KAUKAUNA — It was a happy homecoming Friday for the Kaukauna Galloping Ghosts despite going to overtime to defeat Appleton North 13-10.
The Ghosts now sit alone atop the Fox Valley Association standings after Neenah’s stunning 29-28 win over Kimberly.
After Kaukauna’s defense turned back North’s opening drive, Kaukauna went on a 77-yard scoring drive on its first possession.
The drive was capped off by a 33-yard run by Aiden Reardon followed by a Kyle Kress 7-yard touchdown run. A Linkoln Xiong PAT put the Ghosts up 7-0.
Kaukauna got the ball back a short time later on a Isaac Maas interception, although the drive ended with a missed field goal.
The Ghosts drove into the red zone late in the first half, but despite having time outs, the clock expired before Kaukauna had a chance to score.
The game turned into a defensive battle in the second half until an Appleton North fourth-down touchdown pass tied the game at 7 late in the third quarter.
With 2 minutes left, Kaukauna drove deep into North territory but an interception ended the drive, forcing overtime.
Appleton North had the first possession and scored on a field goal to take a 10-7 lead.
Then, on Kaukauna’s possession, a Kress touchdown gave the Ghosts a 13-10 homecoming win.