Manchester and Northwest are set to collide in a thrilling high school football showdown tonight at Northwest’s Dr. Martin Smilek Stadium. Both teams come into the game with a perfect 3-0 record, making this clash in the PAC-7 opener a highly anticipated event for fans and players alike.
In their last outing, Manchester pulled off a nail-biting victory over Marlington, thanks in part to a dramatic performance from Phil Partin. He made a game-securing interception in the end zone and also scored a crucial touchdown on a 1-yard run during overtime, helping Manchester secure a 29-22 victory. The Panthers displayed resilience by scoring 23 consecutive points in the game, showcasing their offensive prowess.
Partin has been a standout player this season, having scored multiple touchdowns across games against Coventry, Sandy Valley, and Marlington. His strong rushing ability, along with contributions from teammates like Yadin Sharp and Trevor Kusmits, has helped Manchester stay unbeaten.
On the other hand, Northwest comes off a solid win against Louisville, where, Chase Badger shone bright, throwing four touchdown passes and adding another rushing score. Badger has consistently shown his talent throughout the season, throwing for more than 200 yards in multiple games and connecting with his favorite target, Logan Allman, who has been a reliable receiver for the team.
The matchup will also feature important defensive plays, with players on both sides aiming to make key tackles and stops to support their teams. Players like Colin Smith for Northwest and others will be crucial in halting Manchester’s momentum.
This season, Manchester has bounced back impressively after a challenging 1-9 record last year. Coach Kevin Stacy, a Northwest graduate, hopes to lead his team to victory against his former school. Meanwhile, Northwest, under coach John DeMarco, is looking to build off its past playoff appearances and continue its strong start to the season.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m., and fans can expect an exciting battle of wills as two undefeated teams seek to establish dominance in the PAC-7. Check back here for live updates throughout the game!
