By Ross Johnson

Sports Writer

With all of his roles on Friday nights, LaGrange High’s Josh Manning welcomes a Monday afternoon practice.

Manning, a cornerback and wide receiver, won’t be seen with the field-goal unit during games, but that’s about it.

The senior is constantly on the field, as he has important roles with the offense, defense and special-teams units.

In the Grangers’ 38-28 win at Stephens County last week, it was Manning who returned an interception 97 yards for a score just before halftime to put LaGrange in front 24-0.

Following his return, Manning had to cover the kickoff, then finish out the second quarter on defense.

Needless to say, he was ready for halftime.

“After that (interception return), I was so tired,” Manning said. “But I had to go back on kickoff and defense. I sit out some plays, but I have to be ready (to go in) at all times.”

Manning, who says he is primarily a defensive player, has already notched four interceptions this season, including two in last week’s win.

With Stephens County inside the Grangers’ 15-yard line just before halftime, Manning made a brilliant play off a bad throw from the Indians’ quarterback.

It turned a game that was already favoring the Grangers into a blowout.

“I was back in the end zone, and I saw the pass and stretched out for the ball,” Manning said. “We were already up 17-0 at that point.”

LaGrange defensive coordinator Donnie Branch is glad to have Manning in the defensive backfield.

Branch said Manning’s experience and abilities make him one of the defense’s most reliable players.

“He’s the only guy that absolutely knows what to do, and he does it,” Branch said. “He’s been really good.”

While Manning admits he’s probably better on defense, his pass-catching capabilities aren’t lacking by any means.

In LaGrange’s 34-7 win over Heard County in Week 2, Manning caught a 41-yard touchdown bomb from quarterback Jamius Gunsby.

With a young wide receiver unit, Manning could be a go-to target for Gunsby as the season progresses.

“(Gunsby) throws a really nice ball,” Manning said. “He can really loft it up there.”

Manning has also carried the ball eight times for 39 yards.

LaGrange head coach Steve Pardue said Manning is a “utility” player on offense, and can be used many different ways.

“We use him at three different positions offensively. He can be our wing, he can be our X, and he can be our receiver,” Pardue said. “We’ll probably get him in for 10, 11 snaps a game and we’ll try to get the ball in his hands.”

Manning is also a threat on special teams as a punt and kickoff returner.

“It’s only a matter of time before he gets a big return,” Pardue said.

Football hasn’t always been a part of Manning’s life.

It took him until the fourth grade to attend his first football game, when Pardue’s wife Pam took him to see the Grangers play at Callaway Stadium.

Manning was a student in Mrs. Pardue’s class.

“I love Mrs. Pardue (for taking me to it),” Manning said. “That game made me want to go out and play football.”

For Steve Pardue, who has also known Manning for many years, it’s “special” to see the senior blossom into a playmaker for the Grangers.

Manning stepped into a starting role as a junior when he had three interceptions, and he’s one of just two returning starters on the defensive side of the ball.

“He’s special to my family,” Pardue said. “I’ve known Josh since he was young, so it’s been fun to watch him develop into the player he is.”