Flag Football Game Preview: Thomas Jefferson Spartans vs. Manual Thunderbolts

The Thomas Jefferson Spartans will face off against the Manual Thunderbolts at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. Both come into the contest bolstered by wins in their previous matches.

Thomas Jefferson took a loss when they played away from home last Tuesday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Tuesday. They took down Kennedy 28-13. The win was a breath of fresh air for the Spartans as it put an end to their three-game losing streak.

Lia Rivera

Total Tackles

08/23/25 @ Northfield	1
09/18/25 @ Lincoln	1
09/22/25 @ Chaparral	1
09/25/25 vs Bruce Randolph	1
09/02/25 vs Lincoln	2

One reason for the win was Thomas Jefferson's imposing defense, which managed to get into the backfield for six sacks. The heavy lifting was done by Mai Travi and Lia Rivera, who racked up all six sacks between them. Rivera also set a new season-high mark in total tackles with seven.

Meanwhile, after only six points in their last game, Manual made sure to put some points up on the board against Lincoln on Tuesday. The Thunderbolts simply couldn't be stopped as they easily beat the Lancers 51-7. The result was nothing new for the Thunderbolts, who have now won eight matchups by 32 points or more so far this season.

Thomas Jefferson better keep an eye on Dayjah Fox. She was instrumental in Manual's win, picking up 113 receiving yards and four scores. Those four receiving touchdowns gave Fox a new career-high.

Manual didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off five passes before the game was over. The picks came courtesy of Fox and Lelani Mack.

Thomas Jefferson's victory bumped their record up to 5-9. As for Manual, their win bumped their record up to 12-2.

Thomas Jefferson ended up a good deal behind Manual in their previous matchup back in September of 2024, losing 15-0. Can the Spartans avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.