Varsity Flying Dutchmen are 3–0 for the season entering conference play
New banners on our practice field sheds recognizing and celebrating a tradition of excellence! Photo courtesy Coach Ben Pack.
by Marsha Chartrand
The Flying Dutchmen varsity football team improved their record to 3–0 on Friday with a win over Stockbridge.
“After the first two home contests, we needed to play a game on the road, and versus a team that presented adversity for our team,” commented Ben Pack, varsity head coach. “Playing away games present an entirely different sequence of events prior to the game, such as bus rides, playing on grass, and adapting our warm-up procedure. These may appear to be insignificant but play a huge role in how kids prepare prior to the game. As a whole, our kids handle this change well.”
Pack noted that Stockbridge is recognized as a passing team and had a game plan that presented adversity to the Dutch in the first half.
“Our kids showed their ability to adjust our game plan, shutting down their offense during the second half,” he added. “For the second week in a row, Alexander Woods came up big with an interception that swung the momentum, allowing our offense to score a touchdown, and led the team in tackles.”
The Dutch’s defensive line played well, too, pressuring the Panthers’ quarterback and containing their rushing game. Pack credited Brody Alexa, Landon LaVigne, and Nathan Fletcher with exceptional performances. In addition, free safety Phoenix Hulswitt registered a huge play, batting down a sure touchdown pass late in the game.
“Phoenix has played very well in the first three games,” Pack said.
“Offensively,” he continued, “our running game shined. Stockbridge was dropping eight defenders into pass zones to stop the passing attack of QB Kannon Duffing, in turn opening running lanes that Blake Sloan and Gunner Carson exploited. Both combined for over 200 yards rushing and three touchdowns.”
Pack pointed out that wide receiver Luke Blumenauer made a beautiful toe-tap catch in the end zone at the close of the first half to give the Dutchmen momentum. “Our offensive line played very well opening the holes for our backs,” Pack said. “Strong tackle Dominick Herrst has started the past two weeks and has been dominant. Guard Jozef Sprunk turned in an exceptional performance, blocking their nose guard and pulling to trap their defensive ends.”
The Panthers started their home-field advantage with a safety in the first quarter, and then scoring heated up in the second. A two-yard rush by Stockbridge early in the second left Manchester behind 0–8, and then a 23-yard rush from Gunner Carson brought the score closer with a touchdown. A passing TD and subsequent PAT by the Panthers brought the score to 6–15, with the Dutch drawing closer again on a 15-yard pass from Kannon Duffing to Luke Blumenauer for a 12–15 score going in at the half.
After a scoreless third quarter, it was all Manchester for the fourth and final quarter. Blake Sloan had a five-yard rush for a touchdown, followed by a PAT by Jeff Sangster, to bring the score to 19–15. Sloan then ran for 19 yards and another TD, followed by a 3-yard conversion from Carson to finish out the game with a 27–15 score.
Sloan led the team in rushing with 23 carries for 144 yards and two touchdowns. Duffing completed three of six passing attempts for 20 yards total and one touchdown. Blumenauer was the leading receiver with two, for 20 yards and one touchdown.
“This week begins a full slate of conference games,” Pack summarized. “Our league is among the toughest in the state, having four undefeated teams and all ranked among the top 10 teams.”
That said, the Dutch moved up to fifth place, their highest ranking in several years, on the Detroit Free Press Division 7 football rankings for the week of September 3.
“We view this as being respected for all the hard work everyone (players, coaches, parents, administrators) has done,” Pack said. “It is nice to be considered among the elite programs in the state. We must continue to work hard to maintain this respect.”
The Flying Dutchmen will travel to Napoleon to take on the Pirates Friday at 7pm. This clash of undefeated teams will have a major impact on conference standing as well as playoff points.
Go, Dutch!
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