The Manning Monarchs secured their spot in the 2A Lower State Championship with a 34-21 victory over the Philip Simmons Iron Horses in the third round of the high school 2A playoffs. Manning entered the matchup riding momentum from a narrow 28-27 win over the Hampton County Hurricanes in the second round, while Philip Simmons was coming off a dominant 40-24 victory over the Kingstree Blazers.
The two teams last faced each other in the first round of the 2023 3A playoffs, where Philip Simmons claimed a decisive 48-22 win. This time, the stakes were high, with the winner advancing to the 2A Lower State game.
The game began slowly, with both teams struggling to find their rhythm. Manning broke the stalemate with a late first-quarter touchdown but missed the extra point, taking an early 6-0 lead. Philip Simmons responded with a touchdown of their own and converted the extra point, ending the quarter with a 7-6 lead.
Action picked up in the second quarter. Manning quickly advanced down the field, with receiver Jeffrey Ceasar scoring a touchdown and the team successfully completing a two-point conversion to take a 14-7 lead. Philip Simmons struggled to gain momentum, and Manning capitalized again with a touchdown run by Jalynn Coard. Although the two-point conversion failed, the Monarchs extended their lead to 20-7.
Philip Simmons’ struggles continued, as a drive ended with an interception that Manning returned for a would-be touchdown. However, a flag negated the score, though Manning retained possession. Late in the first half, Philip Simmons finally found success, scoring a touchdown and extra point to narrow the gap to 20-14 at halftime.
Philip Simmons opened the second half with a touchdown and extra point, taking a 21-20 lead. Manning responded emphatically, returning the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown and converting the extra point to reclaim the lead at 28-21. The rest of the third quarter saw little action until Manning added another touchdown. They missed the two-point conversion but extended their advantage to 34-21.
The fourth quarter featured multiple empty drives by both teams as the defenses held strong. Manning’s early lead proved insurmountable, and the Monarchs sealed the 34-21 victory, advancing to the 2A Lower State Championship.
Next, the Manning Monarchs will face the Barnwell Warhorses, with a spot in the state championship on the line.
