Last-minute interception caps Willow Run playoff win over Manchester
Manchester running back Jim Kurasz is engulfed by a swarm of Willow Run defenders during Willow Run's 28-26 win on Friday.
Lon Horwedel | AnnArbor.com
Even after three interceptions, six dropped passes and a slew of costly penalties on offense, the Manchester High School football team still controlled its own destiny late in the fourth quarter against Willow Run on Friday.
Trailing 28-26 in a Division 6 district semifinal at home, just 44 yards separated the Flying Dutchmen from a game-winning touchdown.
With 3 minutes and 49 seconds left on the clock, it was clear the Flying Dutchmen planned to make its next drive the game’s final possession. Running the ball on five of six plays, they milked the clock down to 33 seconds and looked poised to take the lead, facing 3rd-and-1 from the Willow Run 5-yard line.
But after an untimely false start, Manchester had to abandon its running game and go to the air. Looking for a screen as four Flyers defensive linemen rushed him, sophomore quarterback Nate Bossory rushed a pass that fell into the hands of defensive lineman Lamanzer Williams-Smith, ending Manchester’s comeback attempt and giving the Flyers a 28-26 win, the school’s first playoff win since 1981.
Instead of Manchester (7-3) ending its final drive in the Willow Run end zone, its season ended trying to keep Smith out of its own.
Comments
YPboyWRheart
Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 10:37 a.m.
Friday Night Insider: Flyers improve in class room. Great news, Von Acker,Miss Webb, Pipkin.. Students do what you inspect, as well expect. Takes a village.
TIGERS68
Sat, Oct 30, 2010 : 9:03 p.m.
As a 76 grad of Willow Run and a former football player that endured alot of losing, congrats to these young fella's for what they've accomplished and to their coaching staff who obviously have done a great job on selling the team concept to them. I had the great pleasure of knowing Bo Schembechler personally and he told me one time that one player can win you a game, but it takes a team to win a championship. If you put all your effort, heart and soul in it, and walk on that field as a TEAM focused on nothing but handling your assignments to the best of your ability, you will be successful, ON & OFF that field. That's what teamwork is all about and it will carry over to everything you do in life. Remember, THE TEAM, THE TEAM, THE TEAM!!!! GO FLYERS!!!! Make us all proud!!!
ypsimom1
Sat, Oct 30, 2010 : 1:54 p.m.
I was just at Willow Run High School this week. What a great place! Kids were engaged, in a casual dress code, and very respectful and polite! Staff in office were very helpful and polite. Things look like they are turning around at Willow Run. I was very impressed with what I saw. Good job Flyers!
win
Sat, Oct 30, 2010 : 8:12 a.m.
Glad to see the community has some positive news to celebrate. Keep doing good things coach Pipkins!!
YPboyWRheart
Sat, Oct 30, 2010 : 6:36 a.m.
Willow Run is turning into a success story in the class, community, and on the field. Thanks to the new and improved leadership. Go Flyers