Speaking of Sports Column Archive

Speaking
of Sports

by
Lance J. Lilla

What the Jug Game
really means to the
Novi Wildcats

October 9, 2011

The battle for the Baseline Jug - an epic rivalry that has lasted for as long as anyone can remember. Each year people come from all over to see these two teams collide, even if football isn't something they particularly enjoy.

This is because the Novi vs. Northville game is more than just a football game. There is more to it than simply taking a ball from one end of the field to the other. It represents something much bigger than twenty-two athletes on a field that all share one common goal (to win).

It represents the passion that resides within them all. This passion provides them with the fuel they need to succeed not only on the field but in every other aspect of their lives as well. Without this passion we would have no desire to succeed. No desire to achieve greatness. No desire to "be perfect" as our coaches tell us.

Every Friday night the players on the Novi Wildcats Varsity Football team line up against an opponent and lay it all on the line because their passion and desire to be perfect drives them to do so.

Last Friday the opponent that lined up across from them was the Northville Mustangs. The rivalry between these two teams is stronger than any I have ever seen before. So powerful that you could ask any player on either team and they would tell you that they could lose every game in their season, but as long as they beat their rival they would consider it a successful season.

However, in every game a team must lose. Unfortunately, the team that fell this year was the Novi Wildcats, 37-32. The loss means that the 'Cats no longer have the opportunity to make it to the playoffs and now have a record of 3-4.

This loss may appear to have diminished the spirit of the Wildcats, but rest assured their passion will continue to drive them forward on their quest for perfection.

Their next opportunity to attain their goal will be this Friday when the face Canton.

Lance J. Lilla is a Senior at Novi High School and is a member of the school's varsity football and track teams. Lance brings you in-depth coverage you won't find elsewhere.