Manuals win over Central creates citywide buzz

BY RENEE GROULX ON AUGUST 21, 2011 IN SPORTS

The towering white lights beamed down on Manual Stadium, illuminating the mass of crimson clashing with yellow on the football field. The stands were packed almost to the top row with screaming, painted-up fans. The thump of pads and helmets colliding sounded throughout the stadium and torn grass kicked from cleats flew about the field as Manual battled Central in the opening game of the season. In the last minute of the game, the Crimson offense pulled through for the win over Central, 23-20, and the stadium erupted in excitement. And this time, Manuals student press werent the only ones documenting the success. The Manual v. Central game drew out most of the top news outlets in Louisville, including WLKY, WHAS, WAVE, and the CourierJournal. The breadth of coverage ranged from tweeting to video broadcasts, and even included Manual student McLean Long (11) being named WHAS Taco Bell Fan of the Week. I was just chosen. It was actually pretty random, Long said with a laugh. But the reporter said we were a very lively crowd, which struck me because our student section was a little bit rusty, yet we still came out and cheered hard. Long credits the massive media coverage to the competition Central presented and Manuals fast-developing team. [Anthony] Wales from Central could end up as the leading career rusher in Kentucky and [Manual's] Darmontre Warr could have a huge season, so there were a lot of big things involved with the game, he said. And Long isnt the only one who seems to think so. WLKY listed Manual v. Central as one of the top games in the state for the week in its High School Playbook section, the Courier-Journal conducted personal interviews with some of Manuals key players, and WAVE

featured Manual as the opening segment on its live broadcast, Touchdown: Friday Night. The game didnt disappoint, with several exciting plays by Manual players, including a fumble recovery by Aaron Dyche (#35, 12), a Central pass deflected by Juwan Gardner (#14, 11), and an interception by Trey Wells (#21, 12). Crimson quarterback Luis Thompson (#2, 12) attributes the victory to two things. Honestly, I just think it was Quan watching over us, Thompson said, referencing former Crimson football player Daquane Drain, who passed away this summer. That being said, I give all the credit to our offensive line because that last offensive drive allowed us to run the clock out and come away with the victory. Thompson said the media hype at the game was a bonus, but that paying attention to it would only distract him. But Thompson does agree that Manuals Crimson football team is on its way to the top. We could become one of the best teams if we put all of our hard work into it, said Thompson. Yes, we can become one of the best teams in Kentucky.

Darmontre Warr (#7, 12) rushes past Chase Blaser (#59, 12) to make a touchdown half way through the third quarter, bringing the game to 22-14. Photo by Timothy Nwachukwu

The student section erupts in cheers as Juwan Gardner (#14, 11) intercepts a pass from Central. Photo by TImothy Nwachukwu

For more coverage on the Manual v. Central game, you can visit: http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23CSPNsports the play-by-play CSPN Twitter feed of the game http://www.courierjournal.com/article/20110819/SPORTS05/308190114/Close-callCrimsons-Manual-s-Trey-Wells-stymies-Central-late-game-pick-2320 the Courier Journals article on the game http://www.courierjournal.com/videonetwork/1118991806001/Manual-WR-QuintezSutton-talk-about-a-23-20-win-over-Central Courier Journals interview with Manuals Quintez Sutton http://www.courierjournal.com/videonetwork/1119113032001/Manual-s-Thomas-

Chapman-a-UK-commitment-on-his-return-to-the-field Courier Journals interview with Manuals Thomas Chapman http://www.wave3.com/category/195955/video-landingpage?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=6172300#.Tk_y pl7JZcE.twitter WAVE 3s broadcast, Touchdown: Friday Night featuring Manual