On hard-earned wins, long-distance
runners and fast-skating Whalers

BY ED WRIGHT  

...It was a good weekend for local football teams that wear slick new royal blue uniforms, are led by first-year starting quarterbacks that wear the No. 9 and were starving for their first victory in a while.

  While I feel good for the Detroit Lions, I feel better for Salem. Losing is never easy, but it's more bearable when you're making six- and seven-digit salaries.

  The Rocks had little to show for their blood, sweat and effort but the respect they've earned among those close to

the program who have witnessed their stellar attitude adjustment and admirable work ethic since two-a-days started seven weeks ago.

  Salem's 40-0 shellacking of South Lyon East Friday night was just its third win in the past two-and-a-half seasons and its first since Sept. 26, 2008, when the Rocks tamed the Cougars, 63-14.

  Unable to be two places at one time, I missed the game (I always cover whatever game is played at the varsity stadium on Friday nights), however, people I talked to who were there raved about the play of sophomore running back Marcus Houston, senior quarterback Brian Maksimovic and the entire defense, most notably linebackers Austin Root and Ethan Walsh.

  One win does not make a season, but it can do wonders for a team's morale, confidence and outlook. It wasn't that long ago that this week's Salem opponent -- Northville -- was losing on a consistent basis, but now it's 4-1 and eying the playoffs.

  The Mustangs can no doubt look back at a victory they had that turned their program around and it was probably a lot like Salem's triumphant return to the win column Friday night.

  ...When I came up with last week's survey on PlymouthCantonSports.com, asking readers who the greatest professional athlete was in Detroit the past 20 years, I thought it would be a nip-and-tuck battle between Steve Yzerman and Barry Sanders (I had a hard time coming up with a dominant Tiger or Piston).

  The fact Yzerman won by almost a three-to-one margin is further proof that this truly is "Hockeytown." Personally, I would have voted for Sanders.

  ...I encourage you to take an hour out of your day Tuesday afternoon and drive over to Northville's Cass Benton Park, where all six PCEP cross country teams will be in action beginning at 4 p.m.

  You will be amazed at how these well-conditioned athletes conquer the hilly course in a seemingly effortless fashion -- even though it's one of the most demanding tasks high school athletes tackle.

  And it's not just the front-runners that will inspire you; it's the runners toward the back of the pack who have no chance of figuring in the scoring, but they're digging deep for everything their bodies can muster to register a personal-best time or, in some cases, just to finish the race.

  ...Prediction: The Plymouth Whalers are going to go a long way this season -- and I'm not talking to Sudbury. With an explosive offense led by future first-round NHL draft pick Tyler Seguin, and a defense anchored by the likes of NHL draftees Michal Jordan (this Michal Jordan actually likes to pass) and goalie Matt Hackett, the Whalers will thrive this season under the guidance of coach Mike Vellucci.

  ...With the help of Google Analytics, I can track the location of where PlymouthCantonSports.com's close to 25,000 hits and 100,000 page views have come from.

  While 95 percent of the people checking out the Website live within a 15-minute drive from the intersection of Ford and Sheldon roads, the other 5 percent are scattered around the globe, which proves that the site is a great way for transplanted residents of Canton and Plymouth to keep in touch with their local athletic teams.

  Some of the more interesting countries that have drawn hits include Australia, Brazil, and even one from Iran.

  I still haven't penetrated Russia though, so there's still a lot of marketing to be done.

ARCHIVES

Let's hear it for the band, high school volleyball and 88-cent Corn Flakes

This All-Star Football team has true character(s)

If you would like to advertise on PlymouthCantonSports.com or if you have ideas for the site, please send an e-mail to Ed Wright at info@plymouthcantonsports.com.