Chris Jackett
October 9, 2010
Reprinted with permission of the Novi News
Northville scored a season low and Novi allowed a season high in points Friday as the Mustangs claimed the Baseline Jug for the second straight year, with a 27-14 victory.
Flipping the score on the Wildcats (4-3, 4-1 KLAA Central) from their gridiron victory over South Lyon last week, the Mustangs (7-0, 5-0 Central) marched to a division title in front of their home crowd.
“Coach (Todd) Pennycuff had that team prepared really well,” Northville coach Matt Ladach said.
As expected, Novi’s defense was the key factor in the game, holding Northville’s explosive offense below 35 points for the first time this season despite allowing more than 24 points for the first time this fall. Of Novi’s 64 tackles, seven were for a loss of yards. Junior Alex King led the way with team highs in both tackles (five) and assists (10).
“We’re a good defensive club. (Ladach) wasn’t subbing out at halftime like he has been,” Novi’s Pennycuff said. “I look at their effort and they gave us everything they have.”
The scoring started early after Northville senior Jonathon Alandt returned the kickoff 85 yards to Novi’s 7-yard line. On fourth and one, junior quarterback Jeff Gertley ran into the right side of the end zone just 1:56 into the contest. A kick by senior Victor Bodrie gave the Mustangs an early 7-0 lead.
“That first touchdown was huge. All week our emphasis was on fourth down,” Ladach said. “It was a big confidence builder for us.”
The Wildcats responded with a seven-play, 80-yard drive capped by senior Zach Mohr taking the ball 32 yards up the left side for a touchdown. A boot by senior Scotty Stanford tied the game 7-7.
Neither team breached each other’s 30-yard line for the rest of the first quarter, but the Mustangs started a nine-play, 69-yard drive that Alandt would finish off with a 2-yard touchdown run on the left side. Bodrie’s kick meant a 14-7 lead and the Mustangs would never look back.
Novi’s next drive was 10 plays, lasted two minutes, included two time outs and ended with just 30 yards of offense after a 1-yard loss at fourth and one on the Northville 49.
“They remembered assignments and took care of responsibilities. Our defense came up big for us. Our kids did a great job,” Ladach said. “Special teams has been critical for us all season long. It paid off for us tonight.”
Gertley hit senior Anthony Peraino with a 25-yard pass on the next play and then overcame strong pressure by Novi’s defense to connect with junior Brandon Love for an 11-yard touchdown at the right end line just a few plays later. Bodrie’s kick went wide right with 59 seconds remaining and Northville carried a 20-7 lead into halftime after a last-ditch effort by Mohr, who carried the ball 32 yards from Novi’s 34 as time expired.
Junior quarterback Derek Ince connected with Mohr for a 15-yard gain early in the third quarter, but two plays later, he had a 20-yard pass picked off by senior Levi Perry at Northville’s 29.
“We made mistakes again that cost us. They’re a very good football team and don’t make very many mistakes,” Pennycuff said, noting the Wildcats aren’t athletic enough to stop turnovers. “We knew going in that we couldn’t have the turnovers. We’ve struggled with turnovers all year.”
The Mustangs went three and out on the ensuing drive, giving Novi the ball at their own 30. Novi responded by going three and out as Stanford sent a high 22-yard punt to Northville’s 49, giving the Mustangs good field position for a six-play touchdown drive.
On second and seven, Gertley fumbled the ball, but recovered for a 22-yard pass to Alandt. After a 2-yard run by Gertley, he tossed an 11-yard pass to senior Jzordon Lawrence in the right side of the end zone. Bodrie’s kick made it 27-7 Northville.
Novi had a three and out on the next drive, followed by a three and out by the Mustangs to start the fourth quarter.
“The game changes. Right now. For us,” Mohr yelled to his teammates on the sideline as the team lined up for fourth down.
However, Novi senior Brian Bush dropped Northville’s 40-yard punt at the Novi 15 and Northville senior Michael MacLean recovered it at the 14.
The Mustangs attempted a 28-yard field goal after a three and out snap from the 11, but Bodrie’s kick went wide right.
The ‘Cats took over at their own 20 and drove the ball downfield. On fourth and one at the Northville 32, senior Dominic Sabo burst up the right side for a 12-yard run.
Senior Derek Kim caught an over-the-shoulder ball off a 32-yard toss by Ince on the next play. Stanford’s kick cut the deficit to 27-14.
Northville has a three and out on the next drive.
Novi took over with 5:21 to go and drove the ball upfield. On fourth and four on their own 26, Ince hit Kim with a 14-yard pass up the middle. He had 52 yards on three receptions.
“Kim’s done an outstanding job and he’s someone I’ve really pushed hard. He kept us in the game,” Pennycuff said. “Ince did some things for us. We’re not a passing team.”
On second and 10 on the 50, however, junior Jeff Hewlett picked off an Ince pass at the Northville 32 and returned it 31 yards.
The Mustangs took over with 3:07 left in the game as almost the entire Northville student section marched around the field to taunt Novi’s student section, which was stopped by security 20 yards away from the Novi bleachers. Northville’s team ran down the clock with four straight rushing plays.
With the crowd settled, the ‘Cats took over at their 14 and Ince connected with junior Mike Jocz for an 18-yard reception out of bounds along the left sideline.
Although he tossed two interceptions, Ince went 5-for-10 for 85 yards and a touchdown for Novi. Gertley went 7-for-12 for 93 yards and two touchdowns for Northville.
Novi won the ground game with 225 yards on 42 attempts, compared to 154 yards on 39 attempts for the Mustangs. Mohr (87 yards, TD on seven attempts), junior Zach Masserant (67 yards on 13 attempts) and Sabo (42 yards on 12 attempts) led the ‘Cats, while Gertley (88 yards, 1 TD on 19 attempts) and Alandt (41 yards, 1 TD on nine attempts) led Northville.
“Northville has a very good football club,” Pennycuff said. “They are a classy group over here at Northville and that’s what makes it fun. I’m very appreciative to have a rivalry like this.”