The Emporia Spartans used a 79-yard touchdown run from Rylan Crowell to keep pace with 6A #4 Manhattan early, but the Indians used a strong running game and stifling defense to pull away 41-6. Manhattan scored on their opening drive to make it midway through the first until two plays later, Rylan Crowell did what he’s done all season, make big plays like this touchdown run.
That run got a jolt of energy on the Emporia sideline but it didn’t last as the Manhattan running game took over as the Indians built a 27-6 halftime lead.
Besides the long Crowell run, Emporia never got consistent offense thanks to an unrelenting front seven that caused issues for the Spartans all night. Crowell finished the night with 17 carries and 105 yards in the loss. Emporia faces Washburn Rural next week.
