KINGWOOD – Preston High School quarterback Slaton Manko was one of the top breakout stars of the 2024 WV high school football season after an impressive campaign for the Knights.
The rising senior amassed 2,428 total yards and 27 touchdowns offensively under center for the Knights last season, while also playing a role on defense with 24 tackles.
His efforts earned him a spot on the Class AAA all-state second-team as a utility player, and Manko returns this season with renewed confidence and a clear mindset as he prepares to lead PHS in the fall.
“The experience I gained from my freshman and sophomore years playing varsity helped my confidence a ton going into last season,” Manko said. “I’ve also had some great playmakers and a good offensive scheme and game plan from Coach Sims. I’ve always tried to lead by example, and being an upperclassman helped me take that to a new level.”
Manko led the Knights with 1,744 yards through the air at a 53% completion percentage and 18 touchdowns to only six interceptions. He was also the leading rusher on the team, with 684 yards and nine touchdowns on 154 carries.
His breakout game came against East Fairmont in the Buckwheat Bowl, a 48-20 victory, in which Manko totaled 487 yards of offense and six touchdowns. That came a week after he rushed for 100 yards and threw for 199 yards with three scores against Robert C. Byrd.
Heading into summer, Manko says there isn’t an aspect of his game he isn’t trying to improve continually.
“I just want to continue to get better,” he said. “Whether it’s faster, stronger, or more knowledgeable, the goal is for the team to put out a product on the field that we and Preston County can be proud of. There’s nothing like playing on Friday night, and with this being my senior season, I’m excited to battle week in and week out with my brother and give my all for our team.”
The Knights competed in Class AAA in 2024, but will move back to Class AAAA with the newly implemented class realignment, which is strictly based on enrollment. PHS sits less than 10 students above the cutoff for Class AAA.
Still, Manko believes he and his team have what it takes to succeed at the highest level of high school football in the state, and their confidence remains unwavering despite the competition.
“We don’t always have the same number of players the other team has on the roster, but we have the same amount of effort and drive to compete at the highest level,” Manko said. “I just want to be able to get the most out of my teammates and coaches, and hopefully the results will take care of themselves with the work we put in. I think we have a lot of talent, but we will have some new starters on both sides of the ball. It’s about giving our maximum effort every play. If we do that, I think we will be successful.”
Manko and the Knights will open the 2025 season by visiting Hampshire in Week 1.
