KINGWOOD – In today’s world of high school athletics, it isn’t uncommon to see transfers happen yearly.
While high school athletics isn’t anywhere near as chaotic as the NCAA when it comes to transfers and the “portal”, a player that stands out on a team that didn’t have the strongest year as a whole is always questioned when it comes to the process and the future.
Preston High School senior quarterback Slaton Manko fits the mold of a player who impressed the masses last season, despite his team finishing just 3-7 in 2024.
Manko totaled over 2,400 yards of offense and 27 touchdowns in 2024 and became one of the biggest breakout players of the year in the state. Despite the finish to the season, Slaton says he never considered playing anywhere else besides Preston.
“Loyalty is crucial to me and my family,” he said. “My parents raised me to be a loyal friend and teammate, so that’s what I’ve always tried to do. It’s important to know that you’re out there with guys who are dedicated to the same goals as you. Football is a physical sport, and it takes everyone pulling in the same direction to have a chance for success. I’ve never really considered transferring whatsoever.”
Manko was born in Preston County and says being able to represent his community every Friday night is something he cherishes.
“I feel like you should represent that place you were born and raised, and I’m proud to be from Preston County,” he said. “I go out every Friday night and try to represent where I’m from to the best of my abilities.”
Preston head coach Mark Deep says that having Manko as his quarterback for as long as possible was never a doubt in his mind.
“When they approved the transfer rule, I think every coach had some nerves simply due to the number of transfers happening at the time,” Deep said. “But it never once crossed my mind that Slaton wouldn’t be our quarterback. It’s been a pleasure getting to know him. One thing is for certain: Slaton is 100% Preston County through and through. He takes pride in being from here and has always had a team-first mentality rather than worrying about his own self gain. He’s a special player and an even better person and has a bright future ahead of him.”
After a 0-3 start to 2025, Manko is focusing on being the external leader his teammates and coaches need him to be.
“I’ve always tried my best to lead by example,” he said. “As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become more vocal in my role. When I’m finished here, I hope people remember me most for my leadership and the way I pushed my teammates to get the most out of everyone, myself included.”
Manko and his teammates will have their first chance to play in front of a home crowd in 2025 in Week 4 against Robert C. Byrd, as they’ve hit the road for the opening three weeks of the season. The Knights will also be searching for their first win.
“It’s going to be great to play at home finally,” Manko said. “We have great support from our community, and there’s nothing like playing at home in front of our fans on Friday night. We didn’t get out to the start that we wanted, but I’m pushing everyone to keep working hard and playing even harder. We still have our goals in front of us.”
