September 12, 2024
Novi, MI-The Novi Wildcats capitalized on turnovers and a strong second half to defeat the Canton Chiefs 36-19 in a KLAA West matchup at Novi High School. The Wildcats’ defense and explosive plays propelled them to victory, improving their record to 2-1 overall and 2-0 in conference play.
Novi started strong with a defensive touchdown on Canton’s opening drive. Ethan Young forced a fumble that senior Mario Miminllari recovered and returned 62 yards for a touchdown. David Galligan’s extra point gave Novi an early 7-0 lead. Later in the first quarter, quarterback Johnny Aurilia connected with Jaden Vondrasek on an 18-yard touchdown pass, extending the lead to 14-0.
Canton responded with a 49-yard touchdown pass from Devvin Calhoun to Alex Guadagni, narrowing the score to 14-6 after a blocked PAT. The Chiefs carried their momentum into the second quarter, as quarterback Alex Guadagni found Jamari Storie for a 7-yard touchdown pass, bringing the score to 14-13 at halftime.
Canton took their first lead early in the third quarter with Guadagni scoring on a 1-yard quarterback sneak. However, a missed PAT left the score at 19-14. Novi answered quickly, with Aurilia breaking free for a 74-yard touchdown run. He followed it up with a successful two-point conversion, reclaiming the lead at 22-19.
The Wildcats’ defense held Canton scoreless for the rest of the game, while the offense added two more touchdowns. Late in the third quarter, running back Anthony Madafferi punched in a 4-yard touchdown run. In the fourth quarter, Aurilia connected with Vondrasek again, this time on a 15-yard touchdown pass, sealing the 36-19 victory.
Aurilia led Novi’s offense, throwing for 116 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 63 yards and another score. Vondrasek was his top target, hauling in six catches for 107 yards and two touchdowns. Madafferi added 12 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Defensively, Novi made key plays at critical moments. Reece Pippin led the team with 14 tackles and a sack, while Young contributed six tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble. Miminllari added 10 tackles and scored on his fumble recovery. The Wildcats’ defense forced four turnovers, including two interceptions by Keegan Litkewycz and Christian Gillings.
For Canton, Guadagni accounted for most of the offense, rushing for 91 yards and a touchdown while throwing for 126 yards and two scores. However, turnovers proved costly, as Canton fumbled twice and threw two interceptions.
With this win, Novi remains undefeated in conference play and builds momentum heading into their next matchup. The Wildcats’ ability to capitalize on turnovers and execute in key moments was the difference in a hard-fought game.