Jeff Theisen
October 16, 2008
Reprinted with permission of the Novi News
Novi has shown it can stand up to bigger teams, but Friday's tilt for the KLAA Kensington Conference title will be the best test yet.
The Canton Chiefs have overpowered all but one team with a high-powered offense that has averaged more than 50 points in its last three games.
"Canton runs a full-house T and all kinds of stuff," Novi head coach Tab Kellepourey said. "Their tremendous offensive line can come off the ball. They have a really strong offense. They're a very, very good team."
The Chiefs shored up the South Division with a 57-43 offensive-showcase victory against Churchill last week.
Canton's only slip-up was a 36-35 loss to John Glenn in week four.
Novi and Canton have played each other twice under Kellepourey's reign, with each team winning once. The winner of Friday's game will be the first-ever KLAA Conference Champion.
The Wildcats have shown the ability to win in various ways. They've won a game by scoring a two-point conversion. They've won by stopping one. They've gotten it done through the air and on the ground.
But the Novi defense will have to bring its A game if it wants to win a conference title.
The game will also be homecoming for the Wildcats. Expect an even bigger crowd than normal for the biggest game in Novi in a long time.