Jeff Theisen
Republished with permission of the Novi News
October 12, 2006
With playoff hopes fading after Friday's loss to South Lyon, Novi still has a lot to play for Friday night against Hartland. Not only will the Wildcats be fighting for pride, but it's also homecoming.
"Every year homecoming is important," Novi head coach Tab Kellepourey said. "You're going to get all the alumni, all the kids that have been away to college for the first time. They're all interested in seeing their classmates. It's one of those things that pulls your community together.
"I know the players really look forward to homecoming game. Our kids do have pride in the program."
Novi (3-4) can also finish with a wining record if it beats Hartland at home and Northville on the road in the final week.
Hartland (1-6) has lost six straight, but still has a couple of weapons that will need to be controlled.
The Wildcat defense will try to keep Hartland from scoring in
double digits for just the second time during the Eagles' losing streak.
"The
quarterback from Hartland is a tremendous player," Kellepourey said.
"We know that they have some talent. We're going to have another great
game.
"Fortunately we're back at our field."
Novi has
also struggled on offense, but Kellepourey will be looking for his
seniors to come up big on what will also be senior night.
"Our
seniors, they've done a nice job as a group of players," Kellepourey
said. "I know personally if you're senior out there, you know you're
down to the wire and you want to do your best at this point. In doing
so, you want to have an opportunity to let the younger players see
that."
Jeff Theisen can be reached at (248) 349-1700, ext. 104 or at jtheisen@gannett.com.