Two big plays by Adrian prove to be Plymouth's undoing in 20-14 setback

  If you're going to make some of the costly errors Plymouth's football team made Friday night, it's better to do it in Week 9 than Week 10.

  The Wildcats closed out the 2009 regular season with a 20-14 setback at Adrian. Plymouth will take a 6-3 record into next week's playoff opener while the Maples improved to 8-1.

  The Wildcats drove inside the Adrian red zone six times Friday night, yet scored just one touchdown in those half-dozen trips.

  "We just shot ourselves in the foot too many times tonight," said Plymouth head coach Mike Sawchuk. "Adrian only had 50 yards rushing all night, but they had a long touchdown pass on a third-and-12 play and a kickoff return for a touchdown that really hurt us."

  Adrian led 7-0 at the half after capitalizing on a fumble recovery deep in Plymouth territory.

  The Wildcats deadlocked the game at 7-all early in the third quarter when quarterback Victor Hicks snuck over from a yard out and Kyle Brindza added his first of two extra points.

  However, the Maples regained the lead on the ensuing kick-off when they turned a high, short kick into a 60-yard TD.

  The hosts expanded their lead to 20-7 in the fourth quarter when they connected on an 80-yard scoring pass on a third-and-12 play.

  The never-say-die 'Cats stayed alive when Hicks and Brennen Beyer connected on a late touchdown pass. Plymouth then forced the Maples to punt, but the Wildcats' final drive fell short.

  Hicks and Dante Fox enjoyed productive nights for the Plymouth offense. Hicks ran for 90 yards on 18 carries and completed 3-of-15 passes. Fox registered 141 yards on 17 carries.

  Jamie Emminger picked off a pass for the Wildcats' defense.

  Ed Wright can be reached at info@plymouthcantonsports.com or (734) 453-1980.