| JV Wildcats drop first game to Plymouth |
 John Haynes October 18, 2009 Although the records would not have predicted the outcome, the two Wildcat teams engaged in a defensive battle which left Novi just short of an undefeated season. Through a constant cold drizzle that diminished the passing game, it was an old fashioned grind it out ground game. Despite the weather there were few mistakes to turn into a scoring advantage and produced only two scores with Novi coming away with a 7-6 loss. Neither team did much more than three and out for most of the first quarter until a ten yard Plymouth run into Novi territory set up a 41 yard touchdown pass. As the clock ticked out for the first quarter Plymouth added the extra point for a 7-0 lead. In response to the score, Novi drove 37 yards only to end up in a fourth and long passing situation deep in Plymouth territory resulting in a turn over on downs. Plymouth responded with a 42 yard run that was run down by Adam Haynes. Novi made a goal line stand with time running out of the second quarter as a fumble forced by the defense was recovered by Giddiani Albuerne. An early second half Novi drive was ended with a fumble turn over and, despite mixing up the offensive calls, could not make any headway against a tough Plymouth defense. The Novi defense held fast as well with Derek Poppenger and Brendan Finnerty teaming up for a quarterback sack. Alex Barry, Jimmy Eloff and Derek Cingel came up with some key plays as well. For the game Chris Diacono lead all tacklers, followed by Lance Lilla, G. Albuerne and Justin Brooks. Midway through the fourth quarter the offensive unit started making some traction producing holes in the defensive line allowing large gains up the middle by Eloff (79 yards on 19 carries). Haynes alternated carries with Eloff as he attacked the outside corners until Haynes (88 yards on 11 carries) was able to carry the ball in from 24 yards. Facing a one point deficit, the decision was made to attempt the field goal. The extra point team which has been almost flawless all year missed the field goal and Novi still trailed at 6-7. Just as it started to look like a soggy finish for Plymouth to run out the clock, Joey Kamal’s kickoff was recovered by G. Albuerne breathing new life into the team and the chilly crowd. But a close delay of game call made by the referees followed by a no call trip on a pass play on the 20 yard line mired the Wildcat drive. The Wildcats are 6-1-1 as they prepare for the Pinckney Pirates to sail into town next week for the final game of the season. |
