Milan football has a new opponent!

For the first time in decades, the Milan football team gets to play a team other than Carleton Airport or Chelsea in the playoff opener. This Friday they play Adrian at Maple Stadium.

All in all, it's still an equally tough opponent and the Big Reds will have their hands full, but something new is always fun. At the very least it gives both teams a clean slate, which come playoff time is one of the best advantages you can have. There are no mental hangups and no previous games looming over your shoulder. It's just clean, fair football.

The downside is that because Adrian is new, there will be a lot of things that the Maples do that the Big Reds aren't used to seeing. Also Adrian is somewhat like Carleton Airport in that going to the air isn't a problem. They can mix it up. The two schools look fairly evenly matched when it comes to size, however.

Stay tuned for results... they will go up Friday night after the game.

Happy Birthday to me

I am blogging today because today is my birthday. The fact it comes this time every year doesn't make it any less exciting.

Also with my birthday usually comes high school football playoffs. For the second season in a row my four teams failed to make the playoffs. This year I had Willow Run (5-4), Belleville (3-6), Lincoln (2-7) and Ypsilanti (1-8).

This week I will be off to Jackson Lumen Christi (8-1) to watch them battle Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard. This is a team I have,'t covered all season but Mike Larson has AA Pioneer to cover so I will help him out.

I can't wait for the hoop season to start because I know for a fact I have the best hoop teams in the area to cover. I hope they live up to that.

Dutchmen to play Grass Lake in Saline

Just a reminder to everyone that Friday's opening round playoff game between the Manchester Flying Dutchmen and the Grass Lake Warriors will be played 7 p.m. at Saline High School. The location was changed due to poor field conditions at Manchester. The Dutchmen are still designated as the home team.

The persistent rain last week, combined with the Dutchmen's final regular season game against Hillsdale left the field in inadaquate condition for a playoff game. With Friday's forecast calling for a chance of rain, both schools agreed to move the game to Saline, which has field turf.

Familiar Foes Meet Again

It seems everyone has interesting matchups and possibilities for the opening round of the state football playoffs, which kick off Oct. 30. I say possibilities because looking at the district pairings set forth by the MHSAA last Sunday, there could be some big-time second round games should our teams be successful this week.

That is true with Manchester, which opens with a familiar foe in the Grass Lake Warriors. The Flying Dutchmen knocked off Grass Lake 29-6 in Week 7, and have won seven straight from their Cascades Conference rivals since 2002. This is not to say Grass Lake is a pushover. The Warriors advanced to the state title game in 2006 and were the top-ranked team in Division 7 for most of last year (Manchester's 44-38 victory KO'ed the Warriors from that spot). The "game within the game" will be between Manchester's defense, led by Dylan Neff and Ben Stachnik on the front line and Kevin Mulcare, Brent Schriber and Stephen Sheler against Grass Lake's vaunted running game, led by senior standout John Vuocolo and sophomore Stephen Tyler.

Manchester (8-1) appears to be on a mission. Outright Cascades championship, check. Next up...making a deep run in the playoffs. The Dutchmen have enjoyed a successful campaign so far, but the main goal is getting back to where they were last year, and that's the regional final. Meanwhile, the Warriors are sick of losing to the Dutchmen. So this is shaping up to be quite the battle Friday night.

Should they advance, the district final Nov. 7 could bring another rematch if Clinton beats Adrian Madison. Clinton (8-1) won the Tri-County Conference title and earned more playoff points that the Dutchmen, giving them home-field advantage. Manchester, however, handed the Redskins their only defeat back in the season opener. The "Battle of M-52" has waged on for over a century, but rarely has there been as much at stake should they collide in round two.

On another topic, I have to mention my Adrian College Bulldogs, who got back in the MIAA title race with a 7-6 victory over Hope College at Holland Municipal Stadium last Saturday. Though 4-3 overall doesn't sound that great, the Bulldogs are 2-1 in the MIAA, one game behind clubhouse leader (and defending champion) Trine (6-1, 4-0 MIAA). Neither team could get their footing for most of the game, as the field was nothing but mud between the 30-yard lines. But Adrian put together its scoring drive late in the third quarter when Eric Suttie took a pass 55 yards into Hope's red zone. Suttie caught Mike McGee's 3-yard touchdown pass early in the fourth quarter on a fourth-and-goal, putting us (sorry, Adrian) up 7-6. The defense took over after that, blocking a field goal and sealing the win with a big stop on fourth down with a minute remaining.

