Jeff Theisen
October 11, 2007
Republished with permission of the Novi News
Novi can lock in a first-place claim of the KVC title Friday on the road at Hartland.
The Wildcats ride into the final game tied with Howell atop the league standings with a 5-1 record. Should Howell lose to South Lyon on Friday, the Wildcats would win the title outright. Otherwise, it would be a shared title.
The Eagles (3-4, 2-4) have come on strong in their last two games. After losing four straight against KVC opponents, Hartland beat Pinckney 33-16 before outlasting Milford 42-40, both games on the road.
The Wildcats are on top of their game right now. They are being led by a stingy defense that's hasn't allowed more than nine points in their last four games. All of those opponents were tied for the KVC lead going into the contest with Novi.
The offense has been opportunistic and smart. Few turnovers are
allowing the defense to play with an extended field. But the offense
also possesses big-play ability.
Arshaun Hall has been the home-run hitter in the backfield. He is averaging 99.9 yards rushing a game.
Mark
Heard has had his ups and downs at the quarterback position, but last
week he put together his best game as a Wildcat. Heard connected on
10-of-11 passes for 145 yards and two scores.
Brandon Bradford
has emerged as the top receiving threat, leading the Wildcats with 28
catches for 429 yards and six scores. He also electrified the crowd
with a long kickoff return for a touchdown last week against South Lyon.
Tyler
Hoover continues to be the biggest force on the defensive line. He has
6.5 sacks, four fumble recoveries and 35 solo tackles.
Pat
Schlenke leads the defense with 37 solo tackles. He also has nine
tackles for loss. Schlenke shares the team lead in interceptions at two
with Garrett Green.
Joe Pritchard leads the defense with 12 tackles for loss.
Novi
has outscored its opponents in every quarter, with the first and fourth
having the biggest discrepancy. The Wildcats hold a 34-13 first-quarter
edge, and a 37-22 advantage in the fourth.