Manno Reflects on Favorite Football Moments

Since Sachem Patch has been the main hub of news to chronicle Chris Manno’s journey in NFL training camp with the Kansas City Chiefs, we thought we’d ask him what his favorite moments were playing high school and college football.

His top Sachem highlight came during homecoming of his senior year. Sachem called a play titled “drop right, 82,” where Manno ran a post route and beat the lone Connetquot defender covering him deep in the flat.

“[Brian Hennessey] threw me that post for a touchdown,” said Manno, reflecting on the 65-yard play as if it happened yesterday.

That pass was during the fall of 2002, almost nine years ago, and turned out to be his first touchdown at Sachem. He didn’t wait long for the next.

After forcing Connetquot to turn the ball over on downs, Hennessey hit Manno in stride for a 60-yard touchdown on the very next play.

“Two plays, two touchdowns,” Manno said. “The place was mobbed.”

Sachem beat Connetquot, 42-7.

As for Hofstra, Manno was getting mop up time as a sophomore and played late in games when the opportunity presented itself.

The first time he caught a pass in college, he converted it for a 29-yard touchdown against Stony Brook.

“The first time I ever got the ball thrown to me I’m going, ‘holy cow, I’m about to score a touchdown,’” he said. “I had to adjust on the fly, kept up the seem and caught it.”

Hofstra quarterback Dennis Davis threw the pass.

Considering Hofstra doesn’t have a football program anymore and doesn’t compete against Stony Brook in any sport either, that catch is packed with historical significance.

That same week Manno graced the cover of "The Hofstra Chronicle," the school paper. (A certain editor of Sachem Patch happened to be the editor of The Chronicle at the time.)

Stay tuned to Sachem Patch for updates on Manno’s progress at training camp throughout the next three weeks.