Game Leaders
Team Stats
Passing Yards
Rushing Yards
Turnovers
Time of Poss.
GREENVILLE, Ill. - The Manchester football team traveled down to Greenville Illinois for week 3 of NCAA Division III football action. The Greenville Panther's showcased a high scoring offense as Manchester's slow start hindered them to a 22-49 loss.
The Panther's offense came out on their first drive and threw an interception. Junior Haylee Smith (Indianapolis, Ind., Charles A. Tindley) picked off quarterback Peyton Bates for his second interception of the 2022 season. The Spartans were unable to capitalize on the turnover and were forced to punt.
Greenville then scored touchdowns on their following two drives making the score 0-14 in favor of the home Panthers. Manchester was able to respond as quarterback Eric James (Indianapolis, Ind., Decatur Central)was able to connect with Lavar Lesure (Mt. Vernon, Ill., Wheeler) for a 9 yard touchdown. A blocked PAT made the score 6-14.
The Spartans were unable to score on their next two drives while Greenville scored 2 touchdowns to pull farther away 6-28. Manchester was able to close out the half with a 37-yard field goal by Aiden Beachy (Tuscola, Ill./Tuscola Community). The Black & Gold entered halftime down 9-35.
Turnovers halted any sort of comeback the Spartans tried to mount in the second half. The Panther's were able to force the Spartans into 3 second half turnovers.
Greenville's lead was too much for Manchester to overcome as the score finished at 22-49.
Despite the loss Manchester had a handful of outstanding performers in Saturday's game. Running back David Smith (Indianapolis, Ind., North Central) ran for 146 yards on 13 attempts for a 11.2 yards per carry. Junior Lavar Lesure had 5 receptions for 39 yards and a touchdown. Quarterback Eric James threw for 112 yards along with 2 touchdowns. The Manchester offensive line protected James well, only allowing Greenville to record 1 sack. Senior Devontay Moore (Indianapolis, Ind., North Central) led the Spartans defense with 7 total tackles on the afternoon.
The Spartans fall to 1-2 on the year while Greenville improves to 2-1. The Spartans enter their bye week this week. They will be back in action October 1st for their home opener as well as their HCAC opener against Mt. St. Joesph. Manchester will look to get back to .500 at Spartan Stadium that day at 1:30 p.m.