NEW FRANKLIN, Ohio — Looking to atone for a loss to Navarre Fairless earlier in the season, the Akron Manchester football team earned a measure of revenge and then some in last week’s regional semifinals. The Panthers, ranked No. 1 in Division V, Region 15, will play No. 2 Columbiana Crestview Saturday at 7 p.m. in a regional final...
NEW FRANKLIN, Ohio — Looking to atone for a loss to Navarre Fairless earlier in the season, the Akron Manchester football team earned a measure of revenge and then some in last week’s regional semifinals.
The Panthers, ranked No. 1 in Division V, Region 15, will play No. 2 Columbiana Crestview Saturday at 7 p.m. in a regional final game. For the second straight week, Manchester will have to contend with a talented quarterback, as Crestview’s Collin Gilbert has scored 42 touchdowns this season.
Manchester coach Jim France and WR/DB Bobby Bowen spoke with cleveland.com Thursday about the win over Fairless and the challenges Crestview will present this week.
Manchester’s season, game by game
Week 1: Defeated Hillsdale, 8-6.
Week 2: Defeated Woodridge, 30-19.
Week 3: Defeated Black River, 56-13.
Week 4: Lost to Fairless, 49-48.
Week 5: Defeated Tuscarawas Valley, 48-0.
Week 6: Defeated Timken, 42-20.
Week 7: Defeated Indian Valley, 28-14.
Week 8: Defeated Tuslaw, 42-6.
Week 9: Lost to Triway, 34-14.
Week 10: Defeated CVCA, 21-20.
Playoffs
Regional quarterfinal: Defeated Youngstown Ursuline, 19-16.
Regional semifinal: Defeated Navarre Fairless, 35-7.
Other coverage
See a profile from 2012 of Manchester coach Jim France (Akron Beacon Journal)
Check out some highlights of the Manchester football team (hudl.com)
More about Manchester
Record: 10-2
Final cleveland.com ranking: Not ranked.
Final AP state ranking: Not ranked.
Coach: Jim France.
Top players and stats: QB Pavin Parks (190 attempts, 115 yards, 1,486 yards, 10 touchdowns, 10 interceptions); RB Mason Hayes (130 carries, 659 yards, 20 TDs); WR Bobby Bowen (42 receptions, 551 yards, 3 TDs); LB Logan Harvey (80 tackles, 9 sacks); LB John Beavers (91 tackles).
Total playoff appearances: 21.
Last playoff appearance: 2012.
How team fared in last playoff appearance: Lost in regional semifinal.
Contact high school sports reporter Bill Landis by email (blandis@cleveland.com) or Twitter (@blandis25). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.