Spartans Keep Bronze Ball, Take Fourth in HCAC

Kody Smith

A 28-point outburst in the second half launched the Spartans to a 35-17 home victory over conference rivals Anderson University on Saturday, Nov. 14. 

The Spartans concluded the 2015 campaign with a 5-4 overall record; they were 5-3 in the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference, securing fourth place. 

Manchester also retained the Bronze Ball in the annual match-up between the two schools for the sixth time in the last seven seasons. On Senior Day, the Black and Gold overcame a 17-7 halftime deficit, led by the offensive efforts of senior quarterback Logan Haston, junior tight end Brandon Webb and sophomore running back Hunter Hardee. 

 Hardee added yet another impressive accolade to his young rushing career as the program’s all-time rushing yards leader for a season, with 1,184 yards following a 34-carry, 165-yard performance capped off by two touchdowns. He finished first in the HCAC in total rushing yards and rushing yards per game (131.6). In addition, Hardee finished second in the conference in rushing touchdowns (10) and third in rush yards per game (6.2). 

Following a rocky start to his final collegiate football game, senior quarterback Logan Haston finished the afternoon with 13 completions on 21 pass attempts, and two touchdowns. Haston finished third in the HCAC in both total passing yards (1,815) and yards per game (226.9), along with a second-place in completion percentage (68.2 percent) and fifth in touchdown passes (14). 

He concludes his collegiate career as the Spartans’ all-time leader in passing yards and passing touchdowns.  Webb was Haston’s main target, reeling in four pass attempts for 81 yards, including a 32-yard touchdown. Senior wide receiver Evan Rice concluded his MU career with four receptions for 52 yards, while senior receiver Jarron Jackson finished off Senior Day with a 25-yard touchdown reception and 54 kick return yards. 

In his final game, senior defensive back Taylor Anglemyer registered 13 tackles to lead the defensive for the Spartans. He finished the 2015 campaign tied for third with junior linebacker Nathan Birk in the HCAC in solo tackles, with 58. 

Birk and sophomore linebacker Mitchell Oskam added seven tackles to complement Anglemyer’s efforts. Senior defensive linemen Michael Hammer and Dustin Kult each recorded a sack on Anderson quarterback Brady Cavinee.