Colts recognize Scott Mannering of Lewis Cass high school

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WLFI) - Lewis Cass High School Head Football Coach Scott Mannering believes being named the Colts/NFL Coach of the Week is a tribute to his football team.

Mannering was selected after his Kings defeated Class 3A No. 4 ranked West Lafayette 14-6. This was Cass’ first win over the Red Devils since 2006.

“If they wouldn't have played well then this wouldn't have happened for me. It's a real tribute to everyone in our program. I'm really pleased with what they have done and accomplished so far this year,” said Scott Mannering.

The 2012 season marks the 13th year the Indianapolis Colts will be recognizing outstanding Indiana High School football coaches through the Colts/NFL Coach of the Week program, presented by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

The Lewis Cass Kings have started the 2012 campaign on the right foot. After defeating Class A No. 5 ranked Pioneer in Week 1, the Kings followed up with a 14-6 win over 3A perennial powerhouse West Lafayette in Week 2.

“We beat two really good programs I think and we are going to have to play harder and better to maintain the momentum that we have right now. I know the teams that we play are going to use this as a lot of motivation to get ready to play us,” said Mannering.

Cass used multiple running backs to amass 300 yards on the ground. The Kings rushed 55 times for 312 yards while maintaining long drives that took time off the clock. That was the key to their success. In the end, West Lafayette’s five-year win streak over the Kings came to an end. This was Cass’ second-straight win over ranked opponents.

Mannering enters his 27th year coaching the Kings. He has a record of 191-96 over that time span. This is his second Coach of the Week honor. In Week 10 of the 2003 season, Mannering was voted the Colts Coach of the Week winner after a double overtime win over Heritage in the opening round of the Sectional.

The Coach of the Week program was designed to recognize high school coaches who transform the best available athletes into high potential football players through their hard work and dedication to young people. 

All high school head coaches in the state of Indiana are eligible regardless of their school size, league or division.  Coaches are evaluated on various factors including the coach’s impact on his team, school and community, as well as performance of the team.  The honorees are selected by a panel of high school football media, former athletic directors and other football representatives from all regions of the state.

Each Monday, following a high school football game weekend, one head coach will be announced.

At the conclusion of the high school football season, each winning coach will receive a framed certificate signed by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Colts Head Coach Chuck Pagano, Colts General Manager Ryan Grigson and Colts Youth Football Commissioner Mike Prior, as well as a $1,000 donation from the NFL Youth Football Fund.  In addition, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield will contribute $1,000 for the school’s athletic fund.