Mustangs stampede Rocks, 49-8

  A few short years ago, Northville's then-struggling football team would have been an ideal homecoming night opponent.

  Not anymore.

  The resurgent Mustangs proved to be party-spoilers Friday night, sending a large Salem homecoming crowd home subdued after thumping the Rocks, 49-8.

  The game featured two teams heading in opposite directions -- at least this year. Northville improved to 5-0 overall and 3-0 in the KLAA Central Division while the Rocks slipped to 0-5 and 0-3, respectively.

  Northville led 21-0 after the first quarter despite running just seven plays to Salem's 21.

  The Mustangs scored in the game's first 12 minutes on a 5-yard TD run by Brandon Love, an 80-yard hook-up from Jeff Gertley to Jonathon Alandt, and Alandt's return of a blocked punt to paydirt.

  Northville led 42-0 at the half, leaving only who would be
Salem's 2010 homecoming king and queen in doubt.

  The Rocks' lone score came with 6:30 left in the game when Nick Troher bull-dozed into the end zone from two yards out. Troher tacked on the two-point conversion run.

  Among the bright spots for Salem were junior running back Marcus Houston, who ran 23 times for 113 yards; and Ethan Walsh, who was a beast on defense.

  A more detailed recap of tonight's game will be posted on PlymouthCantonSports.com shortly.

A second-quarter pass barely eluded the grasp of senior receiver Matt Morton. (Ed Wright photo)

Nick Troher had a solid night on both sides of the line of scrimmage for Salem. He scored the team's lone touchdown. (Ed Wright photo)

Marcus Houston galloped for 113 yards on 23 carries. (Ed Wright photo)

Ethan Walsh (33) and Brandon Ciciotti (88) sandwich Jonathon Alandt. (Ed Wright photo)

A large crowd was on hand for Friday's homecoming game. (Ed Wright photo)

Josh Peterson hauls down a Northville runner for a loss. (Ed Wright photo)

Jonathon Alandt scored on this 80-yard touchdown reception. (Ed Wright photo)