NEENAH – The Neenah Rockets secured a thrilling victory against the Kimberly Papermakers on Friday night, thanks to a clutch 29-yard field goal by Jack Klundt with just 10 seconds left on the clock. This win marks a significant milestone for Neenah, as it snapped a 19-game losing streak in head-to-head matchups against Kimberly and also gives the Rockets a 40-31-2 advantage overall in their series.
The game saw the Rockets improve their record to 5-2 overall and 4-1 within the Fox Valley Association (FVA), while Kimberly’s record drops to 5-1 overall and 4-1 in the FVA. The game was a back-and-forth battle, with both teams trading touchdowns throughout the contest.
Scoring for Neenah included impressive performances from Grant Dean and Luke Jung, each scoring two touchdowns. Among Dean’s spectacular plays was an 80-yard touchdown run that electrified the crowd. The scoring breakdown was as follows:
- 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
This intense game kept fans on the edge of their seats, showcasing remarkable athleticism from both teams. The victory for Neenah serves as a turning point, restoring confidence and momentum as they continue their season.
In other news from around the Fox Valley, Kaukauna emerged victorious over Appleton North, with Kyle Kress scoring a key touchdown in overtime. Pulaski outlasted Appleton West in a high-scoring affair, and Freedom defeated Wrightstown in a matchup of conference leaders. The season continues to heat up as teams vie for top standings in their respective conferences.
