Friday, November 1, 2024
The Novi Wildcats saw their postseason hopes dashed Friday night as they fell to the West Bloomfield Lakers, 49-15, at Novi High School. Despite a valiant effort and moments of promise, the Wildcats couldn’t match the Lakers' balanced attack and defensive strength.
West Bloomfield wasted no time establishing control, as junior Jamal Shakespear turned in a stellar all-around performance for the visiting Lakers. Shakespear rushed for 128 yards and three touchdowns, including a 73-yard sprint early in the second half that put the game out of reach. He also made an impact on defense, contributing four tackles and breaking up a pass.
Novi entered the game hoping to lean on quarterback Johnny Aurilia’s arm and the playmaking abilities of receivers Sele Cox and Christian Gillings. Aurilia threw for 135 yards and two touchdowns, finding Cox for a 6-yard score in the second quarter and Gillings for a 9-yard touchdown in the third. Yet the Wildcats struggled to move the ball consistently, managing just 65 yards on the ground as West Bloomfield’s defense controlled the line of scrimmage.
The game began with Novi’s defense holding its own against West Bloomfield’s first drive. But as the first quarter progressed, the Lakers broke through with a 4-yard touchdown run by Shakespear. Two more Lakers touchdowns in the second quarter, a 5-yard run by Josh Tate and a 55-yard interception return by Corey Pittman, widened the gap to 21-0. Cox’s touchdown reception late in the half gave Novi a spark, sending them into halftime trailing 21-7.
West Bloomfield opened the second half with fireworks, as Shakespear took the first play of the third quarter 73 yards for a touchdown. Minutes later, Beau Jackson connected with Elisha Durham for a 61-yard score. The Wildcats showed some resilience when Gillings hauled in his touchdown and secured a two-point conversion, cutting the score to 35-15. But West Bloomfield continued to pull away with two fourth-quarter touchdowns.
Novi’s defense had bright spots, with Reece Pippin and Colin Edwards combining for 17 tackles. Yet the unit struggled to slow a Lakers offense that racked up 463 total yards, including 325 on the ground. West Bloomfield also capitalized on mistakes, turning two interceptions into 14 points.
Key statistics from the game:
- Total Yards: Novi 200, West Bloomfield 463
- Third-Down Conversions: Novi 3 of 11, West Bloomfield 7 of 10
- Rushing Yards: Novi 65, West Bloomfield 325
The Wildcats conclude their season at 5-5. Head coach Jim Sparks acknowledged the team’s shortcomings but emphasized the lessons learned. “This game was tough, but it showed us where we need to improve,” he said. “I’m proud of the effort, and I know we’ll come back stronger.”
With the 2024 campaign now in the books, Novi will look to regroup and build on this year’s foundation as they prepare for the challenges of next season.
