The Northview Wildcats started 2020 off with a bang, as they won their third straight season opener and third straight game in the series against Greenville. This 30-12 victory saw a hot start and some great defense by the Wildcats.
Brett Johnson started off the offensive attack for Northview when he broke off a thirty-nine yard touchdown run. Eric Mendez booted the extra point to make it 7-0. After a defensive stop, Northview would extend their lead with another rushing score. This time, Jailen Tatum ran it in from nine yards out to make it 13-0 Wildcats.
Greenville finally got on the board in the second quarter when Grant Thwaites scored on an eight-yard quarterback keeper. The ‘Jackets lined up for the two-point conversion, and the unsuccessful attempt left it 13-6. Northview responded on their next drive, as they marched down the field and added three points on the board. Eric Mendez converted a twenty-nine yard field goal to bring the game to its halftime score of 16-6.
There was only one score in the third quarter, and that was by the Wildcats. Carter Pell plunged across the goal line from a yard out to extend Northview’s lead even further.
In the final frame, the teams exchanged touchdowns, but Northview outscored Greenville by a point, as a result of a successful point after. Thwaites and Greenville started the fourth quarter scoring with a touchdown pass to Caleb McCarty. Pell and Northview would respond when he tossed the ball to Jalen Charity for a twelve yard touchdown.
Northview outgained Greenville 326-192, and they edged the ‘Jackets in first downs by a 19-12 mark. Pell tossed for 133 yards and added fifty-two more on the ground. Brett Johnson did not find the end zone, but he led Northview in rushing with seventy-nine yards. Jalen Charity was the leading receiver for the ‘Cats with sixty-eight yards.
Greenville was led by Thwaites, as he had thirty-three passing yards and 122 rushing yards. Kyle Paris added twenty-nine yards on the ground, while Caleb McCarty had seventeen receiving yards to lead the team.
Next week, Greenville hits the road again. This time, they will take on East Grand Rapids (0-1). Northview also hits the road, and they will take on the 1-0 Lowell Red Arrows. Both of these games will be broadcast LIVE on Michigan Sports Radio next Friday night.
