Dutchmen prevail in home opener vs. Addison, 29-26
Manchester defended a late game challenge from Addison to maintain their 29-26 victory at their home opener on Thursday night. (Photo courtesy Shannon Fether).
by Marsha Chartrand
The story of the tortoise and the hare might be a good metaphor for Manchester’s Thursday night victory over Addison on the home football field: “Slow but steady wins the race.”
The Panthers started out strong with 14 points in the first quarter and 12 in the second, giving them a 26-14 advantage at halftime over the hosting Dutchmen, who had scored seven points in each of the first two quarters. But the “outstanding” Dutch defense in the second half, while continuing to move the ball on offense, scoring eight points in the third quarter and seven in the fourth, showed Manchester’s strength and spirit, according to varsity coach Ben Pack.
“Winning a football game against an elite team is a result of players making great plays throughout the game,” Pack said. “Our players did just that on Thursday.”
Addison came into the game ranked among the elite teams in Division 8, and one of the top 50 teams in the state in all classes.
It was a hard-fought game by both teams,” Pack added. “Our players stayed focused and strong for all 48 minutes. Our defense played well in the first half and outstanding in the second, holding them to zero points. Addison always goes for two points after each touchdown. Our defense prevented three of their 2-point conversions. This was huge, not only preventing the score, but to maintain our competitive mind set.”
The biggest play on defense came in the last seconds of the game. Facing a fourth down and 1 yard to go from the 2 yard line, Manchester’s defense held, preventing a first down, preventing a touchdown, and forcing Addison to turn the ball over on downs.
“The goal line stand on the last play of the game showed the mental and physical toughness of our players,” Pack said. “Their toughness was demonstrated on the field, but it was built back during the cold winter days, and on the hot days of summer, as they lifted weights together. Toughness is built by working hard together when nobody is watching.”
Jeff Loomis led the team in tackles with nine, while Blake Sloan and Bubba Duffing had eight each. Late in the game Addison had a breakaway run, and Jaxon McGuigan ran him down, preventing a touchdown.
The Dutchmen were able to move the ball on offense each half. Our line did an outstanding job of protecting quarterback Kannon Duffing. Duffing, Jaxon Mc Guigan, Andrew Campbell, and Wyatt Carson all had focused performances. Pack said the passing game was spot on the entire night. Kannon completed 17 of 22 passes for 222 yards. Jaxon hauled in 9 passes for 131 yards, and two touchdowns. Andrew caught four passes for 52 yards, and one touchdown. Wyatt rushed for 32 yards and also hauled in a fourth down conversion pass for 22 yards. Blake Sloan scored the only rushing touchdown for the Dutch, in the first quarter.
“The point difference in the game came on point after touchdown conversions,” Pack said. “Each team scored four touchdowns. Manchester converted all their extra points, while Addison only converted one. Nick Laurain was true on all three, point after kicks, and Blake Sloan scored a two-point conversion on a 1-yard dive.
“The players have worked extremely hard to beat two exceptional teams to start the season. Starting off the season 2-0 has been worth the off-season effort. Staying focused and not content is the next mission.”
T
he victory leaves Manchester solely atop the Cascades Conference going into next Saturday’s game at home vs. Napoleon, beginning at 6 pm. (Note time and date change!)
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