Michigan Center stops Manchester’s homecoming momentum

Dutchmen Nathan Fletcher (62) and Garrett Corwin (77) on defense against the Cardinals. Photo courtesy of Samantha Teresky.

by Marsha Chartrand

The excitement and hype of Homecoming wasn’t enough to help the Dutchmen overcome a Michigan Center team that was back to full strength. But it wasn’t for lack of talent or trying.

Both teams struck early, each scoring seven-point touchdowns in the first, leaving the score tied at the end of the quarter. The Cardinals got a four-yard run from Mitchell Corwin with a successful PAT. Manchester Quarterback Kannon Duffing hit Andrew Campbell for a 19-yard pass, and Nick Laurain’s kick was good for the point after touchdown.

The Dutchmen took the lead in the second quarter when Duffing completed a four-yard pass to Jaxon McGuigan with Laurain kicking the point after. Michigan Center scored late in the quarter to tie, and then overtake, the game — ending the half at 20–14 with Cardinals in the lead.

“The Dutchmen played a well-fought game until big plays by Michigan Center broke the game open late in the second half,“ said Coach Ben Pack. “The Dutchmen took the kickoff deep into Michigan Center territory. The offense drove the ball to the Michigan Center 35-yard line. Center’s Kyran Lane picked off a Duffing pass and ran it back to the four-yard line.”

Pack said the pass play before half was a terrible call. “We had momentum and were going in to pick up more points. The interception swung the momentum and took the air out of us. Our strength is to be patient with our passes, chipping away yards little by little. The call was trying to get too many yards too quickly.“

Turnovers also played a huge role in the game. The Dutch turned the ball over an uncharacteristic five times.

And, Pack added, Center’s Lane wasn’t done. During the second half he registered the game of his career, scoring touchdowns of 51 and 79 yards.

On the brighter side, Kannon Duffing completed 19 passes for the night, totaling 167 yards through the air. Wyatt Carson and Blake Sloan combined for 109 yards rushing, while Campbell had 29 yards. McGuigan tied another school record. Jaxon’s 12 receptions in the game ties a school record that was previously set by Joel Blades in 2010.

Defensively, McGuigan led in tackles, registering a total of nine. Campbell had a very nice pass interception that stifled a Cardinal drive, and Blake Sloan continued to make huge plays.

“Blake comes to compete each game,“ Pack said. “His effort and toughness is a lesson for all.“

The Dutchmen look to get back on track Friday at Hanover Horton.

Photo courtesy of Samantha Teresky.

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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.