DJ Giddens of Junction City rushed for 80 yards on 20 carries and three touchdowns in a 36-29 Blue Jay win over Manhattan Friday night at Al Simpler Stadium. With the victory Junction City ( 1-1 ) claimed possession of the Sportsmanship Trophy that goes to the winning team, for the coming year.
Giddens scored what proved to be the game winning touchdown on a 10-yard run late in the fourth quarter. Teammate Andrew Khoury completed 14-24 passes for 291 yards and two touchdowns, while receiver Marcello Bussey caught six passes for 197 yards and two touchdowns.
For Manhattan Vinny Smith rushed 27 times for 140 yards and two touchdowns while Dayne Aschenbrenner carried the ball 18 times for 152 yards and a touchdown.
Blue Jay coach Randall Zimmerman called Manhattan a great team. "They're so big, they're so physical, they're so strong. Those kids are just so strong. Our kids just kept battling and overcome it."
The game was the final contest between Junction City and Manhattan ( 1-1 ) to be played at Al Simpler Stadium since the new high school is scheduled to be open next August.