Why is this big? Adrian defeated Hope in consecutive years for the first time since the 1980's, and won in Holland for the first time since 1997. Probably no team has given the Bulldogs more problems in the past 15 years that Hope, so anytime they beat the Dutchmen (not Manchester), it's a good day.

That's all for now. See you next week, and HAPPY HALLOWEEN.

Rematch

The MHSAA Selection Sunday Show just ended, and it was just announced that the Ann Arbor Pioneers would be hosting Temperance Bedford in the opening round of the playoffs.
Everyone remembers Bedford, right?
The team that defeated Pioneer in Week 5 and basically ended the team's chances of winning the SEC championship outright?
Well, now the Pioneers get a chance to even up the score against their conference rival.
And I don't think that there could be a better first opponent. First, the Pioneers get a chance to play a quality opponent. Bedford is a really good team, there is no doubt about that.
And secondly, the team gets to exact some revenge against a team that beat them earlier in the season. And this playoff game will be a little different from the Week 5 loss. For starters, the game will be played within the friendly confines of Hollway Field in Ann Arbor, rather than the isolated boondocks that the Kicking Mules call home.
So, earlier this season, Bedford destroyed Pioneer's hopes of winning the SEC outright and now, the Pioneers have a chance to oust the Mules from the playoffs and end their season.
How's that for some playoff drama?

So much Jana life information

Two noteworthy things happened this weekend, and both involved liquids.

First, I got soaked TO THE BONE Friday night at Milan's road game at Belleville. With teammate Don Richter covering Saline in Chelsea's territory, I hopped off to Dave Merchant land to cover the Big Reds and the Tigers. Also I'm an idiot, because I didn't bring A) a poncho or B) an umbrella. I figured, hey, it's been raining all day, it's probably done... for no other reason than that I assumed it was unreasonable for the rain to continue.

Well mother nature had another thing in mind, and she was brutal because it was without a doubt the hardest rain I've ever been in. That says something because I was a spring golfer in high school and we saw some RAIN. Basically what ended up happening is that the sidelines got to the point where I couldn't physically stand on them any longer. They were mini oceans of mud and rain water. Stupid me, I wore my Chucks, which were soaked through. And all that long underwear I put on beforehand? Counteractive, because once it got wet it was just another layer to make me cold. So I sat next to a nice Milan couple in the stands, and they let me sit on their sopping wet blanket with them.

Oh and FYI, I might have driven home barefoot. My feet were so cold that I was literally afraid they would get frostbite even though there is no frost to be seen. So I took off my shoes and socks, put the hot air on full blast and drove home with my pinkies hanging out. No sweat.

So the second occurrence this weekend involving liquids was me basically losing my junk in a movie theatre. I was the human Niagara Falls. I went to the Michigan Theatre with my dad and we saw The Boys Are Back. I've never sneakily cried so hard in my life. GREAT movie. I recommend it for sure. The two sons do a great job, as does Clive.

Side note... my eyes were actually red enough after that the man at Borders asked if I was ok. This was probably an hour later. I had stopped off for a quick cappuccino pick-me-up to work through the night and he was worried about me. I said "Do I really look that terrible?" ::Awkward pause:: No, of course not, he says. "MMmmk, bye."

Now moving on... THE PICKS.

Mike Larson wants everyone to know that he is the regular season champion. I say regular season because, obviously, we still have playoffs to do, and he wanted to jump the gun on his championship status. I am in a close second place, just one pick off. The rest are as follows below:

1. Mike Larson--This week: 7-3 Overall: 70-20
2. Jana Miller--This week: 7-3 Overall: 69-21
3. Ed Patino--This week: 7-3 Overall: 66-24
3. Don Richter--This week: 6-4 Overall: 66-24
5. Dave Merchant--This week: 6-4 Overall: 64-26

Lots of surprises this week. I picked two "upsets"... which basically means I was the only person to choose two particular teams, even though I wouldn't deem my selections as upsets. I had Riverview over Willow Run and Pioneer over Fordson. I almost got both of them, but Pioneer gave up a FG in the final few seconds to keep me from tying things up with Mike.

