Football strong-arms Grass Lake for a close 21–20 win

Luke Blumenauer (#12) about to catch a pass from Kannon Duffing to score MHS’s first touchdown of the game. Photo by Sara Swanson.

by Marsha Chartrand

It was a rainy night for a football game, but the Dutchmen showed up with their typical determination last Friday and prevailed in a close game over the visiting Grass Lake Warriors.

“Grass Lake is a well-coached team filled with fine athletes,” said Manchester varsity coach Ben Pack. “Our players showed grit facing and overcoming adversity multiple times during the game. Diving down the field on the final drives of each half for touchdowns was evidence of our players’ determination.”

Grass Lake started off the scoring in the first quarter with a 66-yard touchdown pass, to make the score 6–0. Manchester picked up the pace in the second quarter, and on the final drive of the first half, Kannon Duffing connected with Luke Blumenauer for the lone touchdown pass of the evening. “This score, along with Jeff Sangster’s kick, gave us the lead at halftime,” Pack noted.

That one-point PAT kick also made the difference in the final score of the game. Grass Lake came out in the third quarter and scored 14 points to the Dutchmen’s 7, with two TDs and a two-point conversion. In between, Blake Sloan rushed for 37 yards and was supported by Lydia Bennett’s PAT. At the end of the third, Manchester was down by a score of 20–14.

Sloan completed a touchdown rush in the fourth, with Sangster kicking another successful PAT, to give the Dutch a one-point lead that they carried through as the clock ran out. The game ended with another home team victory, 21–20, for Manchester.

Grass Lake’s quarterback is recognized as among the best in the state. "We knew the best way to help our secondary was to apply as much pressure as possible without giving up pass coverage," Pack stated. "Using Luke Blumenauer as an extra defensive back throughout the game allowed us to do that. Landon LaVigne, Drake Neff, and Phoenix Hulswitt turned in excellent performances."

“Our defense came up big many times during the game,” Pack added. “The biggest defensive play occurred in the fourth quarter. Down by six points, Gunner Carson intercepted the ball, returning it 23 yards. That play secured an opportunity for the Dutch offense to get back on the field.”

Pack continued, “Offensively, Blake Sloan was the workhorse again, rushing for 286 yards and two touchdowns. Leading the way for Blake were Jozef Sprunk and Bubba Duffing. Jozef continues to improve his blocking skills weekly. It is impressive to watch him move his feet, staying on a defender until the whistle blows.”

Manchester’s special teams PAT units continue to shine. Pack named Kannon Duffing as the "unsung hero of the night," as he fielded errant snaps to get the ball down in time for the kickers to kick. Sangster and Bennett made all of their extra-point kick attempts. The PAT Block Unit also had its shining moments, blocking every Grass Lake point-after kick and one field goal attempt.

The middle school team advanced to 4–0 last week, beating East Jackson, and takes on Grass Lake Middle School this Wednesday at home.

The varsity team will take on Michigan Center this Friday at home. This game will be dedicated to our seniors and their parents, recognizing them before the game begins. Kick-off is at 7pm.

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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.