Northport appears to have turned its season around, having won five of its last seven matches after starting without a win in its first five outings.

In fact, the Wildcats have the inside lane for the final Cherryland Conference title. With just four teams remaining after Leland and Buckley bolted to the Northwest Conference, the Cherryland will likely cease to exist next year.

BASIL STOWE of Northport splits a pair of Harbor Light Christian defenders in the Wildcats’ Homecoming game Saturday.

But in 2007, three schools are fielding soccer teams, and Northport is 2-0. Wildcat coach Marshall Collins is hoping the final Cherryland trophy rests in Northport, which has a storied soccer past and a state title to its credit in 1987.

“That would be fitting, for Northport to have the last trophy,” said Collins. The Wildcats played Leelanau School last night, and play what could be their final Cherryland match today at Traverse City Christian. They are 7-8-1 overall.

In the past week of play, Northport beat Buckley last Thursday, 1-0; lost to Harbor Light Christian Saturday in a Homecoming contest, 4-2; and set back Cadillac Heritage Christian Monday, 4-0.

Basil Stowe had a goal and an assist against Cadillac, with Shane Detweiler collecting two assists. Jason Roman and Evan Morgan also scored; Brandon Heckl provided an assist.

Trailing 2-0 against Harbor Light, Ryan Blessing scored with an assist from Ryan Blessing and a penalty kick by Detweiler knotted the score. But Harbor Light responded 13 seconds later, and Northport never recovered.

Stowe scored 13 minutes into the Buckley contest, and goalkeeper Jason Tropf kept the Bears out of the net. Collins extended defensive credit to the entire team, especially Chris Hammersly, while Jessie Bressette proved to be a potent playmaker.

Leelanau School, meanwhile, had the past week off in preparation for its Northport match last night. The Thunderbirds are 0-3.

“We’ve got a lot of enthusiasm and a surprising amount of talent out there,” said James Kratky, assistant coach. “As the season moves along, we’ll be building more team skills, and that will help us out quite a bit.”

Leelanau School will play the Traverse City Bulldogs Tuesday.