Jeff Theisen
October 18, 2007
Republished with permission of the Novi News
Keep the momentum going is the main focus for the Novi Wildcats.
With a playoff spot already secure, the Wildcats don't want any hiccups before heading into postseason play Friday at home against Northville.
"This would mean a lot to us," Novi head coach Tab Kellepourey said. "If Novi does win this game, I'm sure that would secure a first or second position within the district. Having homefield in the playoffs is very important."
An emotional game against Northville (1-7) to end the season can always keep a coach on edge.
The Mustangs won their first game last week against Walled Lake Northern and would love nothing more than ending their season with the Baseline Jug, something Novi has owned since 2001.
"Both of these programs know each other, the kids do," Kellepourey said. "We know this is a big game for both programs.
"This is a must-win for both programs, and that makes for a great Friday night."
Though Novi has had the Baseline Jug for as long as any current player
has been in high school, there still are several Wildcats that are new
to varsity play and haven't had the chance to celebrate with it.
"It's
an amazing feeling at the end of the night," Kellepourey said about
hoisting the cup at the end of a win. "It's an amazing bonding
experience for a team to go through."
Both teams stress the run,
but Novi has had more success this year throwing the ball. Mark Heard
controls the Wildcat passing game. He has completed 70 of 130 passes
for 1,080 yards and 12 touchdowns with seven interceptions.
Brandon
Bradford leads the team with 30 catches for 447 yards and six
touchdowns. Aaron Pugh and Chris Bellamy each have two touchdown
receptions.
Arshaun Hall is the home-run hitter out of the
backfield. He has 909 yards and 10 touchdowns on 131 carries (6.6 per
run) and 108 yards a contest.
Aaron Chew took over as the
Northville quarterback in the second game of the year. He has completed
45 of 97 passes for 418 yards and two touchdowns with five
interceptions. He will take off with the ball, rushing for 123 yards on
37 carries.
Andrew Devine is the featured back, amassing 603 yards on 125 carries (4.8 yards a carry).
Greg Hasse is the big hitter on defense. He averages being involved in more than 20 tackles per contest.