Key participants for the Manchester High School varsity football team are, from left, Nathan Fletcher, Bubba Duffing, Coach Josh Lindeman, Gunner Carson, and Phoenix Hulswitt.
By Jeff Steers | JTV Sports
(8-15-2024, 12:00PM): Former Addison High School football Coach Josh Lindeman takes over the Manchester program after Ben Pack moved on to coach Springport.
Running back Blake Sloan and Gunner Carson are probably rejoicing.
Lindeman led the Panthers for 10 seasons, won numerous Cascades Conference titles, and enjoys running the football … quite frequently.
His Wing-T offense has driven opponents in the Cascades and around the area crazy for all of those years.
“In this offense you have to be willing to care more about the team than your individual stats,” Lindeman said of the offense – formally known as the Fullhouse-T at Manchester. “We want to play violent football for 48 minutes.”
That kind of sounds like the Wes Gall days of coaching at Manchester – hard hitting with a solid run game. Lindeman said he talks to Gall from time to time about the game.
Carson is a senior running back for the Flying Dutchmen who also plays linebacker on defense.
Sloan had a number of breakout games running for more than 200 yards at the end of the season. The junior also plays linebacker for Manchester.
Senior Nathan Fletcher will anchor the offensive and defensive lines for Manchester. He is considered the strongest on the team with a combined lift – bench, squat, and deadlift – of nearly 1,500 pounds.
Other returnees expected to make a difference are Bubba Duffing (LB), Phoenix Hulswitt (DB), Tommy Johnson (DB), and Brody Alexa (DE).
Newcomers expected to make an impact are juniors Jackson Walz (QB/DB), Brett Brothers (OL), and Julian Waters (OL).
The new coaching staff features five former Addison coaches or players on the squad. Hunter Dart will be the defensive coordinator for the Flying Dutchmen.
Other coaches are Clay Pelham, Frederick Bills, Kobe Farrow, and Duane Weaver.
The schedule maker created a unique situation as Manchester will host Addison in week two.
“I have never been in this position … I will love the kids on the Addison sideline,” Lindeman said. “Not sure of what emotions come from this.”
Manchester High School Football Schedule 2024:
Aug. 29 Marlette at Manchester 7 p.m.
Sept. 6 Addison at Manchester 7 p.m.
Sept. 13 Manchester at Homer
Sept. 20 Napoleon at Manchester 7 p.m.
Sept. 27 Manchester at Leslie 7 p.m.
Oct. 4 East Jackson at Manchester7 p.m.
Oct. 11 Manchester at Grass Lake 7 p.m.
Oct. 18 Manchester at Michigan Center 7 p.m.
Oct. 25 @ TBD (West Division) – Cascades Conference Crossover
Nathan Fletcher
Chelsea State Bank Football Media Day Interview with Head Coach Josh Lindeman:
