A Stallions Flag Legacy trumps Loss to Novi Bobcats

On Saturday October 12th the Northville Stallions Flag Team traveled for the last away game of a three game road trip to meet the Novi Bobcats.  The game was tense, to say the least.  It was one that was hoped to be settled by extra points as the teams went back and forth meeting TD for TD.  However, just as when you watch a large cat seeking out its prey, you hope for a different outcome, you cheer for a different outcome, but at some point you just realize what is going to happen and despite the knowledge it is still difficult to watch.  The Bobcats in the 6th and final quarter were finally able to hold the Stallions back and scored one final time making it an official win for the Bobcats.  In the 54 to 39 score, the 39 represented an extraordinary number; one that represents the beginning of a legacy not the epitome of a loss. 

The game started on the defensive end and despite the tackles from Nick Helner, Justin Rickard and Owen Ross, the Bobcats got an early 6 points.  The defense was strong and limited the extra point.  Taking the kickoff and needing to go 66 yards, blockers Colin Prior and Max Kamposh held away the defense allowing the Stallions to forge ahead, never needing more than a 2nd down.  The first quarter expired bringing in a new rotation of athletes.  Isaac Pace and Cooper Hoffman drove a little further before Dominic Minghine rode in for the 6.  With the missed extra point and the game tied the Bobcats came back to pounce again.  Stallions still holding the extra point for the Bobcats, forged ahead once again leaving the ball on the 8 yard line for the new herd.  Thanks to his blockers, which included Christopher Shukeireh, Luke Parinello and Dhilan Khatiwala, Sam Stathas needed one attempt to run it home.  Missed point tied the game at 12 to 12.  The charge continued one touchdown after another.

 Helner ran for a touchdown to strike first in the second half, but with a missed extra point the Stallions stayed down by a point.  The defense was strong, just as they were in the first half, with Robbie Schuckel, Devin Shaffer and J.J. Rickard keeping the Bobcats from scoring in the 4th quarter.  With the Bobcats in the red zone the next line let in the next 6.  Needing one strike, Minghine found Pace among the blockers Will Cappaert, Carter Skiver and Brady Couture, and responded with a 54 yard touchdown pass.  This was rewarded with a hard sought out two point conversion made successful with a reception from Minghine by Evan Deak.  This line would go on to let up two more touchdowns and score one more in return while leaving the incoming offense on the 5 yard line.  The 6th quarter started with the Stallions down 38 to 33 and Stathas needing his one strike went in for the 6.  James Redwine shined in the 6th quarter tackling on the defensive end, passing and rushing on the offensive end, and despite ball touches from Nathan Jones and Aaron Jeremias, the Stallions were stopped for the first time the whole game.  The cats hit them hard and reaped the benefits by scoring another TD for the victory.  The bite was big and the Stallions did not recover.  They suffered just their second loss of the season, which for some is not a loss at all. 

Head Coach Kevin Prior has led these boys through victory after victory.  This game was no different.  When opponents stack lines to have the top players take on the Stallions defense, Prior trusts in his team.  When opponents favor one player over others to run the ball, Coach Prior encourages all boys to take a turn.  When opposing offenses depend on the rushing game time and time again, Coach Prior sets in a team who has thrown for over 370 yards this season.  And yes, the majority of boys are 6 or 7 years old.  Each of the 22 boys rostered on the Stallions Flag team have a tally of rushing yards.  Every boy has tackles.  Every boy is encouraged to do their best and participate more in the game.  The boys get equal playing time when allowed and there is no substituting for skill.  Coach Prior takes the herd he has and is developing each one to be their own successes.  He knows it is not individuals that win championships.  He educates his parents and fans through his style that all of his players are important.  It seems to this writer that Coach Prior knows he has something pretty great: a legacy in the making.  It is a team that has beaten teams that no other Stallions had in the past.  A team that has over 2000 yards on the ground.  A team that has accumulated almost 400 passing yards.  A team that has over 225 tackles for the season.  A team of 6 and 7 year olds.  This is not a team about an undefeated record.  It is a team about creating champions.  See this legacy as they finish up the regular season against the Northville Colts on Tom Holzer Ford Field at 9 am October 20th.