Dowagiac kicker has eyes on state record

DOWAGIAC, Mich. - It’s the type of talent that only comes around once in a generation. The division-five Dowagiac Chieftain football team this year has a chance to watch history being made. Their junior place kicker, Brett Scanlon, is doing things on the field NFL coaches would be proud of.

Scanlon is hitting 60-yard field goals for his 5-1 team.
The Michigan state record is 59-yards and Scanlon in practice hit one from 65-yards out. Last week in Dowagiac’s game against Plainwell, Scanlon hit a 55-yarder to shatter the school record.
Coaches tell me he’s got the leg to get in the state record a book… 60 yards is in his sight.
“We’ve had a handful of very good athletes but the ability to kick and punt like Brett does, I haven’t seen in my lifetime out of a high school athlete," says Chieftain head coach Mike Stanger. The team is riding Scanlon’s toes to a very successful season.
Breaking Dowagiac's record for 'longest field goal' is just the beginning. “I’m going to break it whenever I get the chance to,” says Scanlon. On Chris Taylor Field in Dowagiac, Scanlon routinely hits 60-yarders.
College teams are taking notice of Scanlon's talent. “Alabama, LSU, Georgia Tech, Mississippi State, Michigan State and Stanford sent me a few letters,” says Scanlon.
Todd McIntyre, Scanlon’s placeholder since 7th grade, says no matter the attention Scanlon's focus is on practicing for the big one. “I know he’s going to break the record, if he gets a chance he’ll break it,” says McIntyre.
His coach knows the record is there for Dowagiac to have. “As long as the opportunity is there we’re going to take it,” says Stanger.
Scanlon is keeping his head down. “Practice practice, that’s what I do,” says Scanlon. But his eyes are on the 60-yard prize.


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