Miller scores 4 TDs as Manning shuts out Marion

MANNING — With various injuries and numerous lineup changes throughout the season, Manning coach Robbie Briggs said he didn’t really fell like his team had hit its stride yet. Until Friday.

Behind junior quarterback Brandon Miller, Manning jumped out early and never took its foot off the gas en route to a 49-0 win against Marion at Ramsey Stadium in the first round of the Class 2A playoffs.

Manning (8-3) will face the winner of the Woodland-Wade Hampton game Friday. Marion finishes the season at 4-7.

“Our defense played tremendously well,” Briggs said. “Marion has enough skill people to where you can play good for 50 plays on defense, bad for four, and then be down by 28 points. “I thought our defense played with a lot of energy and really went after them.”

The Monarchs held Marion to less than 60 yards of offense, and the Swamp Foxes never got closer than the Manning 27-yard line.

“They’re probably one of the best blocking teams I’ve seen,” Marion coach Bryan Carfley said. “Our size up front on both lines has been one of biggest struggles all season, and we were out-weighted tonight by about 70 pounds a person.

“But after a rough start, we came back and won some games and that gives us something to build on.”

Miller had a hand in four of the Monarchs’ touchdowns. The first-year starter, who replaced Manning’s previous dual-threat QB Chris Hammett, ran for two scores and threw for two more, accounting for 140 yards of offense.

“We had a great game plan and our offensive line and running backs really helped set up the pass,” Miller said. “With Jason (Witherspoon) carrying the ball 20 times a game, they’re going to have to put people in the box. That opens up a slant or a fade route pretty much every time.”

Miller got things rolling for the Monarchs early on. Miller’s 19-yard touchdown run quickly put Manning up 7-0 with 8:47 left in the first quarter.

Monarch linebacker J.D. Hodge scored his first varsity touchdown four plays later after picking up a Justin Brock fumble in the corner of the end zone for a 14-0 lead.

Miller helped Manning strike again on each of its next two possessions. Miller drove forward from the 1-yard line for the first score and then connected with Johnavan Fulton on a 17-yard strike.

Jason Witherspoon closed out the scoring with a five-yard touchdown run as the Monarchs built a 35-0 lead at the half. Miller connected with Dexter Morant on a 20-yard strike in the third quarter and Marcos Pearson scored on a 1-yard run in the fourth to close out the scoring.

Witherspoon rushed for 98 yards to lead the Monarchs. Miller threw for 103 yards.

“Our offense has been something special to watch all season,” Briggs said. “Brandon has really picked his game up the latter half of the season and everything’s clicking right now.”