Also notable, Manchester actually lost a game. So no perfect season for them. We all had the Dutchmen going undefeated this year, but Hillsdale did well with a lot of Manchester turnovers. Also Dexter won in overtime over Swan Valley... and we all had the Swans to win.

Nothing else of note because Don was the only writer to pick the Spartans, and we all know how that turned out. Also I was right about Penn State.

Fun times in Manchester...Enjoy it

I think I share the thoughts of my fellow sports reporters when I ask where the time has gone. The final regular season football game is tonight with Manchester facing Hillsdale, the Cascades Conference volleyball tournament is next Thursday (Oct. 29), the Division 3 regional cross country meet is two days after that and the college football season is at the midway point. It seems like just the other day, Don and I were driving around the county getting photos and interviews done for the fall season preview under sunny skies and 80 degree temps.

Since then, the Manchester High School sports teams have put on quite a show. The Dutchmen clinched their first outright Cascades title in a while last week and are going for an undefeated regular season tonight. The volleyball team has 20 wins and are going to be one of the top seeds in the Cascades tournament, a big turnaround from last season's injury-plagued campaign. Liz Timoszyk continues to be her outstanding self in leading the girls cross country team, and recently earned the prestigous Evenson Award at the Hudson Booster Invitational. On the boys side, the freshmen class are building a foundation that can lead to future success. And earlier this month, the Manchester equestrian team completed another thrilling season, three-peating as district champions and placing third in a competitive regional meet.

Success hasn't been limited to the varsity level. The Manchester junior varsity volleyball team ended its season Tuesday with a two-game sweep of East Jackson, giving the Flying Dutch their third straight undefeated record in Cascades play. To put it in perspective, the Dutch haven't lost in league play since the 2006 season, about three months before I took my job in Manchester. The freshmen volleyball team completed their season last week, having only dropped one match all season.

The bottom line is this...the student-athletes in Manchester have provided the community with a tremendous fall season. Regardless of how far the teams go in the playoffs, the fans should enjoy what these young men and women have done this fall. Not many schools can say they've won two conference titles during a season (fall, winter and spring), let alone have two teams make deep runs in the state playoffs. Manchester has that opportunity with the football and volleyball teams. And let's not forget, Manchester will likely have a couple of state qualifiers in cross country.

While the focus now shifts toward the playoffs and even bigger goals, Manchester can take pride in their accomplishments to date. It's been a remarkable season so far fans...enjoy it.

Excitement is in the air

The most exciting part about this job is that no two weeks are ever the same. In fact, no two days are ever the same.

On Friday night I am going to go to Riverview High School to cover Willow Run football against Riverview. If the Flyers win they will automatically make the state playoffs if they lose it may be difficult but they have an outside chance.

The funny thing is when I started with this company in 2000 I was covering Riverview and watching them go far in the playoffs. My how times change. I remember watching legendary Pirate Coach Don Lesner and how he was as a coach and mentor to the kids.

He was one of my all time favorite coaches to cover. After a game win or lose he would give me the stats, sit down with me, give me a pop and talk about the game. He didn't pull any punches he said it like it was. I loved watching football at Riverview and now I get to go back on the opposite side.

I really like Flyer Coach Rufus Pipkins and I hope they do well but I have to say things have changed in nine years. Don has passed on and now I am an interested party in Willow Run and not so much in Riverview. We miss you Dr. Lesner and we hope you are coaching somewhere up in heaven. But alas I have to report what happens either one.

Just the facts, mam! Just the facts.

Where has the time gone?

Where has the time gone? I'm always amazed at how quickly the prep football season goes by. Wasn't it just yesterday that Dexter was shutting out Garden City and Chelsea topping Ann Arbor Huron in each school's season opener?

