Biography

 

Coming off a 1977 winless season, Bishop Feehan was looking for a "savior." At a diminutive 5'6" and 135 pounds junior halfback, Manny Perry was hopeful he would provide that salvation. Described by a local sportswriter in a pre season write up as "a game breaker", Perry had the unenviable task of playing behind future Hall of Famers Jim Brennan on offense and Bill Hyland on defense.

Perry had few opportunities to shine that year, but when he did, he responded. In a memorable 7-6 upset victory over cross-town rival Attleboro, Perry sacked AHS quarterback Lepper 3 times, the third with :59 seconds left in the game to secure the Feehan victory. Meanwhile on offense at halfback, Perry's 18-yardjaunt in the final minute of play secured a hard fought 14-8 victory over New Bedford Yoke. 

Heading into his senior year, Perry was described in the pre season brochure as "excitingly quick, with good hands." Coach Paul O'Boy told a local scribe, "There's not a team that we've scrimmaged that hasn't been impressed by him."

Starting as halfback on offense and defense his senior year, Perry had an auspicious debut. Rushing for 89 of Feehan's 101 running yards, catching 3 passes for 48 yards, returning 3 kickoffs and five punts for over 100 yards, making several unassisted tackles, Perry single handedly kept Feehan in the game in a close 14-6 loss to powerful North Attleboro. In a curious twist of fate, Perry was injured of the last play of the game. At first it appeared to be just a bruise, but a viral infection settled in his knee hospitalizing him. Perry's absence was huge on both sides of the ball, as Feehan struggled to a tie Dighton Rehoboth 12-12 and then lost 22-8 to a tough Barnstable squad.

Feehan anxiously awaited Perry's return to complement the running game, but in a George Gipp like moment before the Attleboro game Coach O'Boy informed the team that Perry was done. A career filled with so much promise was over. It was Perry's inspiration from a hospital bed that motivated his Feehan teammates to a 14-6 win over AHS. Fittingly, the team presented Perry with the game ball in the hospital. 

A true team player, and an inspiration to his teammates, the Attleboro Area Football Hall of Fame welcomes Manny Perry.