Manning enters Friday night’s Class 2A quarterfinal meeting with Hampton County riding a seven-game winning streak and carrying the momentum of one of its most complete performances of the season.
The Monarchs advanced after overpowering Timberland 46-24 in the second round, seizing control with a 24-point first quarter and leaning on a ground attack that has been the team’s identity all fall. Manning piled up explosive rushing plays, controlled the tempo, and turned defensive pressure into points, including a pivotal interception return that widened the gap before halftime. The win extended Manning’s home streak to 15 straight and moved the team to 9-3.
They now host a Hampton County squad with the same record—and every bit as dangerous. The Hurricanes enter the quarterfinals fresh off a 28-10 win over Cheraw, powered by a defense that created multiple turnovers and a front capable of collapsing pockets and forcing mistakes. Hampton County’s success this season has been rooted in physicality on both sides of the ball, particularly in a ground game that has averaged more than 290 rushing yards per contest.
That sets the stage for a matchup defined by two of the most productive rushing offenses in the classification. Manning has averaged more than 220 rushing yards per game behind a deep backfield and an offensive line that has steadily improved down the stretch. Hampton County has matched that with its own dominant attack, making Friday’s contest likely to hinge on which team controls the trenches and avoids costly errors.
This is also a rematch of last year’s playoff thriller, when Manning edged Hampton County 28-27 in overtime during the second round. Many of the core playmakers from that matchup return on both sides, giving the teams a familiar feel heading into a game with a berth in the Lower State championship on the line.
The Monarchs have built their late-season surge on efficiency, discipline and fast starts—traits they will need again against one of the most complete teams in the bracket. Hampton County, meanwhile, travels to Ramsey Stadium with a high-powered offense and a defense capable of flipping momentum in a single series.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday in Manning, where the Monarchs will try to secure their second straight trip to the Lower State title game.
