Cathleen Doisher
\nSWX Local Sports Reporter<\/a>
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<\/p>\nMANHATTAN, Mont. \u2013 The Manhattan Tigers secured their spot in the state championship for the third consecutive year with a narrow 14-12 victory over Eureka in the Class C semifinal.<\/p>\n
Manhattan faced a formidable opponent in Eureka, who had recently defeated another top seed. The Tigers relied on their defense and composure to withstand a fourth-quarter push from the Lions. Eureka closed in on the lead multiple times, but key defensive plays by Manhattan, including two crucial pass breakups, kept them ahead. A 47-yard field-goal attempt by Eureka in the final seconds missed its mark, securing the win for Manhattan.<\/p>\n
This victory continues Manhattan’s impressive postseason run and showcases the determination of small-school programs striving for success.<\/p>\n
Grass Range senior tight end Jace Bantz shared his thoughts on the journey and its significance for his team and community.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt means the world to us. That was our goal from the first practice in August, to do something that\u2019s never been done before like make it to state and get a trophy,\u201d said Bantz.<\/p>\n
He further expressed the importance of setting and achieving goals throughout the season.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe set little goals along the way and achieved those, and it\u2019s been huge for our school and community. Not having a team and playing with Fergus taught us a lot. Last year we came back and figured out 6-man again, and this year we really put it together, which has been great,\u201d said Bantz.<\/p>\n
Manhattan is now focused on next week’s state title game against Three Forks, aiming to conclude the season with a championship and solidify their legacy.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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