TOO MANY CHIEFS.......Okemos Downs Mustangs

     The customary grueling early season schedule got the best of the Mustangs tonight as they fell to the Chiefs of Okemos.  Still recovering from a hard fought victory on Monday evening over a tough Howell team, Northville was unable to muster the energy necessary to combat a relentless attack by the invading Chiefs.  Although the game remained within reach through halftime, the Chiefs completed the ambush early in the third period.  They were the second highly rated team faced in two nights, and they gradually wore down the home team to stretch the lead and put the game out of reach.  Final score 14-9.

     The night was not without bright spots.  Junior Alec Melucci was again unstoppable on attack as he notched 5 goals to keep the Stangs in the hunt.  Brothers Jake and Alex Fuller also continued to score with a goal each, and Senior Nate Ray was an assist machine tonight.  And Northville's young defense is developing rapidly, keeping the ball out of the net and delivering it to our potent offense.  "We have a vicious early schedule,' admitted Coach Greg Durham, "but our kids are responding well, and growing by leaps and bounds.  We are a better and stronger team each game.  Our struggles now, taken with the right, positive attitude, will prepare us to rise to the top by season crunch time.  Now, with 10 days devoted to practice, we can utilize some of what we learned in the heat of battle to make both individual and team improvements that will help us going forward."

     Indeed, the Mustangs now have an extended time to practice and prepare for the conference schedule which begins with the Novi game on April 14th.  As always, that rivalry will have the town abuzz with excitement and the stands will be full.  The Mustang fans have declared that evening an 'Orange-out', so wear your orange and come ready to cheer them on to a big Victory to start the conference season.  LAX....it's the most exciting game in town.  See you there!