) to make the score 24-7 in favor of the visitors.

After the break, Thomas Dale put together a nine play 75 yard scoring drive that was capped off by an 11-yard touchdown run by Brandon Rose (Kick Ibdah) to trim the lead to 10. However, the Lancers were quick to respond with a score of their own. Devin Bryant made a 45-yard house call (Kick Davis) to put Manchester back on top 31-14.

The Knights refused to go away quietly. Ethan Minter scored his second rushing touchdown of the evening with 4:19 remaining in the third quarter (Kick Ibdah) to trim the lead back to 10.

However, Manchester would respond with another rushing touchdown by Wright early in the fourth quarter to go back up 17 (Kick Davis)

Ethan Minter connected with Donovan Woods for a 44-yard touchdown (Kick Ibdah) to make the score 38-28. The Knights defense forced a quick three and out to give their offense another shot at cutting into the lead. Minter would score his third rushing touchdown of the evening with 5:19 remaining (Kick Ibdah) and Thomas Dale was now within three points of the Lancers.


The Knights would get one final shot at tying the game or taking the lead. They began their final drive on their own 31 yard line with 3:45 remaining and worked their way down to the Lancers 13-yard line.

Thomas Dale was flagged for holding on 3rd and 8 from inside their own 10-yard line which really hurt them. Still, they were within striking distance after Minter found Shamari Earls for an 11-yard pick up.

On 4th and 9, Minter attempted to hit Rose on a swing pass, but the pass was just out of his reach. Manchester took over on downs and secured the victory.


Manchester (11-1) will host Western Branch (11-2) next week for the Region 6A title. This will be a rematch from last year's regional semi-finals where the Wolverines emerged victorious over the Lancers.

IMPACT PLAYERS

MANCHESTER

Jason Wright - 3/5 97 yards TD; 14 carries 98 yards 2 TDs

Devin Bryant - 19 carries 138 yards 2 TDs

Tyee Stephens- 2 rec 118 yards TD

Makai Byerson - 7 tackles Sack


THOMAS DALE

Ethan Minter - 11/18 210 yards TD; 19 carries 156 yards 3 TDs

Brandon Rose - 27 carries 145 yards TD

Donovan Woods - 2 rec 62 yards TD

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