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Dominion Post
27-06-2025
- Sport
- Dominion Post
Preston High quarterback Slaton Manko excited for senior season after a breakout 2024 campaign
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.
FACT
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- FACT
All the must-try dining destinations at Solitaire Mall in Riyadh
From cute cafés to indulgent bakeries, there's something for everyone. Solitaire Mall in Riyadh is the hot spot for all things luxurious. While the mall is home to various high-end boutique stores, its dining game is equally diverse. If you want to fuel up before a shopping spree or wind down after a haul, Solitaire Mall's dining options promise a world of options under one roof. From quick bites to leisurely sit-down meals, every corner holds something delicious waiting to be discovered. Arcade Food Hall Hailing from London, Arcade Food Hall will offer a diverse dining experience on its rooftop when it opens later this year. The food hall offers an eclectic mix of global cuisines, featuring a carefully curated selection of vendors and dining options, ranging from street-style bites to fusion delicacies and classics. Arcade Food Hall's ambience is a harmonious mix of trendy and warm communal vibes. GO: Visit for more information. Angel Cakes Angel Cakes is the place to satisfy your sweet tooth, but in a healthy way. The charming café offers delicious, sugar-free, gluten-free, and vegan dishes and desserts. Angel Cakes crafts every dish with health and flavour in mind, a space for conscious eaters and food lovers alike. Their menu features everything from Buckwheat Bowl to fluffy pancakes and a wide range of hot and cold beverages. GO: Visit for more information. The Butcher Shop & Grill The celebrated South African steakhouse, The Butcher Shop & Grill, brings bold flavours and rich traditions to Solitaire in Riyadh. Their menu features exquisite succulent steaks, and each cut is carefully selected by connoisseurs and prepared to perfection. GO: Visit for more information. Café Bateel Famous for its organic dates, the café reflects this sophisticated ethos, blending traditional Arabian hospitality with contemporary elegance. Whether you're visiting for a cup of traditional coffee or selecting a beautifully packaged gift, Bateel delivers quality and craftsmanship at every turn. GO: Visit for more information. Home Bakery Home Bakery is the ideal destination for those who love to indulge in the comforting taste of fresh, homemade treats. Specialising in artisanal breads, pastries and cakes, this cosy café brings the warm vibes of home baking into every bite. The inviting aroma and charming atmosphere make it a perfect spot to grab a quick bite and relax with a cup of coffee. GO: Follow @home_bakery on Instagram for more information. Joe & The Juice The viral juice and sandwich chain has become a favourite go-to spot in Riyadh. Joe & The Juice is known for serving fresh juices, smoothies, coffee, and light meals, such as sandwiches and salads. Originally from Denmark, the brand has exploded across Europe and the Middle East. The ambience takes on a hip, pink atmosphere, focusing on creating a relaxed and friendly social environment. GO: Visit for more information. Jon & Vinny's The iconic Italian-American restaurant, Jon & Vinny's, is a go-to spot for comfort food. This FACT award-winning restaurant serves classic house-made dishes, from pizza and pasta to delicious desserts and coffee. Their casual, laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff are not to be missed. GO: Follow @ on Instagram for more information. Ladurée The popular Parisian café has become the hotspot at Solitaire Mall. It offers a luxurious escape into the world of French patisserie, renowned for its iconic macarons and elegant pastries. The classic French interiors, adorned with pastel hues and ornate décor, provide the perfect setting for a leisurely coffee or a sweet treat. GO: Visit for more information. Lavazza Lavazza Cafe is a fantastic choice for a quick cup of coffee at the mall. The cafe serves speciality house blends and single-origin coffee from around the world. Lavazza Cafe's interiors are inspired by their flagship stores in Milan and London, which radiate a chic and contemporary atmosphere. With breakfast, desserts, and more, this cafe offers a wide range of options. G): Follow @lavazzasaudi on Instagram for more information. New Shanghai Modern Shanghai-style cuisine offers the most flavoursome dishes. Inspired by the city of Shanghai, the restaurant's interiors reflect its bustling atmosphere. The menu features ancient family recipes passed down from generations. The restaurant offers a diverse menu, featuring a range of dishes, including dumplings, noodles, hot pots, and pan-fried buns. While they also offer a live dumpling-making theatre, the Rainbow Beef has the FACT team returning time and again. GO: Visit for more information. PAUL Cafe Globally popular French bakery and cafe PAUL has established a stylish and welcoming location at the Solitaire Mall. It offers a distinctly European atmosphere and serves freshly baked pastries, breads and French dishes. It's the ideal place to savour a cup of coffee or enjoy a casual lunch on the go. GO: Visit for more information. Parker's Casual dining spot Parker's offers a menu that combines comfort food with creative twists. The cafe serves Instagram-worthy dishes, including burgers, loaded fries, and decadent desserts. It is Solitaire's go-to lunch spot for casual gatherings and quick coffee. Parker's unique 'key' concept adds an element of fun, encouraging diners to unlock special menu items or experiences. GO: Visit for more information. Perruche The soon-to-open Perruche will blend Parisian elegance with Mediterranean charm at Solitaire Mall. The restaurant offers a vibrant menu inspired by the sun-drenched cuisine of Provence. Offering dishes like grilled salads and Tagliatelle with Summer Truffle, paired perfectly with delicious desserts. This fine dining restaurant provides a glimpse of the French Riviera, with its warm interiors that create an inviting setting reminiscent of an urban oasis. GO: Visit for more information. Patchi Cafe Patchi Cafe is an extension of the chocolatiers' half-century-long legacy. The famous chocolate now combines its renowned chocolate heritage with a contemporary café concept. Their menu features an array of dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner, paired perfectly with a selection of chocolate beverages and decadent desserts. GO: Visit for more information. Somewhere A hybrid neo-Mediterranean culinary concept that offers a mix of contemporary and international dishes. The restaurant offers flavorful dishes such as Avocado Focaccia, Lahme w Batenjen Fatteh, and Wagyu Baajine. With locations in Abu Dhabi, AlUla, and Dubai, you can have a delightful dining experience that celebrates the richness of Mediterranean cuisine. Go: Visit for more information. Said Dal 1923 Brought to the Saudi capital from Rome in Italy, Said Dal 1923 is famous for its chocolate drinks and desserts. Their famous triple chocolate is one of their best-selling hot beverages, coating the cup in layers of melted chocolate. The dessert selection features cake options such as carrot and walnut, and pistachio with salted caramel. They also offer chocolate bars flavoured with chilli, cinnamon, ginger, mint and orange. GO: Follow @saiddal1923ksa on Instagram for more information. Venchi Experience European indulgence, decadent chocolates and gourmet gelato at Italy's Venchi. Their signature offering boasts a selection of fine chocolates crafted from high-quality cocoa sourced from Africa and South America. The beverage offering features drinks like the Bicerin, a traditional Turin beverage made with espresso, chocolate, and milk, and the Venchino Experience, which combines espresso with melted gianduja chocolate and whipped cream. GO: Visit for more information. Yann Couvreur Yann Couvreur Pâtisserie draws its inspiration from traditional Parisian pastries. Yann started his career in Paris and trained at the Tecomah training centre in Jouy-en-Josas. He has also created pastries for the world-famous Orient Express train. The café is known for its iconic Vanilla Mille Feuille, so try it while you're there. GO: Visit for more information.
