Wayne State University, September 2, 2025
News Summary
In a thrilling season opener at the Amazon Prep Kickoff Classic, Northville emerged victorious over Lake Orion with a score of 14-13. Key players included Max DeFore, who rushed for 125 yards and scored a touchdown, and Cooper Derkach, who set a career high with 88 rushing yards and another score. Lake Orion nearly staged a comeback in the final moments, but a crucial failed extra point and an interception sealed the win for Northville. Fans can look forward to more action as both teams prepare for their upcoming games.
Northville managed a narrow victory over Lake Orion, winning 14-13 in a thrilling season opener held at the Amazon Prep Kickoff Classic at Wayne State University. This victory not only marks a success for Northville but also serves as a redemption for their previous season’s opener, where they were defeated by Lake Orion 21-13.
The game saw a strong performance from Northville’s Max DeFore, who rushed for 125 yards and scored a crucial touchdown. Additionally, Cooper Derkach contributed significantly, rushing for 88 yards and scoring another touchdown, achieving a new career high in rushing yards.
Game Highlights
This matchup featured several nail-biting moments, particularly in the final minutes. Lake Orion initially seemed poised to stage a comeback as they scored a touchdown with just 47 seconds remaining, but a failure to convert the extra point proved detrimental, preventing them from tying the game.
In the final moments, Lake Orion made a valiant effort, recovering an onside kick with 42 seconds left and advancing to within 16 yards of the end zone. However, a critical offensive holding penalty pushed them back to the 26-yard line with limited time left on the clock. The game concluded with an interception by Northville’s Austin McGarrow during Lake Orion’s last-ditch attempt, sealing the win for Northville.
First Half Performance
Throughout the first half, both teams displayed strong running capabilities, ending the half in a 7-7 stalemate. Northville’s scoring included DeFore’s touchdown and a quarterback sneak into the end zone by Derkach. Lake Orion responded with a touchdown from James Bambard, who rushed from the one-yard line.
Upcoming Games
Looking ahead, Northville will host Plymouth while Lake Orion prepares to face Stoney Creek. Both games are scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m. on September 5.
Conclusion
The opening game of the season showcased not only the skills of Northville and Lake Orion but also set the stage for an exciting high school football season ahead. With major performances from players like DeFore and Derkach, fans can look forward to more thrilling matchups in the coming weeks.
FAQ Section
What was the final score of the Northville vs. Lake Orion game?
The final score was Northville 14, Lake Orion 13.
Who scored the touchdowns for Northville?
Max DeFore and Cooper Derkach both scored touchdowns for Northville.
When is Northville’s next game?
Northville’s next game is on September 5 against Plymouth at 7:00 p.m.
What was a key moment in the game?
A critical moment was Lake Orion failing to convert an extra point after scoring a touchdown in the final minutes, which prevented them from tying the game.
Key Game Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Final Score | Northville 14, Lake Orion 13 |
| Location | Wayne State University |
| Top Northville Rusher | Max DeFore (125 yards, 1 touchdown) |
| Career High Rusher | Cooper Derkach (88 yards, 1 touchdown) |
| Lake Orion Touchdown Scorer | James Bambard (1-yard rush) |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Detroit Free Press
- Click On Detroit
- MLive
- The Oakland Press
- Detroit News
- Wikipedia: High School Football in the United States
- Google Search: Northville Lake Orion football
- Google Scholar: Northville Lake Orion football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Football
- Google News: Northville Vs Lake Orion
Author: STAFF HERE NORTHVILLE WRITER
The NORTHVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENorthville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Northville, Wayne 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 the Summer Concert Series, Tunes on Tuesday, and the Northville Farmers Market. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Northville Chamber of Commerce and Northville Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, software, and retail that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Reliable Software, and Attendance on Demand. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
