Friday nights Homecoming game is one to remember. Falling to Kaukauna at half 14-23, North did not waiver. Coming back out of half firing and bringing North to a 41-23 win. The forgotten hero of the game being special teams. Two blocked punts in the 2nd half leading to touchdowns.

The start of the game was amazing as the defense forced a fumble two times in a row and recovering it the second time. Leading Carter Robinson to throw a 7yd touchdown pass to Patrick Watson for a 7-0 lead. However, the Ghosts came right back and scored a touchdown to tie the game 7-7 to end the first quarter. The second quarter opened up with a 1 yd touchdown run by Ryan Balck. The Ghosts then answered with two touchdowns and a field goal to enter the half leading 23-14.  

That didn’t stop North from coming out of half fired up. They received the ball right away and Robinson threw a 19 yd touchdown pass to Brooks Ambrosius to bring the score to 21-23. Then Ambrosius caught a 26yd bomb to lead 27-23. The rest of the game finished off with two more rushing touchdowns to bring the final score to 41-23.

I caught up with RB Patrick Watson after the win. With the help of friend Kyle Hammen he said, “Everything was working and energy.” when asked about the momentum in the second half.

He also said this about the impact of special teams, “It was very important, we have been looking for that all season.”

Looking up to the stands, you can easily spot the sea of blue and gold with the biggest showing from the Appleton North Student Section so far this season. Though, as you scan the bleachers, you see much more than the representation of the student body. You see the alums from past graduated classes. You see the parents of those working hard on the field. The faculty of Appleton North. Families and friends from near and far, all together under the same beaming lights of the stadium. That is what Homecoming is all about. Bringing everyone back to the place it all began. Where memories were made, where lasting friendships were and will be forged. Back home, at Appleton North.

The night ended with a bang as students piled on the field with their team to watch a spectacular firework show. Thanks to the incredible teamwork and energy displayed on the field, Appleton North was able to fight back and have a Homecoming Game to remember.