Well, tomorrow we close the regular season. Dexter is 2-6 heading into its last game. The Dreadnaughts have to travel north to face Saginaw Swan Valley. Saginaw who? The Vikings are no pushover. With a record of 7-1 and a No. 5 state ranking in Division 5, Swan Valley will be a tough match up for Dexter.

Chelsea, on the other hand, is 6-2 as it prepares to host Saline tomorrow. The Bulldogs, win or lose, have qualified for the state playoffs for the 11th consecutive year. Though the Hornets (3-5) have one of the state's best quarterbacks in Joe Boisture (Michigan State commit), they haven't been able to turn the corner this season. The Chelsea-Saline rivalry goes way back, so despite the overall records, the game should still be a hard-hitting, intense contest.

My biggest gambles in weeks

You can't win without making a few sacrifices. After last week I am just one win behind Pigskin Picks leader Mike Larson. Don isn't far behind me. The picks stand below:

1. Mike Larson--Last Week: 7-3 Overall: 63-17
2. Jana Miller--Last Week: 9-1 Overall: 62-18
3. Don Richter--Last Week: 8-2 Overall: 60-20
4. Ed Patino--Last Week: 8-2 Overall: 59-21
5. Dave Merchant--Last Week: 8-2 Overall: 58-22

This week I've stepped out on a limb for the first time in several weeks. I've singled myself out in two separate games as the lone cheerleader for Pioneer and Riverview. Everyone at Pioneer should boo Mike Larson if they see him. Clearly he has no soul for cheering against his own team. I saw Fordson play Saline and they weren't as impressive as everyone is letting them on to be. Pioneer can totally do it. They just dropped a bomb on Chelsea, so if ever there was a year they stood a chance it would be now. But, alas, I am alone in this and am the only sports writer to select the Pioneers over Fordson.

I am in a similar situation with the upcoming Willow Run vs. Riverview game. I happen to think Riverview is the most underrated team in the Huron League, a fact which they painfully taught Milan last week in a 28-6 upset. They're big and all their losses this season have been extremely close. Willow Run might be on a win streak, but they started off the season horrid and I won't be distracted by that.

The games this week are below for the final week of the regular season. Next week: playoffs!

Dexter at Saginaw Swan Valley
Saline at Chelsea
Lincoln at Grand Blanc
Willow Run at Riverview
Milan at Belleville
Fordson at Pioneer
Ann Arbor Huron at Ypsilanti
Hillsdale at Manchester
Gabriel Richard at Pontiac Notre Dame Prep
Iowa at Michigan State

BONUS!!
Penn State at UofM

The Michigan game wasn't included in the Pigskin Picks, but I'm going to call that Penn State wins by 10 points. I hope the Wolverines prove me wrong. Please prove me wrong.

Football on I-94

The game that I billed last week as a great battle on the gridiron between Ypsilanti and Lincoln was not quite what I expected.
First I didn’t think that it was going to rain all day and the conditions on the field were horrible. I wanted a passing battle with some good runs by some very talented quarterbacks (Terrance Moore of Ypsi and Andrew Dillon of Lincoln) but instead I got a battle of the sludge slowed down by mud and rain with a little of what I thought was snow.
Congrats to Ypsi and Coach Malloy for the first win of the Phoenix season. I want to say a special shout out to the Ypsilanti kicker who wisely stepped out of bounds to take a safety that could have been the difference in the game. Ypsi only won it 6-2.
Good luck this week to the local teams. Belleville will and should beat Crestwood. Willow Run should roll Romulus Summit Academy, Ypsi will have trouble with Saline even though the Hornets are struggling and Lincoln will host Huron and who knows what will happen on that one.
All I know is now that the “Battle of I-94” is on between Ypsi and Lincoln there will be some good football games in the future.
Chow for now!

Pigskin Picks even closer still

It's nearing that time of year where things are going to get nasty. Plus from top to bottom is the difference of just six, which means on any given week there could be a major shuffle.

The game results are below with winners in bold, per as usual:

Dearborn Fordson at Saline
Edsel Ford at Belleville
Ypsilanti Lincoln at Lincoln
A2 Huron at A2 Pioneer
Chelsea at Dexter
Riverview Gabriel Richard at A2 Gabriel Richard
St. Mary Catholic Central at Milan
Michigan at Iowa
Grass Lake at Manchester
Willow Run at Harper Woods Chandler

It appears that this was the week for the road teams, which means there were probably a lot of unhappy homecoming kids out there, including Lincoln and Saline.

