From left, Mario Zanetti, Alex Chafe, Griffen Curren, Lucas Dahllof Alt, Chase Anderson, Diego Logue-Perron, Quinn McLain, Devin Peavey, River Morgan, Freddy Jakes, Max Clark. Coaches Jason Jakes, Krista Jakes and Tom Chafe.
After joining the Beverly Flag Football League, the third grade Manchester boys were eager to get back into action after last year’s early loss in the playoffs against Gloucester. They started with a close pre-season loss but were able to quickly shake the cobwebs away and get down to business — and business was good! Great defense and fantastic flag-pulling were the keys to a successful season. Offensively the Bucs left everyone in the dust and were able execute a diverse set of plays on the ground and in the air, keeping their opponents guessing. Over the regular season the Bucs ended with a record of 5–0 and had a +97 point differential between points scored and points allowed, which was more than double that of the next-closest team. Both Diego Logue-Perron and Quinn McLain led the way for the Bucs as the top scorers on the team.
Super Bowl Day – Nov 10
Being down three players didn't stop the Bucs from performing at the top of their game as a team. It was a cold day with wind chill down below freezing, however even with numb hands the team rallied to play some of the best defense of the season, only allowing one touchdown in both the first playoff game and in the Super Bowl. With River Morgan and Chase Anderson quarterbacking, the team was able to put up 26 points in both games (leading to two decisive wins to finish off the season) and take home first place in the league.
Tournament of Champions – Nov 17
North Shore Flag Football, which manages 18 town leagues, held a tournament of champions with the best teams from each league. This was the Manchester boys first trip to the tournament, and they weren't quite sure what to expect but were ready to compete. The Bucs were able to defeat four of the best teams that Peabody, Lynn, Lynnfield and Tritown had to offer while being led by quarterbacks Alex Chafe and Chase Anderson. This took the Bucs to the Super Bowl where they fell behind early and made a valiant effort to rally but came up a touchdown short in the end.
