FOND DU LAC — Facing a conference opponent on their homecoming is never an easy contest.
But that’s what Kaukauna (4-2) faced Friday in a 38-14 conference loss to the Fond du Lac Cardinals (4-2).
Kaukauna’s offense sputtered early, while several well-timed gambles put Fond du Lac up 7-0 after the first period.
Fond du Lac’s high-risk, high-reward offense continued in the second when a double reverse pass to a wide-open fullback put the Cardinals back into Ghost territory.
But Kaukauna’s defense stiffened to force a field goal to go into the half down only 10-0.
Fondy went back to its bag of tricks in the opening drive of the second half to score on a 59-yard double reverse pass, pushing the lead to 17-0.
Kaukauna finally got on the board on their first possession of the second half as heavy rain began to fall.
A 29-yard pass to senior Carson Sipple closed the Ghosts’ deficit to 17-7.
However penalties hurt Kaukauna, allowing Fond du Lac to quickly move downfield to eventually scoring on a 29-yard touchdown run. That put Fondy back up 24-7.
On its next drive, Kaukauna failed to convert on a fourth and 2, ending hopes for a comeback win.
Final score, Fond du Lac 38, Kaukauna 14.
The Ghosts return home next week on Friday, Oct. 1 for a 7 p.m. kickoff against Neenah.
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