Football Eager to Make Homecoming Statement
Carlos Argueta
Manchester’s football team is getting ready to battle it out Homecoming weekend against defending co-conference champions Mount St. Joseph. On Oct. 12, there will be a significant and special game for the football program. With a big crowd expected to attend and alumni coming back to campus, the players are excited about the Homecoming game. While the players are enthusiastic, they are focused on getting a win against a strong Mount St. Joseph team.
“In terms of preparation, it is no different; we do the same things,” said Alex Downard, senior. “We practice hard, even more so because it is a more special game. We know that there is going to be a lot of people and a lot of alumni.” “For us older guys,” he continued, “it is always really cool to see all of our old friends, the guys we looked up to and were leaders during our first, sophomore, and junior years.”
Manchester is looking for a win to gain momentum heading into conference play, and a win at home during Homecoming week will boost confidence for the team. “Football is like any other sport where gaining moment changes the pace of the game.” Downard said.
The group started the season with a 1-3 record with a recent loss against Rose-Hulman 52-35. Meanwhile, Mount St. Joseph is beginning the season 3-0 and looking to defend their conference title this season. Even with the tough start of the season, the football team is confident that they will be a tough opponent to face, believing they can win.
“We just have to be the tougher team out there mentally and physically,” said Nate Jensen, head coach. “If we can do that, the game will play into our hands.” The team believes that being home will be a critical factor in the performance of Mount St. Joseph. “They have to travel three-and-a-half, four hours away, and they are probably going to have to stay at a hotel the night before,” Jensen said. “That is just difficult for any team.”
Manchester will look to their seniors and captains as anchors against Mount St. Joseph, as many of the seniors are crucial players. The team will also lean on their offense, as their offensive line is made of returning players, and also has experienced and talented running backs and wide receivers. “We lean on our seniors because they have been here, they have done it, and they know what to expect,” Jensen explained.
The team is going to have a bye week before the game against Mount St. Joseph and will look to recover and rest in preparation for the game. “We are coming off a bye week, getting on the field, and playing someone is a big thing for us,” Jensen said. “It gives us a chance to figure things out but at the same time rest and get healed up.” With the advantage of being at home and rested, Manchester looks to get their season back on track.