Huntingdon’s Manuel earns second MVP honor

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – Huntingdon running back Trevor Manuel got a surprise as he walked off the field last Saturday after the FCS Senior Scout Bowl.

Shortly after being named MVP and scoring the winning touchdown in the South All-Stars' 20-17 overtime win against the North, Manuel was approached by a young fan.

"I was coming off the field and this little kid asked me if he could have my gloves," Manuel said. "Of all the players out there, he chose to ask me. The smile on his face when I gave him the gloves really made my day. That's something I'll remember."

The All-Star game was the second in eight days for Manuel and Huntingdon defensive tackle D.J. Chappell. It was also Manuel's second MVP honor. Manuel was named MVP of the D3 Senior Classic on Dec. 7.

"It's a good feeling," Manuel said. "Both awards were nice accomplishments. This one was special because we were competing against Division I-AA (or Football Championship Subdivision – FCS) players. There were only about six Division III players in the game.

"It felt good to be able to go out and compete against players from a higher level and be able to help my team win. With both of us (Manuel and Chappell) playing in the game, I think it was a good way to get Huntingdon's name out there and hopefully it will help us gain a little more notoriety."

Manuel finished the game with 44 yards on nine carries. He rushed for 25 yards and a touchdown on three carries in overtime.

"I felt good going into overtime. It was my turn in the rotation and I felt like the coaches wanted to run the ball," Manuel said. "I just wanted to help the team win and I tried to make the most of each carry."

Full game statistics were not available, but Manuel said Chappell finished the game with six tackles.

"Chap played a great game," Manuel said. "In the first All-Star game, he had to play defensive end in a three-man front that was different from what we played at Huntingdon.

"In this game, he was able to play defensive tackle in a four-man front and you could tell it was what he was used to. He did what he usually does and made plays."