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11/15/04 In Coach Kellepourey’s first 5 years at the helm, the Cats have not only been a fixture in the playoffs, they are exactly (2) points away from playing for District Championships in all 5 years. And along the way, they’ve won (3) District Championships against powerhouses from the OAA, the SEC, and the WLAA, in that order. Respectively, Lake Orion, Adrian, and Canton had a combined 29-1 record before the Wildcats tamed each of them in exciting District final matchups. And, in each case, according to the ‘experts’, the Cats were underdogs but nonetheless were victorious. Add to that a gritty Regional Championship last year against a tough Detroit MacKenzie team that sent (4) players to the ranks of Division I College Football, and this program starts to reach elite status. Of course, back in 2000 who can forget Coach K’s first year, as Novi came close to knocking off Northville in the District Final? I will never figure out what happened on that phantom call involving Matt Gorman as he was on his way to a sure TD before a mysterious whistle blew. And the week before was very thrilling as well, as Novi knocked off Portage Northern 24-14, for Coach K’s first playoff victory in Wildcat Country. That team featured All-American running back Kelly Baraka, and the Sarantos brothers, both of whom are now playing football at UM. I know South Lyon fans talked a lot of smack about Novi these past few weeks, but I forgive them. I’ve learned over the years that when somebody has success, some folks feel compelled to talk smack about you behind your back. It’s really a sign of respect. You have what they want, and they feel better about themselves when they can diminish your accomplishments. You see it everywhere in life and sports as some folks spend far too much time focusing on everybody else but themselves. It basically comes down to fear and envy on their part. Last year it took a team bound for the Dome to knock off the Wildcats. In 2002, it took the team that won it all in Division I, to eliminate Novi. This year, should the South Lyon Lions prevail in the Semi-Finals, and then proceed to the Dome and win it all, the Novi Wildcats will have the honor of knowing, that not only did they actually beat the State Champs but also they shut them out on their home turf! Is that a great consolation? Depending on your perspective, maybe it is, maybe it isn’t. But when it takes a State Championship team to end your season, and it happens again, you know it is just a matter of time until the Novi Wildcats are wearing the crown. Good luck South Lyon, no hard feelings here, sometimes the game breaks your heart, but you pick up and move forward. Take Heart Cats, you did a great job this year. And you did it loud… and proud. (c) 2004 Novi
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