The Manchester Academy Mavericks jumped out to an early lead against the Porters Chapel Eagles and were able to withstand a second half comeback attempt to pull away with a 40-34 victory.
The win improves the Mavs to 2-0.
“We were pleased with the effort the kids played with Friday night,” said MA Head Coach Bryan Dendy. “They played hard on both sides of the ball and were consistent throughout the game. I felt we got a little better from the previous week, and that’s what we want to do each game.”
Manchester opened the game with a pair of tone-setting big plays in the first quarter. Kemp Black scored on a 51 yard pass from Reed Miller, and Greyson Winstead had a 36-yard run to put the Mavs ahead 14-8 after one quarter of play.
Miller added another touchdown run in the second quarter and connected on a pair of touchdown strikes to Mills Paul (20 yds) and Tyler Johnson (57 yds) giving Manchester a 34-16 halftime lead they would never relinquish.
The Mavs totalled 380 yards total offense with 238 coming on the ground and 142 in the air.
Johnson led the Maverick ground attack with 112 yards and a touchdown on nine carries.
Winstead had 14 carries for 95 yards and a TD and Miller also had a touchdown run.
Through the air, Miller completed 5-of-9 pass attempts for 142 yards and three touchdowns.Black had two receptions for 63 yards and a TD, Johnson had two receptions for 59 yards and a TD, and Paul had one 20-yard touchdown reception.
Defensively Johnson led the way with 12 tackles. Paul had eight tackles and an interception, and Will Ketchum had five tackles and a fumble recovery.
Manchester faces perhaps their toughest opponent of the season this Friday when they travel to Briarfield.
