Hoover focused on St. Ignatius

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Benjamin Duer, Canton Repository

NORTH CANTON The Hoover Vikings football team plays a huge football game tonight, one not seen in

this community for 22 years.

Is it ready?

Senior co-captain Joe Cerretta said he and his teammates have had a good week of practice, very focused. And that focus could be felt Friday in and around Hoover High School, where school spirit was mostly workmanlike.

No pep rally. No bonfire.

Hoover plays the St. Ignatius Wildcats, a perennial state title contender, at 7 p.m. at Paul Brown Tiger Stadium in Massillon. It is the first trip to the state semifinals for the Vikings since 1986.

The winner plays in next week's Division I state championship game at Fawcett Stadium in Canton.

Principal Anthony Pallija said the football team requested no special events, such as a pep rally, so its routine would not be interrupted.

However, the school's fight song was played over the PA system Friday.

And the school band marched through the hallways toward the end of the school day. Several banners showing support for the team hung from walls.

"We just didn't want any distractions," said senior co-captain Jeff Meek, explaining the focused attitude.

Alyssa Argenti, 16, a junior at Hoover, said if the team wins, she hopes there will be pep rally.

"Hopefully, if we make it to the finals, we'll have a pep rally," she said.

Can the team win?

Absolutely, Meek and Cerretta said.

"A lot of people are doubting us ... (but) I really do think we can," Meek said.

NETWORK

Hoover Vikings Football

Cleveland St. Ignatius Wildcats Game Preview