MANHATTAN, Kan. - Manhattan High School's Indian football team showcased itself to the public for the first time on Thursday night.
Just over a week ahead of MHS's season opener at Garden City, Head Coach Joe Schartz and the Indians gave a first look to parents, students and fans from inside Bishop Stadium.
The Indians held a varsity vs. junior varsity style scrimmage, simulating a realistic game setting. Several schools across the state of Kansas will participate in "Jamboree" scrimmages on Friday night to simulate their game action prior to week one, but Manhattan opted to focus inward.
The Indians return just over half its starters on both sides of the ball in 2021, but will need the new members of the starting lineup to gain valuable experience in a short amount of time. And with week one's contest against Garden City being the third matchup between the two schools in the last two seasons, there won't be any opportunity for slip ups.
Last season, Manhattan opened the season with a 21-7 win over the Buffaloes, and followed it up with a 21-20 win over Garden City in the 6A state playoffs. Both games were played at Manhattan's Bishop Stadium, but this year, MHS will make the 4-plus hour trek to southwest Kansas to open off the year.
MANHATTAN HIGH 2021 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Sep. 3 - @ Garden City
Sep. 10 - vs. Junction City*
Sep. 17 - vs. Topeka Highland Park*
Sep. 24 - @ Topeka High*
Oct. 1 - Topeka Seaman*
Oct. 8 - Washburn Rural*
Oct. 15 - @ Topeka West*
Oct. 22 - @ Emporia*
Oct. 29 - District, Opponent TBD
*League game
All times 7:00PM