The Lions have a new ferocious look to their Logo and the Font of the word “Lions” has been “modernized”. But where is the motivational slogan to rally fans for the 2009 season? The Pistons have “Going to Work”, the Lions one time promoted “Restore the Roar” and who could forget last years “Believe in Now”! (OK, thats a stretch. A lot of Detroit fans forgot “Believe in Now”. I had to look it up.)

For the Lions in 2009 – I propose using a quote from Rockhound, Steve Buscemi’s character in the movie Armaggeddon. In 2009 it’s time for . . . . .

THE 2009 Detroit LIONS-
– - EMBRACE THE HORROR

The Lions enter the 2009 campaign riding a 0-17 regular season streak. Waiting in the wings is a New Orleans team used to putting up 30 a game (Detroit and New Orleans are the only two NFC franchises to never make the Super Bowl). Detroit’s schedule also features both of last years Super Bowl teams, an improved Packer team on Thanksgiving, the tough Baltimore Ravens and 2 road trips to the West Coast (the Lions are 1-7 visiting the Pacific since 2000). Forbes Magazine recently depreciated the Lions value by 6% (only eclipsing the Oakland Raiders who dropped 7%).

Detroit is a cinch to set an NFL record for most losses in decade. The current record is 106 by the 1980-89 Tampa Bay Bucs and the Lions already have 104 (14 – 2 just isn’t in the cards).

At .278 the 2000-09 Lions hold first place in the All-Time race for NFL futility in a decade. They need to go 6-10 to pass the Denver Broncos of the 1960’s (.282 in the old AFL) and escape the historical cellar. The worst orginal NFL franchise decade record belongs to the St. Louis Cardinals who were at .292 for the 1950’s.

“Embrace the Horror” and avoid the customary autumn frustration. Click Play to get Rockhounds’ inspirational dialogue for the Unofficial Lion’s slogan.

One fan created a special tribute in hope that “The Schwartz would be with us” (Spaceballs 1987). With the Lions changing the Bubbles Logo, can a replacement for the Roary mascot be far behind? Perhaps the John Candy character might be a proper fit after August. In Mel Brooks we trust?

In the meantime, I wanted to bring up the fact that many athletics teams over at the High School are having quite a bit of success of late.

First, the varsity football team has secured a spot in the playoffs by defeating South Lyon last week. This is Coach Tab Kellepourey’s 8th season and he’s led Novi to the playoffs 7 times. A win on Friday will give the Wildcats at least a share of the KVC Championship. Tom Markowski of the Detroit News recently did a nice piece about the coaching staff. You can read it here. You can read more about the team on the football website at http://www.novifootball.org.

The girls swim and dive team is currently undefeated in dual meets and ranked #6 in the state. They swim against South Lyon, (ranked #4) for he regular season KVC Championship Thursday night @ Novi.

The boys soccer team currently has an honorable mention ranking in the last coaches poll. They play #7 ranked South Lyon tonight @ South Lyon for the KVC Championship.

The boys cross country team is ranked #7 currently and recently finished 4th at the Oakland County Championships.

Girl’s Volleyball is currently ranked #10 in Class A, is 19-1 overall and 8-0 in the KVC. The Detroit News did a feature article on them today.

Boys tennis team recently won the KVC Championship – winning all 9 lights of competition at the league meet. They are currently ranked #7.

Finally, the girls varsity golf team recently finished 2nd in the KVC – their highest finish ever.

Congrats to all of our student athletes, their coaches and our Athletic Director, Curt Ellis.