Manhattan High football found the win column Friday night, dominating Dodge City from start to finish in a 42-14 road takedown.

After opening their fall slate with hard-fought losses against Rockhurst and Mill Valley, Manhattan (1-2) secured its first win of 2026. It was the team’s first trip to Dodge City since 2010 as Manhattan handed the Red Demons (2-1) their first loss of the year.

“It was a battle,” Schartz said. “There was a lot of pressure with our schedule the way it was, and coming out and losing two games, it affected everybody’s confidence, including the coaches. We were able to proved that we can win. We’ve got lots to work on and get better. But it does feel good to win.”

It was a homecoming for Manhattan coach Joe Schartz, a former Red Demon quarterback. The Indians’ head man secured his first win at his former stomping grounds in Memorial Stadium.

The Indians were led by junior quarterback Mclain Aslin who recorded a breakout game that saw multiple Manhattan playmakers get involved with the offense. Aslin finished with four touchdown passes, going 7-14 through the air with 154 passing yards. He added 11 rushes for 58 yards.

“He continues to get better, and that’s all we can ask,” Schartz said. “I had a little heart-to-heart with him, and and I think we’re on the same page. He still has a lot to learn, but he’s our guy, and and he’s getting better every week.”

Manhattan flipped the script from their previous two games immediately, as the offense recorded an opening drive touchdown for time this season. Senior running back EJ Massenberg found the endzone for the first time this fall, cashing in a nine-yard rush.

The defense was dominant from the start, led by senior two-way lineman Kadin Dibbini recording five tackles for loss, and two sacks in the first half. Fellow two-way senior Max Evans-Pryor finished the game with three sacks to join Dibbini.

“Just consistent pressure and tackles for loss. I can’t remember an opposing quarterback being comfortable against our defense,” Schartz said. “We continue to get that penetration. Kadin Dibbini is a load. I don’t think there’s anybody that can handle him. He’s definitely a problem, and Max is very good as well.”

Manhattan’s disruptive defense secured the Indians offense strong field position again on the next drive, setting up Aslin’s first career passing TD on a 26-yard strike to Evans-Pryor — the senior’s first career receiving touchdown. MHS led 13-0 early in the second quarter.

Dodge City found a response as quarterback Reis Ochs connected with top target Elliott Williams for a 41-yard score. Williams would later exit with injury until the fourth quarter, stalling Dodge City’s offense.

Manhattan bounced back with a big play of its own, as blocks parted the Dodge City defense perfectly for senior Joseph Mortensen, who ran 50 yards into the end zone. Mortensen finished as the leading rusher with 72 yards on seven carries.

Another missed point after attempt put Manhattan’s lead at 19-7 — a mark that would hold until the halftime break.

After a quick Red Demon three-and-out to start the second half, Manhattan struck just as fast on offense. Another first for the season came with senior Hatim Alali’s first career receiving touchdown on a 47-yard catch-and-run score.

Still in the third quarter, Aslin added his third passing touchdown of the game, finding Mortensen on a 39-yard score out of the left flat. The junior quarterback converted his second consecutive two-point conversion as well, putting the Indians up 35-7.

The only stoppage of momentum Manhattan faced in the second half came from penalties. Still, Aslin connected with Evans-Pryor for a second score to open the fourth quarter, as Evans-Pryor stuffed the stat sheet on both sides of the field.

“It feels good to get a win,” Aslin said. “It felt good to pass the ball, I haven’t done that a whole lot. It’s good to get going, find a rhythm. It was a great day.”

With the game out of reach, Manhattan turned to reserves to close out the first win of the season. The Indians will look to keep their momentum rolling as they return to Bishop Stadium and host Wichita North — a program looking for its first win since 2018 this fall.

MANHATTAN 42,

DODGE CITY 14

Manhattan (1-2) — 7; 12; 16; 7; — 42

Dodge City (2-1) — 0; 7; 0; 7; — 14

SCORING SUMMARY

Manhattan — Massenberg 9-yard TD run, PAT good by Stewart, 3:07 1Q

Manhattan — Aslin 26-yard TD pass to Evans-Pryor, PAT no good by Stewart, 10:27 2Q

Dodge City — Ochs 41-yard TD pass to Williams, PAT good, 6:30 2Q

Manhattan — Mortensen 50-yard TD run, PAT no good by Stewart, 5:30 2Q

Manhattan — Aslin 47-yard TD pass to Alali, 2-pt. good by Aslin, 10:06 3Q

Manhattan — Aslin 39-yard TD pass to Mortensen, 2-pt. good by Aslin, 5:30 3Q

Manhattan — Aslin TD pass to Evans-Pryor, PAT good by Stewart, 9:46 4Q

Dodge City — Ochs TD pass to Aguillar, PAT good, 0:15 4Q

INDIVIDUAL STATS

Passing — Manhattan: Aslin [7-14-154-4]. Dodge City: Ochs [10-17-151-2]

Rushing — Manhattan: Aslin [11-58], Massenburg [4-36-1], Mortensen [7-72-1], Dunnigan [3-34]. Dodge City: Ochs [18-17]

Receiving — Manhattan: Dunnigan [2-17], Hattrup [1-14], Evans-Pryor [2-37-2] Alali [1-47-1], Mortensen [1-39-1]. Dodge City: Williams [3-93-1]