Thursday, September 3, 2026
Novi needed only one offensive snap to take the lead Thursday. Cody Walker found Johnny Woytowich for a 66-yard touchdown pass 14 seconds into the game against Salem. A second long connection before halftime kept the Wildcats within a score, but Salem’s running game carried the Rocks to a 26-14 win.
Salem answered Novi’s opening strike with a nine-play, 80-yard drive. Nate Kava broke a 36-yard touchdown run to tie the game at 7-7 midway through the first quarter. Novi’s defense created another opportunity when Alex Abler intercepted Braylen Bowie at the Wildcats’ 47, but the ensuing possession ended on downs at the Salem 45.
The Rocks took the lead early in the second quarter on Bowie’s 4-yard run. Bowie later threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to Mitch Paspal, extending Salem’s advantage to 20-7 with 4:14 left in the half.
Novi had an answer. A sack and a false-start penalty left the Wildcats facing third-and-16 at their own 35, but Walker connected with Cam Ellison for a 65-yard touchdown. Aidan Cook’s extra point brought Novi within 20-14 with 2:02 remaining before halftime.
That six-point margin held through a scoreless third quarter. Salem drove inside the Novi 15, but Chris Hancock blocked a 27-yard field-goal attempt to keep the Wildcats within reach. Novi moved 45 yards after the block before punting from Salem territory. Its next possession also crossed midfield but ended on downs.
Salem finally added to its lead in the fourth. Starting at its own 44, the Rocks used 11 plays to cover 56 yards, with Kava scoring from three yards out with 5:13 left. Novi reached the Salem 49 on its next drive but turned the ball over on downs, and the Rocks ran out the remaining time.
Walker finished 16-of-31 for 275 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. Woytowich caught seven passes for 131 yards, while Ellison had two for 78. Cook led Novi on the ground with 45 yards on 14 carries.
Abler made 14 tackles to go with his interception. Eli Whitesel and Caleb Thampan had 10 tackles apiece, and Thampan recorded a sack.
Novi produced the game’s two longest scoring passes, but Salem was steadier between them. The Rocks rushed for 312 yards and earned 22 first downs; the Wildcats finished with 22 net rushing yards and 12 first downs.