By Mike Moore Photo by Ryan Kerwin, JTV Sports
Staff Writer
Napoleon — This will be the most important game the Napoleon football team has all year long — for the single reason that it’s the next one.
That’s been the mindset the Pirates have operated under since opening 2017 with a 14-point loss to Columbia Central.
Behind the 8-ball from the get-go, Napoleon was determined to bounce back.
In Week 2, the team did with a vengeance, blowing out Grass Lake 45-8.
Last week, in a much tighter game, the Pirates snuck past Michigan Center 17-14.
“We’re playing focused and disciplined right now,” coach Scott Ashe said simply. “We’re playing well as a team right now, and that’s what we have to do.”
Especially this weekend when the Pirates welcome in a 3-0 Addison team that has yet to be truly tested.
“They are playing very good football right now,” Ashe said of the Panthers.
That’s an understatement.
Addison opened the year with a 79-12 victory over Dearborn Heights Star International, and then took it easy on the next two foes, cruising past Manchester 36-13 and Vandercook Lake 56-13.
This is an Addison team that is one win from equaling its total from last year and has already scored more points (173) in three weeks than it did in nine (170) in 2016.
“They do what a lot of T-teams do,” Ashe said. “They hide the ball so well and carry out their fakes. They explode through the holes.”
The Napoleon defense will have its hands full, but has been good the past two weeks since surrendering 35 in the opener.
“You have to defend that offense with assignment football,” Ashe said. “They may break one here or there. But we have to tackle everyone, whether they have the ball or not.”
Ashe called Friday night’s game, “a huge one.”
It’s also overdue, as with a third of the regular season gone, the Pirates are finally set to play a home game.
“It’s been tough on the road, but we’re excited to play at home,” Ashe said. “We have one of the best stadiums around. It’s a great atmosphere. We’re looking forward to it.”
Mike Moore is a play-by-play commentator and Sports Writer for JTV Sports.
He’s also a Real Estate agent with Real Estate One, specializing with buyers and sellers throughout Michigan, from the Jackson area to metro Detroit. You can reach him at mmoore@realestateone.com or by calling (313) 770-6365 with any inquiries.
