#4 Manual (2-1) travels to #5 St. Xavier (0-2) after defeating Eastern 41-3. St. Xavier is coming off a 48-10 loss to #1 Trinity. Manual has a strong defense and a dynamic duo at running back with JuWaun Northington and Ramont Townsend. St. Xavier has struggled offensively and Manual’s defense won’t be the right medicine for their woes. St. Xavier will be looking to build off a decent defensive performance where they held a powerful Trinity offense to 21 points. This has the makings of a low scoring game and also being a district game has high importance. Does Manual win and continue to make a case to be the #2 team in 6A? Does St. Xavier get enough offense to avoid going 0-3? 
 

Last year meetings:

Manual 20-19 (Regular season)

St. Xavier 28-9 ( 2nd round of 6A Playoffs)

Huge, huge game right here. For Manual, it's an opportunity to see where they stand relative to the top of 6A. The LaSalle game was a good showing by the Crimsons, but this is their first encounter with an in-state 6A contemporary.

For St. X, they just need a W. The abbreviated schedule has been brutal so far. A loss here, and they could potentially be looking at a losing season. The Tigers should be starving to get in the win column.

X and Manual split two meetings last year, with the Tigers emerging as the better team after a more decisive playoff win. With each side's respective motivations coming in, this has all the makings of a great one.

I have no idea what to think. While Manual has a very good stable of running backs, St. X typically does a good job of controlling the running game. If the Tiger offense can’t be more consistent then they may end up putting their defense in very tough positions. I’ll go with the Tigers in a close one... 17-14. 

Manual- 31

St. X - 24

The Tigers are hurt. That Crimson win last year was huge. But beating X in consecutive seasons will be bigger.

I'm calling it close, but wouldn't be surprised if Manual wins by 10-17 pts.

I think the Crimsons are just clearly better this year I think they will win by 14.

3 years ago, but I believe this group of seniors from Manual beat St. X on the freshman level. IF St. X loses this game, then this could be a season for the record books and not the good record books. 

9 minutes ago, LongTimeReader said:

3 years ago, but I believe this group of seniors from Manual beat St. X on the freshman level. IF St. X loses this game, then this could be a season for the record books and not the good record books. 

Manual won that game 14-7. The juniors when freshman beat Manual 22-20 but Manual also played sophomores in that game which made them more competitive. Bottom line is Manual has Multiple D1 players and can definitely win this game.

If my Tigers can't score their first offensive TD of the year it will be a long night. Oh, and look for more than one receiver.

Two service academy commits will be in game with St.X OT Evan Brown committed to Naval Academy and Manual WR/DB Braxton Cannon committed to Air Force Academy. They will be playing against each other for 4 more years. I’m thankful they chose to serve our Country.

 

This should be a competitive and fun game to watch.  I like Manual's defense in the game and Northington to make just enough magic during short field offensive drives to get the W for the Crimsons.  I also look for X to try a few more trick plays to spur their offense and try to isolate Smith on the outside.

Manual 17

X 14

The Tigers need this game but Manual is a better team! I’m pretty sure St.X has not had a losing season since the 1940’s !

Key for St.X is not turn the ball over. Turnovers have hurt them in both losses. Also will need to work on punt coverage after giving up two punt return tds to Trinity.

I just think at this point Manual is the better team.

In fact, they might be No. 2 - just ahead of Male. But still will be a good one.

Manual 28, St. Xavier 24

I see this as a low scoring game because both teams have hard nose defenses.  Until STX makes teams respect their offense, (both running and passing) Manual will play close to the LOS and force STX to throw the ball. 
Manual 14-10

This will be like a mid 90s slug fest. Tough defense and battle for field position. A key turnover will be the difference in this game, just hope it’s not one against the Green and Gold.