Class B Playoffs: Manhattan and Three Forks Set for Southern Showdown in Title Game
Get ready for an intense showdown as familiar rivals will battle it out for the coveted Class B championship title. In a thrilling playoff semifinal round, Manhattan and Three Forks emerged victorious, securing their spot in the All-South division championship game next week.
Manhattan, with an impeccable 11-0 record, maintained its undefeated streak, while Three Forks, boasting a 10-1 record, claimed their seventh consecutive win. This championship game will be a highly anticipated rematch of a regular-season conference match, where Manhattan emerged victorious with a score of 28-20 on September 19th.
Manhattan's triumph over Eureka, with a final score of 14-12, was fueled by Brayden Zikmund's exceptional performance. Zikmund showcased his versatility, scoring two long touchdowns. His first TD broke the deadlock in the second quarter, as he seized a rolling punt and returned it 45 yards for a touchdown. Shortly after, he caught a 78-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Tyson Pavlik, propelling the Tigers to a 14-0 halftime lead. Despite Eureka's valiant efforts in the fourth quarter, Manhattan's defense held firm, securing their advancement to the state championship game for the third consecutive season.
In a nail-biting semifinal, Three Forks narrowly defeated Glasgow with a score of 32-30. Quarterback Kanon Reichman was the driving force behind the Wolves' offense, completing 25 out of 39 passes for 318 yards and five touchdowns. Gavin Etchison, his top receiver, caught 11 passes for 132 yards and three scores, including a remarkable back-shoulder touchdown in the first quarter. Glasgow, led by senior Wyatt Sugg, put up a strong fight, with Sugg rushing for 143 yards and two touchdowns, and also catching a 46-yard pass for a score. Despite their efforts, Three Forks' resilient defense and Reichman's precision kept them in the game, ultimately securing their first-ever appearance in the Class B state championship game.
The stage is set for an epic showdown between Manhattan and Three Forks, with the winner claiming the coveted Class B championship title. Will Manhattan defend its title from last year, or will Three Forks make history? Stay tuned for the thrilling conclusion to this Southern B division rivalry!