The point totals stand as thus...
1. Mike Larson--This week: 7-3 Overall: 56-14
2. Jana Miller--This week: 7-3 Overall: 53-17
3. Don Richter--This week: 8-2 Overall: 52-18
4. Ed Patino--This week: 8-2 Overall: 51-19
5. Dave Merchant--This week: 7-3 Overall: 50-20

So it's getting closer. I liked including the UofM game this week. It made things more interesting. It's also weird that the team that seems to create the most shuffling so far this year is Willow Run. So few of us follow them that it leads to blind picks.

As for the Michigan game, I haven't yet decided how I feel about the quarterback situation. On the one hand, Tate has shown a solid late game in previous challenges. But on the other, he was throwing bricks out there and he definitely isn't without fault. Also factor in that Denard had just helped Michigan score a very important touchdown. What kind of message would it send to a quarterback who comes in and does everything right, and then can't also continue with that momentum in the same quarter? He screwed it up, to be sure, but thank god both Denard AND Tate are learning these lessons this year. I want to remind everyone that Tate also threw an interception to a very open opponent against Michigan State under a similar pressure situation. I think both quarterbacks are able and I have yet to select a favorite. I think Tate is more like the star quarterbacks we've had in the past, but Denard is a stronger QB for the future of football. It was also nice to see Denard actually throwing. He had plenty of clean complete passes on his first drive in the game that will unfortunately be overshadowed by his one mistake at the end.

I also really, really want to know what Tate said to Rich Rod to piss him off. He said something that resulted in a cold bench seat, and I think Tate probably took his gifted boy syndrome a bit too far. He hasn't secured that spot just yet, and Rod taught an important and difficult lesson that day.

I also want to say that I think it's terrible that the game is being blamed on the late quarterback call in the fourth quarter. There are four FULL quarters in football, and if Michigan players hadn't fumbled 5-1 times against Iowa, this game would have gone a very different way. Coming from behind is fun to watch, but it distorts what people remember, as well. And the fact of the matter is, we were LUCKY to be in overtime with Michigan State and we were also lucky to have that clear of a shot at a field goal for a win against Iowa. The Hawkeyes never should have been in that defensive position.

Is Destiny Calling Tonight?

Well here it is, homecoming night in Manchester, and we have a steady rain falling. I guess it was bound to happen, and we've really caught a break with the weather throughout the season so far. But come on...IT'S HOMECOMING!!! There's all the festivites...the parade, homecoming court, king and queen and everything else, so this should be a barrel of fun. Oh well, I'll still keep dry. Unlike some of my fellow sportwriters, I have a spot in the press box reserved for me. A great view of the action without battling the elements. Gotta love it, haha.

The Flying Dutchmen have a big one on homecoming Friday...a showdown with the Grass Lake Warriors (4-2, 4-1 Cascades). If this year is anything like we've seen from these two that past couple of seasons, this should be a classic. Two years ago, on Manchester's homecoming, the Dutchmen pulled out a 15-12 victory on Kyler Ritter's 4-yard touchdown run with less than a minute remaining. The scoring drive came after an 84-yard touchdown run by the Warriors with about three minutes left. And who can forget last year at Grass Lake? Will Rickert's five touchdowns, including one with 15 seconds left giving the Dutchmen a 44-38 victory over Skylar Stoker and the Warriors. Without a doubt, one of the top five games I've covered in my career.

Of course, Manchester (6-0, 5-0 Cascades) can take a big step toward winning an outright league title for the first time since 2005 (the Dutchmen shared the title with Grass Lake and Addison last year). You get the feeling that if the Dutchmen get past the Warriors, the Cascades championship is theirs. All due respect to East Jackson, who is a surprising 4-2, but the Dutchmen, Warriors and Addison Panthers are the top dogs in this conference. Either Manchester or Addison has won the Cascades title every year since 2003, and Grass Lake has the league's only state finals appearance in that time span.

