Northville dominates Plymouth in home opener, 35-15

There were so many G.O.A.T.-worthy performances by Northville football players during the first half of Friday’s game against Plymouth, the Mustangs could have opened their own petting farm.

Just over a week after earning a down-to-the-wire 14-13 victory over state-ranked Lake Orion, Northville roared to a 35-0 halftime lead before posting a 35-15 triumph over the Wildcats.

The second half was played with a running clock (and with the Mustangs’ starters on the bench) until Plymouth scored on a 4-yard run by Roy Dagher with just over three minutes remaining, so it went by fast — just not quite as fast as speedy senior wide receiver Camden Brown, who hauled in three first-half touchdown passes from senior quarterback Cooper Derkach.

The Derkach-to-Brown connection wasted little time — about 10 seconds — finding their mojo as they hooked up for a 49-yard TD pass on the game’s first play from scrimmage.

“Our start was similar to when Plymouth was here two years ago when we scored in the first minute,” said Northville Head Coach Brent Luplow. “We wanted to get off to a hot start to get the kids fired up even more than they already were in this awesome environment.

“There are times throughout our home games when I like to take in this amazing environment. Our fans are great. Friday nights here are like community celebrations.”

(To check out video of two of Camden Brown’s TDs from Cooper Derkach, click here.)

Kehoe filled the stat sheet

The winners’ defensive standout (among several) was senior outside linebacker Robbie Kehoe, who recorded two sacks, two fumble recoveries and multiple tackles during the opening 24 minutes.

“Robbie has gained so much confidence over the past calendar year,” said Luplow. “He decided he wanted his senior year to be special, so he really put the work in during the off-season. He’s a great example of what happens when you work your butt off.”

Kehoe was Plymouth quarterback Drew Jansen’s worst nightmare throughout the first half, shedding blockers and spending almost as much time in the Wildcats’ backfield as their running backs.

Of his two fumble recoveries and pair of sacks, one play stood out for the team-first linebacker.

Sack happy

“Probably my first sack,” he said. “I had the quarterback in my grasp last week, but he got away, so it was nice to close the deal tonight.

“As far as the fumble recoveries, I credit the entire defense. We work on punching the ball out of the ball-carrier’s hands, which is what my teammates did. I just had to fall on the ball.”

Kehoe shrugged and smiled when asked if he minded spending the second half on the sidelines.

“Not at all,” he said. “I love watching the younger guys get after it and gain some experience. I thought they all played great.”

Junior linebacker Mason Moffa was in beast-mode as well, registering five tackles, two of which were for losses.

(To check out a few of Mustang defenders’ biggest hits, click here.)

Productive QB

Offensively, the Mustangs were paced by Derkach, who completed 9 of 14 passes for 171 yards and four TDs (the only non-Brown passing TD was secured by senior running back Max DeFore).

Brown’s first half was efficient, to say the least, as he accumulated 128 receiving yards. A fourth TD eluded his grasp by just inches.

Among Plymouth’s standouts were junior Kaiden Moore, who made an ESPN Top 10-esque interception when he tipped the ball to himself while lying on his back.

(To check out Kaiden Moore’s incredible interception, click here.)

Senior Dylan Kraft added a pick-six in the game’s final minute (Samir Sain caught the ensuing two-point conversion pass from back-up QB Cullen Dixon).

The Wildcats’ defensive stars were Max Hornbacher, who seemed to be in on at least half of his team’s tackles along with notching a sack and a fumble recovery, and senior defensive lineman Jordan Green, who recovered a Mustang fumble. Cole Bongard also played well, halting a Northville drive with an interception in the shadow of the end zone.

Game dedicated to injured kicker

Senior running back Adam Sakowski scored the Mustangs’ lone rushing TD — a 13-yard run that was paved by blocks from O-linemen Anthony Testani and Nolan Toomey.

The Mustangs dedicated the game to senior kicker Ryker Gorman, who suffered a season-ending injury earlier in the week while playing for the Northville soccer team.

Luplow had Gorman stand beside him (with the assistance of crutches) when he delivered his post-game speech to his team.

Sophomore Alex Baird filled in admirably for Gorman, converting all five of his extra-point attempts.

Northville travels to Howell on Friday night in a 7 p.m match-up between two 2-0 squads.

Ed Wright can be reached at 734-664-4657 or edwright@socialhousenews.com.