Football Recap: Manitou Springs Starts Season with Defeat on the Road + How To Watch

Manitou Springs had to hit the road for their first game and it wasn't the result they were hoping for. They came up short against the Rye Thunderbolts on Friday, falling 28-3. The Mustangs were given a dose of their own medicine in this game as the Thunderbolts apparently hadn't forgotten their defeat the last time these teams played back in August of 2024.

Kaden Bunker threw for 106 yards on nine of 23 attempts. Maxton Bolster was his top target, picking up 51 receiving yards. On the ground, Noah Theys rushed for 30 yards.

Jackson Bjorum was a one-man wrecking crew For Rye. as he rushed for 160 yards and a pair of TDs while picking up 7.6 yards per carry. Those 160 rushing yards gave Bjorum a new career-high.

Both teams will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Manitou Springs will have a little extra prep time after the loss as they won't be playing again for a while. They'll take on Prospect Ridge Academy at 6:00 p.m. on September 6. As for Rye, they will head out to challenge Trinidad at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday.