The Manchester Enterprise
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Field goals lead East past West
Five players and two coaches represent county on West team
By Don Richter, Heritage Newspapers
PUBLISHED: July 24, 2008
Washtenaw County was well represented at the 28th annual Michigan High School Football Coaches Association East-West All-Star Game at Michigan State University's Spartan Stadium July 19.
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The East defeated the West 9-0 in a rain-soaked, defensive-minded game in front of over 7,000 fans.
Local athletes participating in the game included Chelsea's Brad Bush, who was head coach of the West All-Stars, assistant coach Grant Fanning and defensive tackle Dean Roberts. Dexter outside linebacker Chris Marsh, Ypsilanti wide receiver Marvon Sanders, Saline wide receiver Sam Burchyett and Ann Arbor Pioneer offensive tackle Fadi Farha also competed for the West squad in the contest.
"I never thought it'd be 9-0," said Bush, whose Chelsea program is known for its high-scoring, wide-open offense. "I really thought offensively we'd score some points. Our defense played great. It's frustrating. It's tough to get ready in six days, but they outplayed us. We were just a step away the whole game."
On numerous occasions West receivers found themselves open down the field, but quarterbacks Adam Follett (Alma) and Kirk Deering (Grand Rapids West Catholic), oftentimes overthrew their intended targets.
"We were just a hair out of synch offensively," said Fanning. "We were close, but that's how it goes in an All-Star game."
The East opened the scoring as Westland John Glenn's Victor Sanders kicked a 32-yard field goal for a 3-0 lead with 2:26 left in the first quarter.
At 11:07 of the second quarter, Sanders booted a 42-yard field goal for a 6-0 East advantage.
With 4:55 remaining in the third quarter, Sanders split the uprights with a 32-yard field goal for the game's final margin.
With the win, the East avenged last year's 9-7 West victory. The East leads the all-time series 15-13.
Despite the loss, Bush said last week was an enjoyable experience.
"They were all great kids," he said. "We're all a little disappointed with the way we played. Offensively, maybe some of that was timing, or maybe it was the game plan, who knows. Overall, though, it was a great week. I can't say enough about the coaching staff."
Besides Bush and Fanning, members of the West staff included Cadillac's Jim Webb and Pat Hinkle, Frankfort's Michael Pratley and Haslett's Charlie Otlewski.
Head coach for the East team was Paul Verska of Warren De La Salle.
"The game was awesome," said Marsh, who finished with two solo tackles, three assists and one tackle. "It was definitely an experience I'll never forget. Out of all the football games I've played, this was the best way to end it."
Roberts, who'll play for Ferris State University in the fall, said the game was special.
"I think I did pretty well," he said. "The defense overall did really well. The offense didn't put much together, but our defense played about as good as we could. We only gave up nine points."
Roberts, who ended up with two tackles, said he'd never forget meeting all the different players.
"I made a lot of new friendships this week," he said. "We (West squad) had a special bond."
Roberts said playing in the All-Star Game was a fitting ending to his high school career, but that he's ready for the next chapter in his life.
"I would absolutely do this all over again," Roberts said. "But, I'm really excited to go to Ferris and show them what I can do."
Marsh, who'll play baseball at either Eastern Michigan University or at a junior college next season, said competing against the best players in the state was something he'd always remember.
"The players are a lot bigger," he said. "And speed-wise, it's a lot faster. The hits are also a lot harder."
Marsh said he enjoyed getting to know the other players from throughout the state.
"Playing together with all the guys and coming together for one game was pretty cool," he said. "I'll never forget it."
Fanning said he wanted the week to continue.
"We'd love to keep coaching these guys," he said. "We're all so close. We were just a little bit off today. It was a great week, though. It was a real good time."
Overall, the West finished with 110 total yards of offense, including 105 passing yards. The East ended with 218 total yards, with 185 yards on the ground.
Individually, Saline's Burchyett had two receptions for 19 yards, while Ypsilanti's Sanders had one catch for 35 yards. Sanders' reception, which featured the Eastern Michigan University-bound standout going airborne and stretching out to make the grab, was arguably the highlight of the game for the West squad.
For the East, Michigan State University recruits Caulton Ray of Birmingham Brother Rice and Glenn Winston from Detroit Denby, led the rushing attack with 78 and 77 yards, respectively.
Don Richter is a Sports Editor for Heritage Newspapers. He can be reached at 1-734-475-1371 or drichter@heritage.com.
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