September 20, 2024
Brighton, MI-In a high-stakes KLAA West showdown, the Novi Wildcats edged the Brighton Bulldogs 37-34 in a game filled with big plays and late-game heroics at Brighton High School. Novi’s resilience and explosive offense proved the difference, securing a crucial conference victory.
The Wildcats (3-1, 3-0 KLAA West) overcame an early deficit, thanks to standout performances from running back Logan Ellison and quarterback Johnny Aurilia. Ellison rushed for 167 yards and three touchdowns on 21 carries, including a pivotal 57-yard scoring run early in the game. Aurilia, meanwhile, threw for 257 yards and two touchdowns, both to senior wide receiver Jaden Vondrasek, who finished with 171 receiving yards on four catches.
The game began with Brighton (2-2, 2-1 KLAA West) seizing the momentum. After Nate Stark's 3-yard touchdown run capped a 5-play, 40-yard drive, Brighton took a 7-0 lead. Novi answered immediately, as Ellison broke free for his 57-yard touchdown run on the Wildcats' first offensive play, tying the game 7-7. Brighton regained the lead later in the first quarter when Lawrence Wells connected with Sebastian Boyea on a 43-yard touchdown pass, putting the Bulldogs up 14-7.
Brighton extended their lead in the second quarter with Freddie Londo’s 4-yard touchdown reception, making it 21-7. However, Novi clawed back into the game, starting with a defensive highlight. Ethan Young tackled Wells in the end zone for a safety, trimming Brighton’s lead to 21-9. Ellison followed up with a 13-yard touchdown run, bringing Novi within five points at 21-16. Brighton answered before halftime, with Jackson Johnson’s 4-yard rushing touchdown extending the Bulldogs’ lead to 28-16 at the break.
Novi took control in the third quarter, outscoring Brighton 14-0. Ellison scored his third rushing touchdown of the game on a 33-yard run to cut the deficit to 28-23. Aurilia then connected with Vondrasek for a 69-yard touchdown pass late in the quarter, giving the Wildcats their first lead of the game at 30-28.
The Bulldogs responded in the fourth quarter, as Johnson’s 1-yard rushing touchdown capped a 48-yard drive. A failed two-point conversion left Brighton with a 34-30 lead. With time winding down, Aurilia led a decisive 4-play, 90-yard drive. On third-and-long, he launched a 79-yard touchdown pass to Vondrasek, giving Novi a 37-34 lead with just 1:31 remaining.
The Novi defense sealed the win. Emillo Acosta intercepted Wells’ pass on Brighton’s final drive, securing the Wildcats’ victory. Reece Pippin led the defensive effort with eight tackles and a sack, while Mario Miminllari added eight tackles of his own.
Novi outgained Brighton with 502 total yards to the Bulldogs' 423. While Brighton’s Wells threw for 207 yards and two touchdowns, he also faced relentless pressure from Novi’s defense, which forced key mistakes at critical moments.
This victory keeps Novi undefeated in conference play and strengthens their push for the KLAA West title. They will look to maintain their momentum next week against Salem.