The Manhattan Indians used a powerful offensive line and strong running game to overpower the Junction City Blue Jays 16-7 Friday night at Al Simpler Stadium.

The Indians put together a drive of more than nine minutes and 17 plays in the second quarter to take the lead on a one yard scoring run by quarterback Erik Prockish. Junction City went ahead 7-6 in the third quarter after Tanner Lueker hooked up with Jovan Baldwin on a 74-yard scoring pass play and kicked the extra point.

But Manhattan countered on their next series with a field goal by Joe Trujillo to go back on top 9-7. The Indians capped off the scoring in the fourth quarter with another score.

Manhattan coach Joe Schartz felt his team’s offensive and defensive lines controlled the game. “We weren’t quite sure coming in because typically Junction City has a big powerful offensive line and we didn’t know if we could control them or not.”

Junction City coach Randall Zimmerman said the strength of their Manhattan team is the offensive line. “Chris Martin ( running back ) really carried the load tonight. The quarterback does a great job of getting the ball where he needed to get it.” Zimmerman noted the Blue Jay offense had a tough night.

Junction City fell to 4-2 with the loss, while Manhattan improved to 6-0. The Indians claimed the Sportsman Trophy ( Silver Football ) with the win. That trophy goes to the winner of the annual game between Junction City and Manhattan.