Manhattan offense overwhelms Cougars

The Cougar pass game was working, but its defense just couldn’t stop the visiting Tigers’ powerful offensive game on Oct. 31.
Manhattan/Manhattan Christian, the No. 2 seed from District 5B, knocked Columbus out of the Class B playoffs in the first round, 67-41,
“Offense was the name of the game,” Columbus head coach Blake Hoge said. “It’s not often you can score 41 points in a playoff game and still be on the losing end.”
Junior running back Jack Gray scored four times for the Cougars on four passes from senior quarterback Tanner Osborne. Senior receiver Kiefer McKay scored twice on passes from Osborne.
But it was Manhattan senior running back Shondel Connerton who carried the day in both directions, scoring four touchdown runs and getting in on nearly every tackle.
“Manhattan was a great team, and we just couldn’t keep up,” Hoge said. “Our guys gave it everything they had.”
Osborne passed for 344 yards and six touchdowns. McKay led in receiving with 183 yards and two touchdowns. Karl Berg led the Cougar rushing attack with 92 yards while adding 14 yards through the air.
“Jack Gray passed the century mark for 104 yards and a phenomenal four touchdowns,”Hoge said. “Our offensive line played well, allowing our skill guys to make plays down field and put up the stats.”
There was only one turnover in the game – an interception by Tiger senior linebacker Chase Barta – but on the defensive side, Columbus struggled to contain Manhattan.
“They out gained us 559 yards to 454 yards and led in first downs 18 to 16,” Hoge said. “Tanner had a great game from his defensive end spot, totaling five solo tackles, three of which were for a loss, and two assisted tackles.”
Senior Chaz Krone had four solos and six assists. Senior Michael Sherwood, junior EJ Daniels, junior Chuck Miller and sophomore Michael Jacobson each had two tackles.
“It’s a tough feeling finally being done, but I’m proud of our season and how our guys improved throughout the year,” Hoge said. “We had a great bunch of seniors with a good mix of talent, work ethic and leadership. They will be missed.”
From gazprepsports
Manhattan 67, Columbus 41
Manhattan 28 6 13 19 – 67
Columbus 13 0 14 14 – 41
Columbus: McKay 73 yard pass from Osborne (Osborne kick)
Manhattan: Shondel Connerton 50 yard run (kick blocked)
Columbus: Jack Gray 60 yard pass from Osborne (kick failed)
Manhattan: Caleb Neth 80 yard kickoff return (kick failed)
Manhattan: Connerton 55 yard run (Chase Barta run)
Manhattan: Cole McCloud 24 yard pass from Alec Nehring (Barta run)
Manhattan: McCloud 60 yard run (run failed)