The Saline Reporter
A Heritage Newspaper
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Hornets head for 'Showdown' on EMU stage
By Tom Kirvan, Editor
PUBLISHED: August 25, 2005
It's being billed as the "Big Day Prep Showdown."
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Eight teams. Four games. All in the collegiate atmosphere of Eastern Michigan University's Rynearson Stadium this Saturday, Aug. 27.
For Saline, it will be an opportunity to "show" whether it can exact a bit of revenge against a Northville team that spoiled the christening of the new SHS gridiron last fall with a 27-24 defeat of the Hornets. In that game, Saline squandered a series of scoring opportunities, dropping a pass in the end zone, missing a short field goal, and failing to cash in on a first and goal at the one yard line.
In other words, it was an opener to forget. Except Coach Mike Glennie hasn't let his charges forget the sting of last year's opening game loss. The setback was one of four losses for the Hornets, leaving them a game away from a berth in the state playoffs.
But Saturday begins a "new year" for the Hornets and Glennie said his team is itching to get started.
"I think the community is going to rally around the kids," he said. "It should be a great start for the fall season."
Glennie said the Prep Showdown, which also will feature a contest between Chelsea and Novi, is a boost for high school football.
"I think to have eight teams come together will make for a great day of high school football," he said. "It's going to be an honor to be a part of it. Hopefully, we can represent the Saline community well."
The Hornets are expected to start senior co-captain Nick Sheridan at quarterback, succeeding the departed Sean Brown, who has taken his considerable talents to Saginaw Valley State University this fall. Fullback Vince Helmuth, a bruising 265-pound junior, will line up in the Hornet backfield. Other key performers returning to the Hornet fold are co-captains Ben Cupka, a halfback and cornerback; Michael Maniaci, a senior tight end and outside linebacker; Ben Wood, a senior tight end and linebacker; Keith O'Brien, a senior lineman; and senior tackle Jimmy Zack.
So far, Glennie has been pleased with his team's preparations for the 2005 campaign.
"They've worked hard ever since January," he said. "Our numbers are up and the athleticism is there. We should be a talented, skilled team. We should have a lot of heart and enthusiasm. It should be an exciting year."
The Saline-Northville game opens the "Big Day" at noon on Saturday. At 2:30 p.m., Allen Park faces Trenton, while at 5 p.m. Lake Orion squares off against Troy. Chelsea and Novi will tangle in the final game of the day at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets cost $10 for adults and students, and can be purchased at the gate. Admission is good for all four games.
On Sept. 2, Saline will visit Ypsilanti Lincoln in an SEC contest. The Hornet home opener is Sept. 9 against Ann Arbor Pioneer.
(Chelsea Standard sports editor Don Richter contributed to this report.)
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