Jeff Theisen
Republished with permission of the Novi News
October 19, 2006
Photo by JOHN HEIDER/Novi News
With state playoffs out of the question, Novi will focus solely on keeping the Baseline Jug from Northville. With a 3-5 record, the Wildcats' last game will be tomorrow against cross-town rival Northville for the right to celebrate with the jug.
"The jug is one of those things that's very important," Novi head coach Tab Kellepourey said. "At the end of the night, the kids get their hands on it. They hear about it, but that's the one time they get to see it.
"It's a great feeling at the end of the night if you get a chance to hold that thing."
The Wildcats have owned the Jug since the 2001 team won 42-12. Last year, Novi won 31-12.
"The
great thing about the Northville game is there's such a history and
tradition there," Kellepourey said. "All these kids from Novi know most
of the kids from Northville and likewise.
"It really is one of those great nights to compete in high school football."
This
year, Northville brings a 1,000-yard rusher to the table in senior
Dittrick Williams. He rolled off 158 yards last week in a 44-13 win
against Salem. The win stopped a five game losing streak for the
Mustangs.
The Mustangs have used two quarterbacks with senior
Mike DeLuca starting the year and sophomore Matt Kreager coming in
after DeLuca was injured.
Both quarterbacks are throwers that also aren't afraid to run.
The
Novi offense will also get a change this week with Adam Chandler
reinjuring his shoulder that kept him out in the beginning of the year.
Chandler appeared as though he was getting more comfortable with each
week.
Mark Heard came in for Chandler and will be looked to run the offense this week.
For the seniors, it will be their last chance to shine for the Wildcat football team.
"It's
the seniors' last game to ever play football for Novi," Kellepourey
said. "And it's the last time this team plays together. We've got to
pull it together."
Jeff Theisen can be reached at (248) 349-1700, ext. 104 or at jtheisen@gannett.com.