MANTON - Oct. 2, 2009 - Manton gave Whittemore-Prescott everything it wanted on Friday.

But thanks to some timely defense, including Tommylee Miracle's game-clinching interception return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter, the Cardinals survived the Rangers' homecoming with a 28-12 victory.

"Manton came ready to play," said W-P coach Kevin Frederick. "It was a battle to the end. Our defense made some big stops and had a big fourth quarter.

"Tommylee's interception couldn't have come at a better time."

Miracle's interception came with 4:36 left in the fourth quarter, just over a minute after Kevin Dupuis' 30-yard run gave the Cards a 21-12 lead.

"Our offensive line overcame some adversity," Frederick said. "They put together a huge scoring drive (ending in Dupuis' run)."

W-P and Manton traded touchdowns through the first three quarters. Chris Downes gave the Cards a 7-0 lead with a 2-yard run and the extra point in the first quarter.

Manton answered with a 17-yard pass from Sawyer Seager to Scott Polzin, but the Rangers missed the extra point to leave W-P up 7-6.

Downes scored again, this time from 15 yards out to put the Cards up 14-6 at the half.

Manton crept back within 14-12 on a 24-yard pass from Seager to Jasper Woodcock. Dominick Phillips blocked the extra point.

Downes led the Cardinals in rushing with 78 yards on 21 carries, but Frederick noted Dupuis and Zach Morgan also had some key runs.

"Chris had a good night," Frederick said. "But Zack and Kevin were impressive tonight with the way they ran as well."

Dupuis finished with 34 yards on three carries, with Morgan adding 23 yards on three tries.

Dylan DeBoever was 5-of-9 passing for 62 yards and added 36 rushing yards on 10 carries.

Miracle had six tackles and Matt Harrington added five.

The Cardinals (5-1) can clinch a playoff spot if they win at Alcona (3-3) on Friday, Oct. 9.