Football Recap: Manhattan Beats Maize for Their Fifth Straight Victory + How To Watch

Indians

Margin (Wins)

10/17/25 vs Topeka	50
10/24/25 @ Washburn Rural	43
09/12/25 @ Lawrence Free State	40
11/07/25 vs Southeast	39
10/03/25 @ Emporia	35

Manhattan had already proven themselves in the regular season and they didn't miss a beat now that it's playoff time. Everything went their way against the Maize Eagles on Friday as they made off with a 55-31 victory. Considering the Indians have won eight matchups by more than 23 points this season, Friday's blowout was nothing new.

Manhattan got their win on the backs of several key players, but it was Ja'Marcus Vornes out in front who rushed for 76 yards and one TD. The bulk of those rushing yards came from one huge play: a run that gained an incredible 60 yards. Manhattan also got a significant boost from Kha'Mario Davis, who ran away from the competition to the tune of 88 yards.

Manhattan didn't let much get past them through the air: they limited Maize to a completion percentage of just 37.5%. The team can thank Michael Hamm for the heroic effort on defense: he. Manhattan has been improving in that area: they had allowed a completion percentage of 0.59 earlier this season, but they've only allowed one of 0.59 in their last three games.

Manhattan didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. In fact, those interceptions all came courtesy of defensive juggernaut Nisbyc Johnson. JJ Dunnigan was another major factor on D, forcing one fumble and making 13 total tackles.

Despite the loss, Maize still got an impressive performance from Shannon Jones, who rushed for 53 yards and one touchdown.

The victory was the fifth in a row for Manhattan, bringing their record up to 9-2. The wins came thanks in part to their defensive effort, having only surrendered 10.4 points on average over those games. As for Maize, their loss was their first of the season and makes their record 10-1.

Coming up, Manhattan will take on Derby at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Maize does not have any more games scheduled as of now.