Manchester loves football

I have always been a fan of high school football and I really like it when communities come out and support their team. On Friday I was able to experience what football in the Village of Manchester was like.

Granted I have seen some pretty big crowds at some of the games I have covered in the past. I remember watching some playoff games Downriver where it looked like everyone in the entire area came out.

Last season I went to the Roosevelt Bears hosting the Bedford Kicking Mules. The game was in Wyandotte and it was packed. The game wasn’t as exciting as what I thought but it was the playoffs.

I can tell this if you have never been to a Manchester football game you may want to come out and find out what it is all about. There is plenty of excitement and the people of all ages where at the game.

It was interesting to walk the sidelines and talk to all the different people. I really got a different feel for the game. I like going to different types of games.

Whether it is Ypsilanti against Lincoln or Willow Run against Ypsilanti there is a certain atmosphere and feel for the area at the football games. I am not saying one is better than the other but I am saying that for some cities football is a much bigger deal than other sports.

Manchester is one of those communities and from the band and the pregame ceremonies to the half-time and the dedication to the Wall of Fame it was top notch.

Despite the rain and not having the best time driving home the experience was fun and I feel like Manchester is one of those places that could have movie or at least a television show staring Wes Gall.

After the game I spoke with two of the heroes of the game. Senior receiver Devon Jose had a heck of a game and scored two touchdowns. He said the win was good but they needed to get even more if they wanted to get into the playoffs, which is of course the goal of the team.

The Flying Dutchmen are currently 3-0 and on target for the playoffs. They are perfect on the regular season and would like to add one more win with victory at home against Addison on Friday night.

Junior linebacker Nick Cozart is looking at it in a simple way.

“Every game is a step,” Cozart said. “My goal is to win nine and make it to Ford Field.”

Not an unrealistic goal considering a team from Manchester made it to the state finals a few years back maybe this one will get to the finals and bring home a trophy for a very deserving community.

Manchester Wall of Fame

One of the most exciting aspects of high school football for me has always been when they honor athletes, coaches and even volunteers with special honors during half-time celebrations.
Well get ready Manchester because that is just what is going to happen on Friday during the Vandercook Lake game. There will be several athletes from the past who will be honored along with everyone from the 1993 football team. You may remember that team made it to the state finals with a 12-1 record losing to Iron Mountain. Those former athletes are being asked to come join the celebration and several of those will be there for the recognition.
The players being recognized are Richard Kniewski from 1966, Zach Maghes from 1996 and Katelyn Gall from 2006. It will be interesting to see these former athletes back on the field of play to be recognized.
This is a big night not only for the past Manchester athletes put also for the present and future that can look and see what they can become if they work hard, practice and be the best they can possibly be.
At Manchester volunteers are very important to the success of the programs and to the success of the athletes. Several of those will be honored at home on Friday night.
The following people will be honored for their service: John Hardenbergh, Bill Kemner, Joe Alexander, Jay Davis, John Hinkley, Gus Krough and Chet Meyer.
This will be a fun evening and you couldn’t ask for much better than a 2-0 start for the Flying Dutch. Manchester coach Wes Gall has expressed some concern for his team. They won fairly easy in the first game at Eastern Michigan University against their rivals from Clinton.
The game against Napoleon was a tough one but the team pulled it off and came away with a win. I like what I have seen with this team.
One of the players I would love to have on a team if I could pick an all-area squad is quarterback Nate Bossory. This kid is good. With his ability size and another year look for him at a Division 1 school.
Who knows maybe Eastern Michigan University and Ron English will come calling or if he gets to be good enough maybe he can go just 20 miles down the road to the Big House in Ann Arbor.
It is all exciting and it will start on Friday against Vandercook Lake. I wouldn’t want to be a safety or a cornerback on their team.