Dutchmen show their grit to beat East Jackson, 14-13

Courtesy file photo.

On Friday night, the Dutch beat the Trojans of East Jackson 14-13 in a nail biter.

“The past three weeks have been exceptionally fast-paced for the young Dutchmen, as the season is now in full swing,” said head Coach Ben Pack this weekend.

After a defensive struggle in the first quarter, EJ scored in the last minute of the second quarter, taking a lead into the locker room for a 7-0 score at the half. After halftime, the Dutch regrouped and scored on seven-yard run by quarterback Aiden Kelly in the middle of the third quarter. A penalty after the play forced the point-after attempt to be kicked from the 25-yard line and the kick failed to go over the crossbar; keeping the score at 7-6.

East Jackson quarterback Austin McKessy put the Trojans up late in the third, on 38-yard scamper down the left sideline. The Trojans attempted a two-point conversion, but the Dutch defense rose to the occasion, knocking the running back … and the point-after attempt failed, making the score 13-6.

The Dutchmen would not be denied. With two minutes to go in the game, the young Dutch defense held, and the offense drove down the field executing play after play. Kelly hooked up with Jaxon McGuigan on a 33-yard pass play that put the Dutch in the Red Zone. Tailback Hayden Taylor took the ball a few plays later into the end zone, on a one-yard run.

Taylor and Kelly were not done yet. The two hooked up on a three-yard pass on the point-after conversion, giving the Dutch the lead and the 14-13 win. Cade VanBogelen and Garrett Corwin both had tremendous nights on the offensive and defensive line.

“The kids showed tremendous character after the EJ score before halftime,” said Pack. “Varsity level football has been an eye-opener for the younger players, although they are adapting each day.”

Pack added that five freshmen and six sophomores played a major role in the Dutch victory. “I am pleased to say they show up and work extremely hard each day. We are fortunate to have such great young men,” he said after the game.

The Varsity Game this Friday is at home versus Riverview Gabriel Richard. Game time is 7 pm. Go Dutch!

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.