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NORTH MANCHESTER, Ind. - This past Saturday the Spartan football program honored it's senior class prior to the HCAC contest against Franklin. Twelve football seniors along with three cheer seniors were honored in the pregame ceremony.
The Spartans entered the game looking for their first HCAC win of the season but the Griz halted that goal taking the win 6-24.
The Spartans lone score came from Manchester's second drive as they capped off a 95-yard drive with a 15-yard David Smith (Indianapolis, Ind., North Central) touchdown run. A missed extra point would make it 6-0.
Franklin went on to score 24 unanswered points as Manchester's offense stalled and was unable to find the endzone the rest of the game. The Griz scored thanks to a total of 3 touchdowns, including the PATs, and a field goal.
Despite the loss, the Spartans individual offensive performances were strong. Smith lead the Spartan rushing attack, accumulating 121 yards on 24 attempts including a touchdown. Quarterback Eric James (Indianapolis, Ind., Decatur Central) went 14-25 with 161 yards through the air with no interceptions. Senior Joseph Powell (Beach Park, Ill., Zion Benton) lead the Spartans in the receiving category, hauling in 4 receptions for 60 yards. Teammate Cam Hall (Savannah, Ga,, Memorial Day)) followed close behind with 3 catches for 41 yards.
On the defensive side of the ball Manchester senior Josue Castro (Miami, Fla., Westland Hialeah) had a great showing on his senior day totaling 11 tackles and 1 pass breakup. Fellow senior Marvin Collins (Riviera Beach, Fla., Palm Beach Gardens) also shined as he racked up 9 total tackles. Junior Jamaal Hubbard (Russelville, Ala., Russelville) added to his interception total for the season, picking off the Franklin quarterback in the 3rd quarter to bring his season total to 2.
The Black & Gold will be on the road for the remainder of the season. Their next game will be at Defiance with a 1:30 p.m. kickoff.