Dutch edge closer to the “W” column

Jaxon McGuigan was the leading receiver for Friday night’s game in Napoleon.

The varsity Flying Dutchmen improved their performance in Friday night’s road game hosted by the Napoleon Pirates, but have yet to bring home a win this season. The gridders fought hard, said head coach Ben Pack, before falling to Napoleon in the final minutes of the game.

Kannon Duffing retained his status to lead in passing for the third straight game of the season, with 6 of his 12 pass attempts completed and a total of 72 yards gained. Gunner Carson led the Dutch in rushing with 13 carries for a total of 49 yards. Leading receiver was Jaxon McGuigan, receiving four passes for a total of 72 yards.

The Dutchmen got on the board early finishing their first drive of the evening, when Max Edwards kicked his second field goal of the season. Napoleon returned the scoring favor marching down the field for a TD, however the extra point kick was blocked by Garret Pope after breaking through the line. The first quarter ended with Napoleon leading by a narrow 6-3 margin. Back-and-forth action in the second quarter culminated in Napoleon scoring a touchdown with just 1:32 remaining in the half. The Dutch went to the locker room at the half trailing by a score of 12-3.

In the third quarter, Napoleon picked up another eight points, scoring on a 5-yard touchdown run at 6:50, followed by a successful two-point conversion a few minutes later. Napoleons offense scored their final points in the third quarter and led 20-3.

But the Dutchmen weren’t done. Just a minute into the fourth quarter, a Napoleon fumble forced by Dutchman outside linebacker Jeff Loomis was recovered by Aiden Kelly and converted into a touchdown run from Manchester’s 48. A two-point conversion pass from Duffing to Andrew Campbell was good, allowing the Dutch to begin the catch-up process.

Trailing 20-11, the Dutch defense came up big forcing another Napoleon fumble at 5:20. Garret Pope made a five-yard run, plowing his way into the end zone, followed by a successful point-after kick by Max Edwards to bring the score to 18-20.

An exciting drive by Manchester with just 2:22 left in the game, started at the Manchester 37-yard line as Duffing completed a 30-yard pass to McGuigan. Pope ran to the Pirates’ 21 for another 12 yards, and Wyatt Carson had two carries for four and five yards, respectively, to bring Manchester within passing distance at the Napoleon 12. But Duffing’s final pass was intercepted by Napoleon in the end zone with 1:25 remaining in the quarter and the game ended without another score. Final score Napoleon 20,  Dutchmen 18.

“We were sluggish in the first half of the game,” said Pack. “Our kids found energy in the second half, especially in the fourth after we were sparked by Aiden’s scoop and score. I was happy to see our kids compete, and stay strong especially when the chips were down.

“We have a good group that works hard and improves daily,” he added. “I know they were hurting after the game and that shows they care. Hopefully our slow start is over and we are ready to play fast and compete as we are capable.”

The Varsity Flying Dutch will host East Jackson on Friday at 7 pm.

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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.