Neenah Rockets Claim Thrilling Victory Over Kimberly Papermakers
NEENAH – In a dramatic finish, Jack Klundt kicked a 29-yard field goal with just 10 seconds left on the clock, sealing a 29-28 victory for the Neenah Rockets against the Kimberly Papermakers. This win marks a significant turning point for Neenah, ending a 19-game losing streak to Kimberly and giving them a 40-31-2 lead in the all-time series. With this victory, Neenah moves to a solid 5-2 overall and 4-1 in the Fox Valley Association (FVA) standings, while Kimberly drops to 5-1 overall and 4-1 in the FVA.
The game featured exciting plays from both teams. Grant Dean and Luke Jung each scored two touchdowns for the Rockets, with Dean’s 80-yard touchdown run being a highlight of the match. The scoring included a back-and-forth battle, with Neenah taking an early lead followed by Kimberly clawing their way back into the game.
Scoring Breakdown:
First Quarter
N – Grant Dean 1 pass from Evan Vanevenhoven (kick blocked)
Second Quarter
K – Brady Bell 23 run (Maddux Hermus kick)
N – Dean 80 run (Jack Klundt kick)
K – Braedon Ellefson 6 run (Hermus kick)
N – Luke Jung 14 pass from Vanevenhoven (kick blocked)
Third Quarter
K – Ellefson 5 run (Hermus kick)
K – Carter Howard 22 pass from Ellefson (Hermus kick)
Fourth Quarter
N – Luke Jung 15 pass from Vanevenhoven (Klundt kick)
N – Klundt 29 field goal
In other matchups across the area, Kaukauna’s Kyle Kress scored the winning touchdown against Appleton North, leading the Ghosts to a 13-10 overtime victory. The Ghosts now sit at the top of the FVA standings with a 5-0 record, heading into an important game against Kimberly next week.
Meanwhile, Pulaski overwhelmed Appleton West with a high-scoring affair that ended at 77-38. Sawyer Goodness led Pulaski’s rushing offense, and the win keeps Pulaski in contention with a 3-2 conference record.
The high school football season heats up as teams jockey for position heading into the final weeks. Fans can expect more thrilling matchups as teams look to make their mark this season.
