So close...
Salem turns in best second half
of season, but falls just short to Novi, 14-10
Salem may
have figured out its second half issues Friday night against Novi, but
it wasn't enough for the Rocks to secure their first win of the 2009
season.
Trailing 14-3 at the half, Salem closed to within four and
mounted several late rallies before falling 14-10 to the Wildcats.
Salem will take an 0-4 record into next week's home game against
South Lyon East, which is also winless. Novi improved to 2-2.
"For the first time this season we came out in the second half
and played football," said Salem coach Kurt Britnell. "I saw a lot of
fight in the guys. There was absolutely no quit."
Salem drew first blood when Ethan Walsh drilled a 39-yard field
to put the Rocks ahead, 3-0 in the first quarter.
Novi countered with a long second-quarter drive that resulted in
a touchdown and a 7-3 lead.
Late in the first half, the Wildcats added to their lead when
they recovered a fumbled punt in the end zone to push their advantage
to 14-3.
"I liked the way we came out in the second half," said Britnell.
"We weren't flat and it showed."
On its second drive of the third quarter, the Rocks marched 40
yards and scored on Marcus Houston's 5-yard TD run to get to within
14-10.
Salem threatened to regain the lead on its next possession,
driving to the Wildcat 20. However, a penalty and a play that lost
significant yardage put the Rocks in a passing situation and two
plays later, Novi picked off a pass at the 5.
The Rocks moved deep into Novi territory again, but a
fourth-and-short play from the Wildcat 30 resulted in a 15-yard loss.
Houston finished with 80 yards on 24 carries. Starting
quarterback Brian Maksimovic completed 4-of-14 passes for 33 yards and
a pair of interceptions. He also ran 10 times for 41 yards.
Brad Trublowski rushed for 27 yards on six attempts.
Defensively, Austin Root and Walsh excelled, racking up 10
tackles a piece. Root also recorded a sack.
Ed Wright can be reached at
info@plymouthcantonsports.com or (734) 453-1980.
