Another Week, Just a Day or so Late

Hey everyone, I'm back with another look at the week that was...and is...in the world of sports. Normally, this would've been posted two days ago, but with production training, covering games, meetings and social life, things got a little busy. But fear not, my loyal followers, I'm here now.

What more can I say right now about the Manchester varsity football team this year? Did I not say that once the offense got into a rhythm, they would catch fire? Well, the Dutchmen were on fire last week at Napoleon, scoring five touchdowns on their first five possessions en route to a 41-0 victory. The Pirates might've been outmanned, but still, what the Dutchmen did was impressive. The first team offense, lead by quarterback Logan Zigila, receivers Corwin and Clayton Every, Jimmy Hamilton and Josh Blades, running back D.J. Hone and a rock-solid offensive line, is comparable to anyone in the county. The second team looked good to, with Blades at quarterback (5-of-10 passing for about 90 yards), Brandon Casey and Johnny Woollams at receiver. And the defense, led by Ben Stachnik and Dylan Neff up front, and Chris Margraves at linebacker, has been on top of its game all season.

Looking ahead, the Dutchmen take a 3-0 record into tonight's game against Vandercook Lake. Last year, both teams came into the game 3-0, but Manchester scored 40 points in the first half and drilled the Jayhawks 56-7. Vandy will be out for revenge, but the Dutchmen are too strong and are hitting their stride. Really, I only see one team that can beat the Dutchmen...and that's Addison next week. Mind you, I said CAN beat the Dutchmen, not WILL beat the Dutchmen.

Congratulations to Manchester varsity volleyball coach Sarah Andrews, who is expecting her first child in the next couple of weeks. Her team is certainly making this an extra happy time, as the Dutch have eclipsed last year's win total and sit at 2-0 in the Cascades after a stunning three-game sweep on the road against Napoleon. That, along with last week's victory over Michigan Center, has Manchester with two victories over last year's second and third place teams in the Cascades. Do they have enough to take a shot at 25-time reigning league champ Hanover-Horton. That remains to be seen, but Oct. 6 will be an interesting day in volleyball.

Legendary Detroit Tigers broadcaster Ernie Harwell, who earlier this month was diagnosed with incurable cancer, was honored by the team Wednesday at Comerica Park. Here is a guy, 91 years young, who knows what's coming, yet is still living his life to the fullest. Ernie has been one of Detroit's biggest supporters, not just the team but the city. When you listen to him talk, like during his address to the crowd Wednesday, you can't help but think back to growing up listing to the Tigers on WJR or whatever radio station you got. On behalf of Tigers fans, the people of Michigan and everyone who grew up listening to you, Godspeed, best wishes and thank you for everything.

In her blog, Jana made mention of the church sign in Saline that reads "Lions zero and 16, God undefeated. Who deserves your Sunday worship?" You got to admit, that's clever (and I took a picture of it on my phone during lunch the other day). I called 4-12 for the Lions, though they didn't provide much hope by getting waxed at New Orleans. I still stand by my prediction, but win No. 1 won't come this week. Brett Farve has made a career of carving up the Lions, and how can you trust the Lions' defense against Adrian Peterson? Sorry Lions says, not this week. By the way...DID I MENTION THAT I'M A MINNESOTA FAN AND WILL BE ROOTING FOR THE VIKINGS.

So long for now. See you next week.