Class B Playoffs: Manhattan and Three Forks Set Up an All-South Championship Showdown
Get ready for an intense showdown as familiar rivals gear up for the ultimate prize in Class B! In a thrilling playoff semifinal, Manhattan and Three Forks emerged victorious, securing their spot in the All-South division championship game next week.
Manhattan, with an impressive 11-0 record, maintained its undefeated streak, while Three Forks, at 10-1, claimed their seventh consecutive win. This championship game will be a highly anticipated rematch of a regular-season conference clash, where Manhattan emerged victorious with a score of 28-20 on September 19th.
Manhattan's 14-12 victory over Eureka was fueled by Brayden Zikmund's exceptional performance. He showcased his skills with two remarkable touchdowns, breaking the deadlock in the second quarter. Zikmund's first touchdown was a 45-yard punt return, and he later caught a 78-yard pass from quarterback Tyson Pavlik. The Tigers dominated the first half, leading 14-0, and maintained their lead through a scoreless third quarter, securing their spot in the state championship game for the third consecutive season.
However, Eureka made a valiant effort in the final 12 minutes, narrowing the gap to 14-12 with a short touchdown run by Ayden Helgert. Despite this, Manhattan's defense held strong, preventing Eureka from completing the two-point conversion attempt. With just over two minutes left, Eureka had a chance to tie the game, but their 48-yard field goal attempt missed, allowing Manhattan to advance.
Three Forks, on the other hand, secured their first-ever Class B state championship game appearance with a thrilling 32-30 victory over Glasgow. Quarterback Kanon Reichman led the Wolves' offense, completing 25 out of 39 passes for 318 yards and five touchdowns. Gavin Etchison, his top receiver, caught 11 passes for 132 yards and three scores, including a stunning back-shoulder touchdown in the first quarter.
Glasgow, led by senior Wyatt Sugg, put up a strong fight with 20 carries for 143 yards and two touchdowns, along with a 46-yard receiving score. Quarterback Khye Gamas contributed 126 yards and a touchdown, showcasing his versatility with 64 yards on 12 carries. The Scotties almost pulled off a comeback, with Gamas recovering his own onside squib kick and scoring a short touchdown, narrowing the gap to 32-30 with minutes to spare.
However, Three Forks' resilience prevailed, as they responded with a well-executed, time-consuming drive, securing their place in the Class B championship against their Southern B rivals, Manhattan.