The Dutchmen got past its big hurdle two weeks ago when it beat Addison. The Warriors are looking for the same thing tonight. Despite all its success, Grass Lake hasn't beaten the Dutchmen since 2002, a span of six games. So the Dutchmen have the mental edge, and we'll see if that's a factor tonight. Bottom line, the Dutchmen control their own destiny...and they're looking to get a home game, or two, in the playoffs.

Homecoming makes this even more special, and a playoff-like atmosphere is expected. Does destiny await tonight? It's going to be fun finding out.

Good luck Ypsi

I am excited about the football game at 7 p.m. on Friday. The one that has Ypsi battling Lincoln. I am looking forward to the Splitters led by Andrew Dillon taking on Terrance Moore and the Ypsi Phoenix.

Look for a good game I only hope it doesn't rain and I am not getting wet. So look for some fun and excitement at Lincoln on Friday night night. This is the first time these teams have ever played in football.

Go teams!! I would love to hear from anyone about these posts. Please reply.

Stop it, Saline. Just stop it.

Yeah, so.... tough loss. Big Huron celebration on their field. Not a good night for Saline. Two turnovers, several fumbles, not a lot of consistency.

Not a good week for me in Pigskin Picks. Dave and Don both had good weeks, going 9-1. I think we all got a little screwed with this whole Ypsilanti coach thing. Had they not had to deal with this tumultuous turnover of the coaching staff, the Phoenix probably would have beaten a very bad Dexter team. But of course the real killer for me was Saline's loss to Huron, which allowed Don and Dave to get a little closer and for Mike's two-game lead on me to grow to three games.

The Picks stand as thus, with this week's game winners below and in bold.

1. Mike Larson--This week: 8-2 Overall: 49-11
2. Jana Miller--This week: 7-3 Overall: 46-14
3. Don Richter--This week: 9-1 Overall: 44-16
4. Dave Merchant--This week: 9-1 Overall: 43-17
4. Ed Patino--This week: 7-3 Overall: 43-17

Hanover Horton vs. Manchester
Ypsilanti vs. Dexter
Chelsea vs. Tecumseh
Milan vs. New Boston Huron
Adrian vs. Lincoln
Saline vs. Ann Arbor Huron
Monroe vs. Ann Arbor Pioneer
Dearborn vs. Belleville
Notre Dame Prep vs. Gabriel Richard
Willow Run vs. River Rouge

So there you have it. I'm going to have to pull out some major stops in the coming weeks if I want a chance at the title come playoff time. The question is, should I renege on my promise to pick Saline and Milan every single week? Or should I stick with it and find a way to win anyway? I think we all know what the smarter/easier choice would be, but then there's that blasted motherly gene of mine. Boo.

It's rainy, and that's really bad for me

Tonight I will be attending and covering Milan's homecoming football festivities and floats and whatnot. Which is really bad news because it's rainy today. And it's one of those early fall chilly days when all you really want to do is lounge at home on the couch with a blanket, some hot cider and a movie. But alas, that is not my fate.

It's also bad news for the homecoming court, as I'm sure the girls will not have proper attire for the temperatures, and their up-dos could frizz and fall apart. Here's hoping that all goes well.

Milan plays New Boston Huron tonight, which happens to have the second-best offense in the Huron League. They score a lot of points, but they also have a weaker defense comparatively, so they give up a lot of points too. Milan's defense will really need to buckle down tonight. No more giving up big plays, boys!

This week for the Pigskin picks, Mike and I again have similar selections. Our one difference comes in the Saline vs. Ann Arbor Huron game in Ann Arbor, which Mr. Larson will be covering and reporting on for the two of us. Of course, I picked Saline and he picked Huron. It's really a toss up because both have had really unimpressive seasons so far and have been playing down, down, way down below potential. Last week I was the only writer to select Huron to win their game, and I was right, because there was no way a team with those players were going to lose that many in a row. Now I feel the same way about Saline. They have three straight losses, but some previously injured athletes have recovered. I am counting on them to clean it up and not lose another. Here's hoping.

