Northville, Michigan, October 20, 2025
News Summary
In a surprising turn of events, the Northville Mustangs were defeated by the Novi Wildcats with a score of 19-16. The Mustangs, ranked 55th in Michigan football, struggled offensively after a dominant win against Hartland. Despite standout performances from players like Alex Baird and Jack Ranka, the Mustangs could not secure the win, marking a significant shift in their season as they now hold a 6-2 record. This game showcased the unpredictable nature of high school football, leaving both teams to reflect on their performances as the season progresses.
Northville, Michigan – The Northville Mustangs suffered an unexpected upset against the Novi Wildcats on Friday night, falling by a score of 19-16. This loss was particularly surprising given Northville’s higher ranking and prior performance.
The Mustangs entered the matchup ranked 55th in MaxPreps’ Michigan football rankings, while the Wildcats sat at 218th. Northville had just come off a dominant win over Hartland, winning 55-9, and had been averaging 47.8 points per game during a recent four-game home-winning streak. However, the game against Novi marked a turning point, bringing Northville’s record to 6-2.
Throughout the game, Northville’s offense struggled compared to their recent performance. They managed to score most of their points from special teams, with player Alex Baird contributing significantly. Baird accounted for nine points scoring three field goals and one extra point, demonstrating the importance of special teams even in a close contest.
Defensively, Northville recorded a total of four sacks, with Jack Ranka being a standout, notching two sacks and a new season-high of 15 total tackles. Despite the defensive efforts, Northville’s defense could not prevent the Wildcats from capitalizing on scoring opportunities, leading to their eventual defeat.
Novi’s victory improved their record to 3-5 for the season, following a tough loss to Howell the previous week, where they fell 42-0. Prior to this matchup, the Mustangs and the Wildcats faced each other in October, with Northville narrowly winning 27-25.
Neither team has any future games scheduled at the moment, leaving both to reflect on their respective seasons thus far, especially Northville as they regroup after their recent loss.
This matchup highlights the unpredictability of high school football, where any team can emerge victorious despite rankings and previous performances. For Northville, the challenge will be to learn from this game and regain momentum moving forward.
Background Context
Northville’s strong season had been characterized by a powerful offense and a disciplined defense. Earlier in the season, they had allowed an average of just 12.6 points per game, showcasing a solid defensive performance. Their previous game against Hartland was a testament to their capabilities, with contributions from key players like Cooper Derkach and Cassius Montgomery.
The shocking outcome against Novi serves as a reminder of the competitive nature of high school football, where teams are always striving to prove themselves regardless of their rankings.
FAQ
What was the final score of the Northville vs. Novi football game?
The final score was Northville Mustangs 16, Novi Wildcats 19.
What was Northville’s ranking in MaxPreps’ Michigan football rankings prior to the game?
Northville was ranked 55th in MaxPreps’ Michigan football rankings.
How many points did Alex Baird score in the game?
Alex Baird scored nine points with three field goals and one extra point.
What is Northville’s record after the loss to Novi?
Northville’s record is now 6-2.
How many total tackles did Jack Ranka achieve in the game?
Jack Ranka achieved a new season-high of 15 total tackles.
What was Novi’s record after defeating Northville?
Novi’s record improved to 3-5 after defeating Northville.
Key Features of the Game
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Final Score | Novi Wildcats 19, Northville Mustangs 16 |
| Northville’s Ranking | 55th in MaxPreps’ Michigan rankings |
| Novi’s Ranking | 218th in MaxPreps’ Michigan rankings |
| Northville’s Record | 6-2 after the loss |
| Novi’s Record | 3-5 after the win |
| Key Player (Northville) | Alex Baird (9 points) |
| Key Defensive Player | Jack Ranka (15 total tackles) |
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Additional Resources
- MaxPreps: Northville Comes Up Short Despite Jack Ranka’s Big Defensive Game
- Hometown Life: Michigan High School Football Stat Leaders
- MaxPreps: Football Game Preview – Novi Wildcats vs. Northville Mustangs
- Google Search: Novi Wildcats Football
- C & G News: Novi Northville Educational Foundations Collaborate on Tailgate Fundraiser
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School Football
Author: STAFF HERE NOVI WRITER
The NOVI STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENovi.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Novi, Oakland County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Motor City Comic Con, Michigan State Fair, and Novi Home and Garden Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Novi Chamber of Commerce and Novi Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, technology, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Stoneridge, and Daifuku North America. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
