Coming off a huge homecoming win last weekend, the Flying Dutchmen varsity football team headed to Grass Lake at noon on Saturday filled with anticipation.

“Playing on a Saturday afternoon changes the entire routine of game preparations,” said head coach Ben Pack. “The game change was out of our control … It shouldn’t have an impact on players’ and coaches’ readiness to play, but it does.”

Although Grass Lake scored early with a touchdown and extra point, the Dutch came back at 1:38 in the first quarter with a quick four-yard run by Wyatt Carson for a touchdown, followed by the PAT by Max Edwards, to tie the score at 7-7.

And there the score remained until the third quarter. Plenty of back-and-forth during second quarter play, including an interception by Jaxon McGuigan which ended the Warriors’ hopes of a score before the halftime break. Grass Lake’s last drive of the half was interrupted by tackles from Jacob and Jared Bunn, along with McGuigan.

“Time of possession also played a huge factor in the game,” Pack commented. “Grass Lake controlled the ball for just under 29 of the 48 minutes.”

Scoring started again in the third quarter at 8:49, with Grass Lake completing a 58-yard pass for a touchdown, followed by a successful PAT, to lead the Dutch 14-7. At 7:02 in the third, Grass Lake had another long drive for a touchdown, culminated in a 40-yard run and another PAT, to bring their lead to 21-7.

Undeterred, the Dutch responded with a drive of their own. Kannon Duffing’s passing game to Garret Pope and Jaxon McGuigan aided Wyatt Carson’s ultimate 38-yard run for a touchdown with 2:31 remaining in the third. Edwards’ PAT attempt failed, leaving the score at 21-13.

Grass Lake’s final drive of the quarter was unsuccessful due to Manchester’s defensive tacklers, including Jaxon and Brady McGuigan, Bret Harvey, (assisted by Cody Branner), Pope, (assisted by Aiden Kelly), Garrett Corwin (assisted by Branner), and Jacob Bunn.

The fourth quarter began with another Grass Lake drive, however, leading to their fourth TD of the game and a 28-13 score in the Warriors’ favor. Manchester’s next drive ate up several minutes on the clock as they valiantly tried to score, but Carson’s final attempt at a TD ended in a fumble at the Grass Lake 6-yard line.

The Dutch defense held Grass Lake back from another scoring attempt, and Manchester reclaimed the ball on the Grass Lake 47. A 15-yard penalty for defensive pass interference helped the Dutch pick up more yards midway through the drive, but Duffing was sacked at the 3-yard line for a seven-yard loss and his next pass attempt to McGuigan was incomplete, leaving the Dutch without another score to add to their game.

Duffing was 11 for 23 in passing at Grass Lake, for 146 total yards. Carson again led the team in rushing with 117 yards in 20 attempts (and two touchdowns); and McGuigan was the leading receiver with eight for 107 yards. Edwards added one extra point, with no field goal attempts.

“When taking possession, our line did a nice job with their assignments allowing our offense to gain yards,” Pack said. “Bret Harvey turned in his best performance as an offensive lineman. Wyatt Carson does an exceptional job of running our inside run play; he has found his niche. Jaxon McGuigan, and Kannon Duffing continued to connect on passes. Their production has allowed our running game to open up.”

This week’s crossover game hosted by Manchester, will pit the Dutchmen against Union City High School at 7 pm on the athletic field at 20500 Dutch Drive.

“We look forward to playing at home on Friday, and having our student cheer section,” Pack concluded. “I love hearing those kids cheer and play music. Together we win!”