Photos by Lewis Marien – Mercury Staff Photographer

A battle of 6A heavyweights came down to the wire once again, but it was Gardner Edgerton who landed the final blow in the 2024 Kansas 6A State Championship at Emporia State’s Welch Stadium.

Manhattan High running back Jaydin Hudley breaks out of a tackle from Gardner Edgerton linebacker Kaleb Dewey (23) during their 6A state championship game Friday at Welch Stadium in Emporia. The Indians’ season ended with a 36-33 loss to the Trailblazers.

Manhattan High’s JJ Dunnigan, left, and Trey Hoover bring down Gardner Edgerton fullback Syre Padilla during their 6A state championship game Friday at Welch Stadium in Emporia.

Manhattan High tight end Rylan Vikander runs after a catch during the Indians’ 36-33 6A state championship loss to Gardner Edgerton.

Manhattan High and Gardner Edgerton captains stand at midfield for the coin toss before their 6A state championship game Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Welch Stadium in Emporia.

Manhattan High’s JJ Dunnigan clings to Gardner Edgerton halfback Porter Swaim during the Indians’ 36-33 6A state championship loss to the Trailblazers.

Manhattan High linebacker Brandon Stroud tackles Gardner Edgerton fullback Syre Padilla (20) during their 6A state championship game Friday.

A Manhattan High fan holds a sign during the 6A state football championship game against Gardner Edgerton.

Manhattan High quarterback Carter Aslin runs off the field after getting a bloody nose during the Indians’ 36-33 6A state championship loss.

Manhattan High quarterback Finn Watson looks to pass during the Indians’ 36-33 6A state championship loss to Gardner Edgerton.

Gardner Edgerton halfback Porter Swaim scores a touchdown during the Trailblazers’ 36-33 6A state championship win over Manhattan, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Welch Stadium in Emporia.

Gardner Edgerton quarterback Bravin Powell moves the ball during the Trailblazers’ 36-33 6A state championship win over Manhattan.

Manhattan High’s JJ Dunnigan fights for yardage against Gardner Edgerton linebacker Charles Drinkard during their 6A state championship game Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Welch Stadium in Emporia. Dunnigan scored a touchdown on the play, but the Indians lost to the Trailblazers, 36-33.

Young Manhattan High fans hold signs during the 6A state football championship game against Gardner Edgerton, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Welch Stadium in Emporia.

Manhattan High wide receiver Gabe Summerlin receives instruction from head coach Joe Schartz during the Indians’ 36-33 6A state championship.

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