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DEFIANCE, Ohio- The Spartan football team were edged out by the Defiance Yellow Jackets in an HCAC matchup on Saturday, November 5th. Defiance beat MU 24-21.
Manchester struck early, scoring a touchdown in the first quarter on a 4-yard rush from David Smith (Indianapolis, Ind., North Central). The Yellow Jackets were quick to answer with a 85-yard kickoff return by Clark D'Realyst.
Jordan Ambrose finished with 167 passing yards on the day while adding 53 rushing yards for Defiance. Deyante Fowler and Tawann Rome pulled in a combined 103 receiving yards. Zeke Sanchez went 3-3 on point after attempts for the Yellow Jackets, adding 1 field goal in the second quarter for 19 yards to help lead Defiance to victory. The Yellow Jackets improved to 2-7, 2-4 HCAC.
David Smith gave an impressive performance, racking up 202 rushing yards, including the first touchdown for the Black and Gold. Gabe Melvin (Jacksonville, Fla., Atlantic Coast) and Cam Hall (Savannah, Ga,, Memorial Day) pulled in a combined 171 receiving yards. Defensively for MU, Markell Jackson (Sarasota, Fla., Manatee) had 7 solo blocks and 1 interception during Saturday's matchup. Senior Devontay Moore (Indianapolis, Ind., North Central) also added 10 total tackles, 1 sack, and a forced fumble for the Spartans. Manchester falls to 1-8, 0-6 HCAC.
Manchester will conclude the 2022 season at rival Anderson for the Bronze Ball Game on Saturday, November 12. During their last matchup, the Spartans took home the win with a final score of 3-0. Kickoff next Saturday is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.