Canton High School football coach Tim Baechler can't help but notice a few things this week.
Practices have been a little more intense, Players are lining up in the right spots more frequently. Pass patterns are being run more crisply.
It can only mean one thing: A big game Friday.
Indeed, Northville's 7 p.m. matchup with the host Chiefs is big.
And it could determine a lot of things.
Such as: Which of the Western Lake Athletic Association's only remaining undefeated teams has the inside track for the Western Division title. Whether Canton's defense, which has given up two touchdown in four games, is really as formidable as it looks. And, in general, what the Chiefs can accomplish against another elite team.
"This definitely is where the rubber hits the road," Baechler said.
Offensively, both teams will operate out of the spread - though Northville uses it full time and Canton only goes with in certain third down and fourth down situations. Because Canton has been so effective with its traditional running game, outscoring opponents 158-12, the Chiefs have operated out of the spread just 20 times this year.
"Sometimes, we've looked a little shaky," said Baechler, who introduced the spread this year as a way to diversify his team offensively and make it less predictable. "It's definitely a work in progress."
Defensively, Canton (4-0) has yet to show any rough edges. In last week's 42-6 win over Wayne Memorial, another team that uses the wide-open scheme of the spread, the Chiefs limited the Zebras to three first downs and 119 total yards of offense.
That said, Northville (4-0) has more offensive tools than Wayne. Running back Mac Stilec, a 5-foot-10, 184-pound senior, rushed for 182 yards and three touchdowns in a 31-13 victory over Westland John Glenn. And 6-foot, 210-pound junior Charlie Thomas is a quarterback who has demonstrated an ability to both run and throw.
Baechler said he hopes the defense carries over the intensity of this week's practice into Friday's game.
"Our defense has to play well," he said.
Rob Hoffman can be reached at (734) 994-6814 or rhoffman@annarbornews.com