Breaking through

By Mike Moore
C & G Staff Writer

Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest football earns first playoff win

ROCHSTER HILLS — Given the overall success of the season and the seemingly unstoppable momentum generated, it may have been somewhat expected.

But still, actually earning the first playoff win in program history is nothing to shrug about.

Needless to say, the Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest football team wasn’t shrugging after its 48-7 victory Oct. 31 against Southfield Christian in the pre-district round of the Division 7 playoffs.

Just a few years after going 0-9, the Crusaders improved to 10-0 with the win and will host Royal Oak Shrine, also 10-0, at 7 p.m. Nov. 7 in the district final.

“It’s tremendous,” coach Don Justice said a couple days after the win. “It’s really a dream for almost everyone here. This year’s team always thought winning a playoff game was very attainable. But as far as the school and our followers, I think it’s something a lot of people never thought would happen.

“In the past, I think just the notion of making the playoffs was something people thought was pretty cool. Beyond that, there wasn’t much of an expectation. To actually make school history and advance to another round, it’s pretty special.”

“Special” is an accurate way to describe the entire 2008 season. The perfect 9-0 record was the first time in school history a regular season ended without a blemish.

Subsequently, the nine wins were the most in program history, as well.

“To have the year we have to this point is simply incredible,” Justice said. “There are so many things that can go wrong over the course of a season that can lead to a loss or two. We’ve been blessed with great kids and a season of health. More or less, things lined up for us and we’ve taken advantage.”

Justice knows, however, that as well as his team has played through 10 weeks, things must be even better this weekend for a chance to earn the program’s first district title.

“I think everyone’s expecting a very competitive game,” Justice said with a laugh. “We know Shrine is going to come out hitting. They are a very veteran team that has skilled athletes with a great line. They are quick; they can run; they can pass, and they have a defense that can keep teams off the board.”

Justice spoke words of utmost respect for his next opponent, but he has plenty of confidence in his team’s chances.

“We’re going to get their best shot, and we have to give them ours,” Justice said. “We’re very confident in our ability and what we can do. We’ve been down in games; we’ve been close a few times and had to hang on. We’ll be all right. The thing is, we are never going to stop fighting. Who knows? Playoff football is a very crazy time.”

You can reach C & G Staff Writer Mike Moore at mmoore@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1038.