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Football season ends with a sad shut-out by Napoleon

The Manchester Flying Dutchmen took the field one last time this season, facing off with the Napoleon Pirates. Photo courtesy of Peyton Chartrand.

by Marsha Chartrand

“Two fine teams went head-to-head on Friday in the first round of the MHSAA football playoffs,” said varsity head coach Ben Pack. “Napoleon entered the tournament listed as the number eight team in the state and Manchester as the number eleven. The division seven playoff region in this area is considered the toughest in the state, filled with the highest-ranking teams. To advance, a team has to play with great synergy, as well as playing through adversity that happens during each game.”

It was a sad outcome for Manchester on Friday night in Napoleon, although as a team the Dutchmen played tough throughout the first half, Pack noted, holding the Pirates to just seven points in the second quarter, on a 61-yard run following an interception. The offense tended to put the defense into some tough situations and that turned the tide of the game after the second half began.

“Napoleon had marvelous eight-minute drive to start the third quarter that resulted in their second score,” Pack added. “This was the turning point in the game.”

The Pirates ended up scoring 14 points in the third quarter to put the game at 21–0 and topped it off with a short two-yard pass followed by a PAT in the fourth, to complete their shut-out victory 28–0.

Pack ended his game summary with high praise for his team, particularly his seniors, who played the final game of their high school career on Friday night.

“Blake Sloan turned in another fine performance rushing 25 times for 166 yards,” he said. “Leading Blake were senior linemen Landon Lavigne and Jozef Sprunk. These three represent the essence of what good high school football teams are based on. Their dedication and growth in the weight room allowed them to perform at the highest level during each game.”

Defensively, Landon led the team in tackles with six. Brody Alexa, Bubba Duffing, and Drake Neff each had five.

“Each week in the playoffs, 50% of the teams will come out on the short end,” he said. “Only one team will exit the tournament celebrating.”

Initial Season Wrap-Up
“Our kids had a very fine season winning seven games, breaking a few school records, and establishing consistency for winning during the regular season,” Pack said. “We are fortunate to have players that worked hard to give us the opportunity to be ranked all season, listed among the elite teams in the state. They showed grit in responding to adversity after the first game when senior all-conference candidate Cody Branner was no longer able to participate.

“Additionally, strong teams are filled with players who contribute without recognition each week. Senior Lucas Sheets, as well as juniors Brady Reed, Garrett Wallace, Rocco Guido, Sean Sayer, and Vance Williams, are players that helped our team achieve. Their dedication and grit forced our team to develop each practice.”

Blake Sloan finishes the season with 241 carries for 2,130 yards, 24 touchdowns, and one school record for Rushing Touchdowns in a Game (6).

Kannon Duffing finished the season with 65 completions for 802 yards and multiple school records.

All Cascade Conference

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.