Toby Hammes – sports@themercury.com
Manhattan High football put together its most dominant performance of the season Friday night, routing No. 5 seed Wichita Southeast 45-6 in the Class 6A regional round.
In the first half, Manhattan overwhelmed Southeast in every phase, outgaining the Golden Buffaloes 227 to -12 in total yards. The Indians allowed just 3 passing yards and held Southeast to -15 rushing yards, controlling field position throughout and never allowing the Southeast offense to gain traction.
The performance marked one of Manhattan’s most complete efforts of the season, forcing a running clock to start the second half with reserves on the field.
Junior Joseph Mortensen led the early surge, collecting a hat trick of touchdowns in the first quarter. Mortensen ran six times for 30 yards and two scores, and tossed his first varsity touchdown pass, a 24-yard strike to senior JJ Dunnigan.
