Manual is preparing for their first league matchup of the season on Saturday. They will host the Highland Huskies at 11:00 a.m. Keep an eye on the score for this one: the two teams posted some lofty point totals in their previous games.
On Friday, Manual didn't have too much trouble with Flatirons Academy as they won 42-27. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Thunderbolts.
Marcus Keller
| 09/26/25 vs Flatirons Academy | 140.5 |
| 10/11/24 vs The Pinnacle | 131.3 |
| 09/12/25 vs Denver West | 117.5 |
| 09/19/24 vs Mitchell | 99.5 |
| 10/26/24 vs Estes Park | 94.3 |
It was another big night for Marcus Keller, who threw for 218 yards and three TDs, and also rushed for 87 yards. The dominant performance also gave him a new career-high in passer rating (140.5). Ellis NamuWeusi-Clements got in on the action as well, converting a pick into a touchdown.
Manual didn't let much get past them through the air: they limited Flatirons Academy to a completion percentage of just 37.5%. The Thunderbolts weren't nearly as limited: they posted one of 63.6%.
Manual didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. The picks came courtesy of NamuWeusi-Clements and Kearre Watson. NamuWeusi-Clements got in on the action too, converting a pick into a touchdown.
Meanwhile, everything came up roses for Highland against Bennett on Friday as the squad secured a 41-7 win. The result was nothing new for the Huskies, who have now won four games by 27 points or more so far this season.
Highland's win came from a few key players Manual will need to keep an eye on. One of the most notable was Tyler Varra, who threw for 105 yards and three touchdowns on only six passes. Daryan Shaw was another key player, picking up 91 receiving yards and a pair of scores.
Manual's victory bumped their record up to 3-1. As for Highland, their win bumped their record up to 4-1.
Saturday's contest might be decided on the ground. Manual has been excellent on the ground this season, having averaged 184.8 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Highland struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 229.2 rushing yards. There's a good chance Saturday's matchup turns into a tough fight on the ground.
Manual was taken down by Highland 46-8 when the teams last played back in October of 2024. Thankfully for the Thunderbolts, John Bingley (who threw for 171 yards and a pair of TDs while completing 71.4% of his passes, and also punched in one touchdown on the ground) won't be suiting up this time. Will that be enough to change the final result? There's only one way to find out.
