Tuesday, March 19, 2024
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Manheim Central Rolls Past Ephrata


Manheim Central solidified its control over the Lancaster-Lebanon League's Section Two with a convincing 79-7 [boxscore] thumping of Ephrata on Friday night at War Memorial Field.

Behind running back Tyler Flick's three rushing touchdowns on four carries, and a typical stingy defense, the 7-0 Barons put it to the winless Mounts early and often. Manheim Central led by two touchdowns after just one play from scrimmage.

Manheim Central led 44-0 after one quarter and 65-0 at the half.

With a running clock and the second and third unit getting most of the action in the second half, Manheim Central posted two more touchdowns.

Turning point: Manheim Central returned the game's opening kickoff 84 yards for a touchdown.

Central then scored a touchdown on its first play from scrimmage when quarterback Evan Simon dashed 38 yards for a touchdown.

Star of the game: Give this one to Simon, who completed 5-of-6 passes for 59 yards and carried the ball five times for 81 yards and a touchdown. With the 59 yards, Simon surpassed the 1,000-yard plateau in passing yards for the season.

Key statistic: Manheim Central's defense allowed minus-15 yards rushing during the first quarter.

Under the radar: In addition to his three touchdowns, Flick carried the ball four times for 63 yards. He has 933 yards this season. Meanwhile, junior Chris Shaw ran for 104 yards on nine carries during the second half.

In the second half of games this season, Manheim Central has outscored its opponents, 79-14.

After getting minus-15 yards on the ground in the first quarter, Ephrata rushed for 87 yards in the game.

Manheim Central scored touchdowns on a kickoff return, an interception return and had nine rushing TDs. It also added a safety during the second quarter.