Rock-y night

Salem can't build on momentum from first win, falls to Northville, 17-0

  The most telling statistic for Salem's football team following Friday night's 17-0 loss to Northville couldn't be found in the official boxscore.

  "I think we had more dropped passes than we had receptions," lamented head coach Kurt Britnell. "It was an awful offensive performance. It was a big letdown one week after our first win."

  The loss dropped the Rocks' record to 1-5 overall and 1-3 in the Kensington Lakes Activities Associations' Central Division.

  Salem, which was victimized by four turnovers (two interceptions and two fumbles), trailed just 3-0 at the half thanks largely to an inspired effort by a defense led by linebackers Austin Root (13 tackles) and Ethan Walsh (10 stops).

  The Rocks' best chance to score came in the second quarter when sophomore Marcus Houston returned a punt to inside the Mustangs' 5-yard line. However, a holding penalty negated the return and Salem started the drive at its own 35.

  Trailing 10-0 in the fourth quarter, Salem drove to the Northville 35, however, a pass deflected off the hands of a Rock receiver and into the grasp of a Northville defensive back, who returned the pick 75 yards for a touchdown.

  Houston had a big night for Salem. Along with his punt return, he registered an interception and ran 17 times for 50 yards.

  Salem hosts South Lyon Friday night for its homecoming. Kick off is set for 7 p.m.

Ed Wright can be reached at info@plymouthcantonsports.com or (734) 453-1980.