NORTH MANCHESTER, Ind. – The visiting Alma College Scots returned a pair of kickoffs for touchdowns and came away with 5 takeaways to defeat the Spartans by a final score of 47-23 on Saturday night in Spartan Stadium.
Alma got on the scoreboard first following a 28-yard pick-six by Brady Douma. Manchester responded immediately by blocking the Scot PAT and returning it all the way for a safety. Timmy Bozeman (Melbourne, Fla./Heritage) came off the edge unblocked and swatted the PAT attempt that was then picked up and returned by Jaquan Walker (Johnson, Fla./Interlachen).
The Spartans would go ahead 9-6 midway through the 2nd quarter after quarterback Eric James (Indianapolis, Ind./Decatur Central) tossed a perfect fade to the back corner of the end zone that was hauled in by Harrington Greer (South Bend, Ind./Riley).
The visiting Scots would instantly regain the lead as Devon Frenchko took the ensuing kickoff from his own endzone and returned it for a touchdown.
Midway through the 3rd quarter Manchester would go back in front 16-12 following an 11-yard run by David Smith (Indianapolis, Ind./North Central).
The game would then change dramatically as Alma would put 28 points up on the scoreboard in a span of 3 minutes and 35 seconds. The Scots put together a 6-play, 82-yard drive that was capped by a 19-yard run by Tyler Walters to begin their scoring outburst. Alma would then add scores immediately after a trio of turnovers by the Black & Gold.
Manchester would add one final score early in the 4th quarter as David Smith broke loose for a 76-yard run. On the night, Smith carried the ball 9 times for 127 yards.
Alma ended their scoring on the day by returning the ensuing kickoff 98-yards for a score.
Manchester's defense came away with 4.0 sacks and 12.0 tackles-for-loss on Saturday night. Jalen Masden (Evansville, Ind./Harrison) had 13 total tackles and 2 tackles-for-loss. Marvin Collins (Riviera Beach, Fla./Palm Beach Gardens) had 10 tackles and 2 sacks. Haylee Smith (Indianapolis, Ind./Charles A. Tindley) had an interception.
Manchester (0-2) will head to Olivet College for a 1 p.m. matchup with the Comets next Saturday, September 18.
