September 27, 2024
The Novi Wildcats overcame a late deficit to secure a thrilling 35-28 victory against the Salem Rocks in a KLAA West matchup at Novi High School. The game featured standout performances and dramatic plays, keeping the crowd of 4,200 on edge until the final whistle.
The Wildcats (4-1 overall, 4-0 in the conference) struck first, with quarterback Johnny Aurilia connecting with Logan Ellison on an 11-yard touchdown pass midway through the first quarter. David Galligan added the extra point for a 7-0 lead. Salem responded quickly, as Aiden Moore capped an 80-yard drive with a 3-yard touchdown run to tie the game at 7.
In the second quarter, Aurilia found Christian Gillings for a 24-yard touchdown pass to regain the lead at 14-7. Salem’s Luke Creighton answered with a 12-yard touchdown pass to Nye Turner, tying the game again at 14. With less than a minute before halftime, Ellison powered into the end zone on a 4-yard run to put Novi ahead 21-14. However, Salem struck back immediately, with Creighton connecting with Drew Eisenbeis for a 10-yard touchdown as time expired, sending the teams into halftime tied at 21.
Salem took the lead in the third quarter, as Creighton delivered an 8-yard touchdown pass to Turner, making it 28-21. Novi’s defense stiffened in the fourth quarter, giving their offense a chance to rally. Aurilia’s 1-yard touchdown run brought the Wildcats within one point, but the extra point attempt was blocked, leaving Salem ahead 28-27.
With just over three minutes remaining, Aurilia launched a 41-yard touchdown pass to Jaden Vondrasek, giving Novi a 35-28 lead after a successful two-point conversion run by Ellison. The Wildcats’ defense sealed the victory, as Emillo Acosta intercepted Creighton’s pass on Salem’s final drive.
Aurilia led the Wildcats with 240 passing yards and three touchdowns, while adding 136 rushing yards and another score. Vondrasek had 105 receiving yards and a touchdown, and Gillings contributed 90 yards and a score. On defense, Reece Pippin recorded 12 tackles, and Acosta’s late interception secured the win.
For Salem, Moore rushed for 183 yards and a touchdown, while Turner hauled in two touchdown receptions. Despite a strong offensive showing, the Rocks’ 11 penalties for 94 yards proved costly.
Novi remains undefeated in conference play and looks ahead to its next challenge as they continue their pursuit of a KLAA West title.