Added on September 25, 2023  Marsha Chartrand

Dutch concentrate on a homecoming win, 55–12

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Field goal before half-time. Photo by Fritz Swanson.

by Marsha Chartrand

The Flying Dutchmen made a resounding comeback in Friday night’s homecoming game, defeating Leslie 55–12.

“After the setback the previous week, I was extremely happy to see how focused our players were during practice the entire week,” said Coach Ben Pack. “This proved to continue on Friday. The first half was the most focused we have played all year long, with each unit supporting each other.”

The first quarter started off strong with the Dutchmen scoring an easy 24 points. Two quick rushes by Blake Sloan each complemented by a PAT from kickers Jeff Sangster and Lydia Bennett, followed by Tommy Johnson receiving an 18-yard pass from Kannon Duffing followed up by another PAT from Sangster, and finally a 31-yard field goal from Sangster at the end of the quarter loaded on 24 points for Manchester, while Leslie stood scoreless.

The second quarter was a repeat of the first, with a few new players. Brady Reed and Alexander Woods were each the recipients of quick passes from Duffing and were followed up with PATs from Bennett and Sangster. Sloan had another two-yard rush across the goal line, supported by Bennett’s PAT. And Sangster again ended the second quarter with a field goal of 34 yards to bring the score to 48–0, Manchester.

Both teams went scoreless in the third quarter, while Leslie scored two TDs in the final quarter and Manchester’s Brady Reed scored on a 24-yard TD rush supplemented by Sangster’s PAT, ending the game at 55–12.

Pack explained that the Dutch defensive line, which continues to improve weekly, did a nice job preparing to stop the Blackhawks’ option game, holding them scoreless for the first three quarters. Additionally, several players turned in big-time plays, intercepting and breaking up passes. Landon LaVigne, Nathan Fletcher, and Brody Alexa contained Leslie’s quarterbacks, forcing them to scramble. Gunner Carson had one interception and pass breakup, adding to his kick and punt returns. “Gunner has been a force on both sides of the ball,” Pack commented. “He has silent yardage that is hidden in special teams plays.”
Again this week, the offense was led by QB Kannon Duffing and Blake Sloan. Kannon completed 14 of 18 passes for 195 yards and three touchdowns. This allowed him to reach a total of 36 touchdown passes for his career, breaking a school passing record for touchdown completions (34, by Pat Wallace) that has stood since 1966.
“During the game, six different receivers caught passes,” Pack said. “Kannon has spread the ball around finding the open receiver. Tommy Johnson, Alexander Woods, and Brady Reed each had receiving touchdowns. However, the most spectacular pass play was turned in by Luke Blumenauer, who caught a go route over the hands and between three defenders.  This allowed our field goal unit to score with no time left on the clock before half.”

Sloan was the workhorse again, rushing for 165 yards on 18 carries. “Bubba Duffing and our offensive line do an excellent job of creating alleys for Blake,” Pack noted. “When the ball is in his hands he has very good vision, the ability to make cuts, and the strength to bull his way through tight spots.”

Pack added that while Blake and Kannon have played well the entire season, it is the support of the blockers that are the unsung heroes. “Jozef Sprunk, Dylan Gauss, Dom Herrst, Landon LaVigne, and Nathan Fletcher have allowed our offense to click each game,” he said.

Pack concluded that the Dutch kickers were spot-on all night as well. “Jeff Sangster and Lydia Bennett made all the points after touchdowns,” he commented. “Jeff’s kick-offs help us pin our opponents’ offense deep into their territory. Additionally, Jeff kicked two field goals of 29 and 31 yards. He showed poise kicking the field goals, keeping his composure, and allowing his technique to do the work.”

The middle school team is off to an outstanding start at 2–0. They have shut out both opponents and scored over 60 points to start the season, Pack added.

The varsity team, now 4–1 on the season, will travel to East Jackson on Friday, facing the Trojans, who have a 2–3 record for the season.
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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.

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