Also, considering the time of year, it's time for me to do my annual fretting over how and when I'm going to get my exercise during the cooler/winter months. I envy all those high schoolers and their access to free workout facilities, and teams to play on with no work to do. Boo that. So now I'm waffling between a membership at Liberty Sports Complex (mostly for the winter access to indoor tennis courts), just sucking it up and doing workouts at my teeny tiny apartment complex workout room, or signing up for winter volleyball leagues. The first and third are obviously more fun sounding, but there is something to say about free exercise. I'll let you know how it pans out. For now I'm doing crap exercises at home with my medicine ball and hoping for the best while feeling fat. It's a girl thing.

So that's all for now. Time to get back to real work, the stuff that isn't as fun to write as a blog post because I have to be all official and serious. Also, check www.heritage.com under "Sports" for Friday night game coverage. We have results from all the area teams we cover by Friday evening. Go team.

Also, it's flu season. So find a local clinic near you performing flu shots and get yours.

Toodles.

A Birthday, a Side Bet, and Dutchmen vs. Dutchmen

Good day loyal followers, I'm back from celebrating turning the big 28 yesterday, hence why I'm blogging on Friday this week. A special thanks to those wishing me a happy birthday this week, and special thanks to Michelle for my chocolate mega-cake, it is PHENOMENAL.

The Manchester varsity football team's 21-14 victory over Addison last week was its biggest win of the season. For being in the middle of the season, the game had a playoff-like atmosphere. And why not...the teams have combined to win or share the last six Cascades Conference titles. It was a hard-hitting game between two class programs.

The Dutchmen had dropped their previous three games against Addison, and the senior class had yet to beat the Panthers. So you can see why winning that game was so important to Manchester. With a major hurdle cleared, the Dutchmen should be in the driver's seat in the Cascades race. But don't expect the Dutchmen to take anything for granted. There are still three league games and an interesting regular season closer on deck. Manchester must guard against a letdown tonight at winless Hanover-Horton. Then on Oct. 9, the Dutchmen play their homecoming game against Grass Lake, a team looking to avenge last year's wild 44-38 Manchester win last year. On Oct. 16, Manchester faces the Cinderella East Jackson Trojans on the road, then end the regular season Oct. 23 with a non-conference home game against Hillsdale.

Well, it looks like I'm in a steady third in the weekly staff football picks. While I trail Mike and Jana, I am currently ahead of our sports editor Don Richter, which I'll admit is a surprise. I only lead Don by a game, so nothing is set yet. Here is an idea...Don, if you're up to the challenge, I'll make a side bet with you. Between us, the loser byes lunch. And not just any lunch...Bray Burgers. Those who don't know what Brays are, it's a Westland thing. Bottom line...5 regular Bray Burgers, with fries and a cup of chili. You up to it?

Finally, everyone is talking about the Michigan vs. Michigan State game this week. It's been interesting around the office, with the exchanges between proud MSU alum Don and U-M grad Jana (ok, it hasn't gotten nasty...yet). But the REAL game of the week around here is...Adrian College vs. Kalamazoo College in the MIAA conference opener. Manchester fans should take a look at this one, as a pair of MHS grads will meet. Nick Ross, Class of 2008, is starting on the offensive line for Adrian, while Brian Flahie (Class of 2007) is starting on defense for Kalamazoo. Both former Dutchmen have been great additions for their respective teams, and this should be one of the best games on the college football schedule.

Poole out at Ypsi

On Wednesday the officials at Ypsilanti High School and the Head Coach of five years, Dave Poole, decided to go separate ways.
Ypsilanti Athletic Director Chuck Fuller said the replacement for the remainder of the season is former assistant Coach Jason Malloy.
“We decided to go in a different direction,” Fuller said. “Absolutely I think he was getting burnt out.”
The Phoenix this season are 0-5 and have yet to win a game in their new league the Southeast Conference (SEC). Tomorrow they will host Dexter for homecoming.
Poole has been coaching with the football teams at Ypsilanti for almost 13 years and at the varsity level for five years. He will remain as a physical education teacher at the high school.
Malloy will take over as the interim coach and he is currently a fifth grade teacher in the district. He has head coaching experience at Lincoln High School.
“We will evaluate the situation at the end of the season and make a determination on it (head coaching position) at that time,” he said.