Gardner Edgerton claimed its second consecutive Kansas Class 6A football title with a thrilling 36-33 win over Manhattan in the state championship game at Emporia State University on Friday afternoon.
The contest, held at Welch Stadium in Emporia, was a back-and-forth battle from start to finish. The victory also avenged a narrow loss to Manhattan two years ago, when Gardner Edgerton missed a two-point conversion in the final play, resulting in a 21-20 loss.
Gardner Edgerton coach Jesse Owen expressed his pride for the seniors, noting how they had lost in double overtime as sophomores and showed remarkable resilience to return to the championship. This marks the Trailblazers’ second state title in program history, with three of their four title-game appearances occurring in the last three seasons under Owen’s leadership.
Manhattan (12-1) opened the scoring with a touchdown from senior quarterback Carter Aslin, who ran for a 12-yard score. However, Gardner Edgerton quickly answered when senior quarterback Bravin Powell rushed for a short touchdown, giving the Trailblazers a 7-6 lead after a blocked extra point. The game remained tight throughout, with each team answering the other’s scores.
After trailing 19-7, the Trailblazers responded with a 12-yard touchdown pass from Powell to senior tight end Lucas Wilson. Powell then connected with junior running back Porter Swaim on a 29-yard touchdown pass before halftime, giving Gardner Edgerton a 22-19 lead at the break.
Manhattan regained the lead in the third quarter, but Powell led a crucial 80-yard drive, finishing with a 23-yard touchdown run to put the Trailblazers up 29-26. The game continued to see-saw into the fourth quarter. Manhattan regained a 33-29 lead on a 33-yard touchdown run by senior running back Jaydin Hudley, who finished with a game-high 178 rushing yards.
After forcing a Manhattan three-and-out, Gardner Edgerton had little time left but efficiently moved the ball down the field. Powell scored the game-winning touchdown on a second-and-goal plunge with just 10 seconds remaining. Powell finished with 129 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Syre Padilla added 180 rushing yards, including a key late gain. Despite falling behind 19-7, the Trailblazers demonstrated the same resilience they had shown in earlier playoff games, ultimately securing back-to-back championships.
“I’m so thankful to play for Coach O and to be a Blazer,” said Powell. “I’m so ecstatic to go back-to-back with this group of guys.”
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