Kimberly – In a thrilling contest, the Papermakers of Kimberly held off their rivals to clinch a share of the Fox Valley Association title. With a season record of 7-1 and 6-1 in the league, they are now tied for the top spot alongside Kaukauna and Neenah. The game was tightly contested, with Kimberly leading 10-3 late in the fourth quarter.
In a nail-biting finish, Charlie Olson from Appleton North launched a 47-yard touchdown pass to Grant Hardy in the final minute, reducing the gap to 10-9. However, the two-point conversion attempt for the lead fell short, allowing Kimberly to secure the victory. One notable performance came from Marcus Doucette, who made his much-anticipated return from injury. He contributed significantly, racking up 91 yards on 15 carries and scoring an 8-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.
The scoring plays reflected the defensive battle on the field. In the first quarter, Mason Skorstad put North on the board with a 27-yard field goal. Kimberly responded in the second with Doucette’s run followed by a 29-yard field goal by Maddux Hermus in the fourth quarter.
In other high school football action, Freedom secured a solid victory over Luxemburg-Casco with a score of 34-21. Quarterback Drew Kortz played a pivotal role, throwing for 321 yards and four touchdowns, while also rushing for 70 yards and a touchdown. Freedom’s success was also marked by standout performances from Quinn Brennenstuhl and Parker Jochimsen, who made significant contributions in the receiving department.
Elsewhere, Winneconne claimed the outright Bay Conference championship with an impressive 9-0 record after defeating Seymour. The Wolves’ Brody Schaffer was a force, with four touchdown runs to lead his team to victory.
As the regular season winds down, many teams are making their final pushes for playoff positions. With exciting finishes and standout performances, Friday night lights continue to showcase the talent and determination of high school athletes across the region.
