The Manhattan (KS) varsity football team will play a neutral playoff game against Northwest (Wichita, KS) on Friday, November 15, at 7:00 PM.

What: Kansas High School Football
Who: Manhattan (KS) vs Northwest (KS)
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

High School Football Showdown: Northwest vs. Manhattan

As the 2024-2025 football season heads into the playoffs, a highly anticipated matchup is set to take place between the undefeated Manhattan Indians and the Northwest Grizzlies. This game promises to be a thrilling contest as both teams have had impressive seasons, setting the stage for what could be a dramatic postseason battle.

Team Records and Performance

Northwest Grizzlies:

• Overall Record: 9-1
• District Record: 5-0
• Home Record: 6-0
• Away Record: 3-1
• Win Percentage: .900
• District Win Percentage: 1.000
• Points Scored (PF): 406
• Points Allowed (PA): 207

Northwest has been a dominant force in their district, finishing the regular season with a perfect district record of 5-0. The Grizzlies’ high-powered offense has averaged 40.6 points per game, showcasing their ability to score in all quarters, particularly in the fourth where they average over 11 points. They will look to continue their successful run into the playoffs with an impressive 9-1 record.

Manhattan Indians:

• Overall Record: 10-0
• District Record: 4-0
• Home Record: 5-0
• Away Record: 4-0
• Neutral Record: 1-0
• Win Percentage: 1.000
• District Win Percentage: 1.000
• Points Scored (PF): 494
• Points Allowed (PA): 110

Manhattan has been perfect this season, with a flawless 10-0 record, including a dominating district performance. The Indians’ offensive unit has averaged 49.4 points per game, outpacing opponents by a significant margin. Notably, their defense has been a standout, allowing only 110 points across the season, which speaks volumes about their strength on both sides of the ball.

Team Scoring Averages

Both teams have demonstrated the ability to score consistently, though Manhattan’s offensive output has been more substantial. Below are the scoring averages per quarter:

• Northwest Grizzlies:
  • Q1: 10.8
  • Q2: 7.3
  • Q3: 7.0
  • Q4: 11.2
  • Total: 40.6
• Manhattan Indians:
  • Q1: 19.3
  • Q2: 15.3
  • Q3: 7.6
  • Q4: 7.2
  • Total: 49.4

While both teams are adept at scoring, Manhattan’s offensive explosion in the first half often sets the tone for their games, giving them a strong lead to build on. Northwest, on the other hand, has proven they can rally in the second half, especially in the final quarter.

Previous Matchup

The last time these teams faced off, Manhattan emerged victorious with a 38-17 win over Northwest on October 11. The game saw Manhattan take an early lead, ending the first half with a commanding 24-7 advantage. The Grizzlies struggled in the second half, unable to close the gap. Despite a strong showing in the third quarter, Northwest was shut out in the final frame, as Manhattan sealed the victory with 14 unanswered points.

Key Team Stats and Leaders

Here’s a look at some standout players and statistics:

• Northwest:
  • Augie Fast – 169.2 rushing yards per game
  • Jaylen Mason – 169.4 passing yards per game
  • Ryder Campbell – 55.5 receiving yards per game
  • Quavon Harris – 9.8 tackles per game
  • Brady Johnson – 0.5 sacks per game
• Manhattan:
  • Carter Aslin – 118.1 rushing yards per game
  • Carter Aslin – 99.1 passing yards per game
  • Jj Dunnigan – 28.1 receiving yards per game
  • Colby Altevogt – 7.0 tackles per game
  • Evan Middleton – 0.4 sacks per game

Both teams boast star players in key positions. Northwest’s Augie Fast has been a workhorse in the backfield, while Jaylen Mason has been efficient in the passing game. For Manhattan, Carter Aslin has been a dual-threat as both a rusher and passer, and their defense is anchored by Colby Altevogt.

Common Opponents

Both teams have shared opponents this season, with each securing a victory:

• Junction City:
  • Northwest defeated Junction City 43-30 on September 20.
  • Manhattan won decisively 52-0 against Junction City on September 27.

The Road Ahead

With both teams coming off dominant regular seasons, all eyes will be on their upcoming playoff game on Friday, November 15 at 7:00 PM. Manhattan enters the game undefeated, while Northwest is eager to bounce back from their earlier loss to the Indians. The stakes are high, and both teams will be looking to make a statement as they battle for supremacy in the postseason.

As these two powerhouse teams clash, fans can expect an exciting, high-energy game full of intense moments and fierce competition.