The Manning Monarchs’ bid for the South Carolina High School League 2A state championship came to an end Friday night with a 37-14 loss to the Barnwell Warhorses in the Lower State Championship game.
Despite entering halftime tied 14-14, the Monarchs were unable to maintain their momentum, faltering in the second half as Barnwell capitalized on key field position and a strong ground game. The Warhorses quickly took control after the break, scoring 23 unanswered points to secure their place in the state title game.
Manning’s offense, which had been a dominant force throughout the season, struggled to find traction against Barnwell’s defense. Quarterback JaRae Mitchell accounted for both of the Monarchs’ touchdowns, connecting on a pass to Lovell Stevenson and later sprinting for a 44-yard touchdown. However, the team’s rushing attack, a cornerstone of its success, was stifled, managing just 120 yards on the ground.
Defensively, the Monarchs faced relentless pressure from the Warhorses, who amassed 348 total yards, including 230 rushing yards. Lamar Hilton led the Monarchs with 18 tackles and forced a fumble, while Jontavious Canty contributed 11 stops. Despite their efforts, Manning’s defense spent much of the second half deep in its own territory, eventually wearing down under the sustained pressure.
The loss marked a bittersweet conclusion to a stellar season for Manning, which rebounded from a season-opening loss to Crestwood with 11 consecutive wins to reach the Lower State Championship. The senior class leaves a lasting legacy, having revitalized a program that struggled to win just three games during their freshman year.
The Monarchs’ playoff run brought the Manning community together, with fans showing unwavering support throughout the postseason. While the season fell just one game short of their ultimate goal, the team’s achievements have set a high standard for future Manning football teams.
The Warhorses now advance to the state championship, while the Monarchs will look to build on this year’s success as they prepare for the seasons to come.
