Football Game Preview: Manhattan Tigers vs. Jefferson Panthers + Official Tickets

Manhattan is a perfect 3-0 against Jefferson since October of 2023 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Friday. The Tigers will challenge the Panthers at 7:00 p.m. Manhattan is currently enjoying a perfect season and no doubt wants to keep things rolling.

Manhattan is coming in fresh off a high-stakes matchup with another one of Montana's top teams: Broadwater, who was ranked 24th at the time (Manhattan was ranked sixth). The Tigers managed a 21-15 win over the Bulldogs on Friday.

Meanwhile, after only seven points in their last matchup, Jefferson made sure to put some points up on the board against Sweet Grass County on Friday. The Panthers simply couldn't be stopped as they easily beat the Sheepherders 42-6. With that victory, the Panthers brought their scoring average up to 27.3 points per game.

Manhattan better keep an eye on Tyzer Zody. He was instrumental in Jefferson's win, throwing for 200 yards and four TDs, while also rushing for 93 yards and one score on only ten carries. Zody is becoming a predictor of the Panthers' success: when he posts at least three passing touchdowns the team is undefeated (and 1-2 when he doesn't). Cobe Burnett was Zody's top target, picking up 62 receiving yards and three touchdowns.

Special teams played a big role in the game for Jefferson, adding 12 points to the final score. The biggest highlight from special teams (and perhaps the team as a whole) came courtesy of Mikael Richard, who ran a kickoff back for a touchdown.

Jefferson's win bumped their record up to 5-2. As for Manhattan, their victory bumped their record up to 6-0.

Manhattan strolled past Jefferson when the teams last played back in October of 2024 by a score of 37-19. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Tigers since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.