#6 Ballard (4-1) will host #3 Manual (4-1) after defeating Butler 49-0. Manual comes off a 28-24 loss to Ohio #3 La Salle.

Manual against La Salle was up 17-7 after 3 quarters then La Salle outscored Manual 21-7 in the 4th quarter. Manual star RB had a rushing touchdown and a passing touchdown in the game. Manual racked up 349 yards rushing against La Salle.

Ballard cruised over a rebuilding Butler team.

Ballard is led by QB Tristen Hawkins 53-87, 824 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions. WR Chaunte Marrero is the top receiver with 274 yards and 4 touchdowns. The Ballard defense is led by D1 caliber recruit DE Jadarion Smith who has 39 tackles and 10.5 sacks.

Manual is led by QB Darien Wilson 19-38, 336 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 1 interception. RB JuWaun Northington has 4 touchdowns in 3 games. WR Curtis Reardon not counting the La Salle game has 176 yards and 3 touchdowns. The Manual defense is yielding a stingy 10.8 points per game. The Manual defense held La Salle to 249 total yards.   

This is a big 6A game with a opportunity for Ballard to move up or Manual can add a good win to the resume. Who gets the win? 

I’ll take Manual in this one, but I think it might be more of a slug fest game that Manual is used to. It will also be interesting g to see how Manual responds to their lose last week. Will La Salle beat them again or will they be able to move forward?

I’ll take Manual 17-7. 

Showcase of 6A up and comers.

I like Manual to win. I believe there will be a first half shootout, but the Crimsons pull away in the late game.

Manual-42

Ballard- 28

Thinking about making the trip for this one. I’m anxious to see these two and compare them to H, X, and T.

Video: duPont Manual Old Goat Radio | BoxCast

 

Manual 20-7 at halftime  

Beautiful place to watch a game. Ballard looked good early but Manual has gradually taken control of the line of scrimmage and the Crimsons’ linebacking corps is making every tackle. Ballard will have to adjust - develop a running game besides the quarterback if possible - but Manual appears to be the better club right now.

Ballard opens the second half with a nice catch and run score by Chaunte Marrero but then Manual rides Northington straight down the field. Manual 27-14, three minutes left in the third. 

First time seeing Northington by the way. Very impressive. 

37-yard touchdown pass to Gilbert Robbins to make it Manual 33-14 with eight minutes left in the game. Ballard crowd is heading for the exits. 

Thought Ballard had more in the tank...

Manual’s linebackers (5, 9, and 45) have made every tackle. They’ve been fun to watch.