The Manchester football team was off to a rough start this season, losing their first game to Monacan 27-6 at home. With lackluster weather, Ramon Brown (Sr, 7) was only able to run for 1 touchdown with 51 yards on the night, while our quarterback Cody Shelton (So, 2) threw for just 36 yards as well. This would be our first time in four years losing back to back games, with our loss in the 2019-20 season playoffs to Varina. Starting cornerback Cameron Sturdifen (Jr, 9) said “We ain’t playin’ how we were coached to play, and the bad weather didn’t help at all, but we deserved the outcome we got.” They would go on next week to face the Powhatan Indians at their home. 

The Powhatan Indians were 1-0 on the season, with an amazing game against  L.C. Bird the week before.  Going into the game, the conditions were considerably better than the first, with no freezing rain to add to the muddy terrain, we had ourselves a plausible field. Offensive lineman Avery White (Jr, 74) entered the game believing in himself and was “confident in my teammates… to get the win because we had a great week of practice.” The week of practice must’ve paid off, because the Lancers pulled off a terrific win 28-23. Ramon Brown (Sr, 7) had a terrific game, rushing for 3 touchdowns and 143 yards on the night. Cody Shelton (So, 2) also threw for 145 yard and a touchdown. But it doesn’t stop there, defense is also part of the game.  Defensive lineman Tyleek McCoy had 2 tackles for loss, stating that prior to the game “… we went back to the basics reconnecting to our roots and as you can see… we are slowly getting back to Manchester football.” Cameron Sturdifen (Jr, 9) after a subpar performance against Powhatan, made sure to set the tempo with an interception and multiple tackles for loss; after the game he was adamant that he had  “… a goal set to win and we beat a good team in a close game.” Manchester (1-1) will host James River (1-1) this Friday under great weather, so make sure to stream the game here: