North Manchester, Ind. - Manchester dropped a 35–13 decision to Rose-Hulman on a cold, cloudy afternoon at Spartan Stadium. Despite showing resilience on both sides of the ball, the Spartans were undone by several explosive plays and a blocked punt that shifted momentum in the visitors' favor.

After a scoreless first quarter, Rose-Hulman built a 21-0 lead midway through the second on long touchdown passes and a 33-yard run. Manchester responded with an impressive 13-play, 60-yard drive capped by a Kaleb Hall touchdown pass to Levarian Campbell just before halftime to make it 21-6.

The Spartans came out strong in the third quarter, as Hall found Zalin Ingram for another 11-yard touchdown, closing the gap to 21-13. However, Rose-Hulman regained control with a blocked punt returned for a score and a short rushing touchdown to seal the win.

Quarterback Kaleb Hall led the Manchester offense with 203 yards and two touchdowns through the air, connecting with seven different receivers. Ethan Skinner caught 11 passes for 88 yards, while Campbell added seven receptions for 56 yards and a score, and Ingram finished with five catches for 35 yards and a touchdown. On the ground, James Lewis carried the ball 18 times for 31 yards.

Defensively, Shane Hagen, Blake Haiflich, and Xander Swihart each made six tackles, and freshman TJ Merritt Jr. recorded an interception with an 11-yard return. Manchester's defense also forced two fumbles and controlled possession for over 36 minutes, showing steady effort throughout.

While Rose-Hulman's big plays and special-teams execution proved too much to overcome, Manchester displayed positive signs, particularly in the passing game and defensive pressure. The Spartans' persistence and offensive rhythm in the middle quarters provided encouraging takeaways as they continue searching for their first win of the season.