October 29, 2022 – Slinger, WI – The No. 2 Slinger Owls fell to No. 6 Kaukauna Galloping Ghosts 45-24 in a second round WIAA D2 playoff game Friday night in Slinger, WI.
Kaukauana started with two touchdowns at 9:22 and 7:29 putting them up 14-0.
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Slinger fought back as junior Mark Leidel received a 67-yard pass from senior Tanner Hora for a touchdown putting the Owls on the board 14-7.
Kaukauna finished the quarter with a field goal putting the Ghosts ahead 17-7.
The second quarter saw Kaukauna continue to control the game as Slinger’s defense just couldn’t quite hang on with the Ghosts scoring two more touchdowns putting them up 31-7.
Despite the issues, seniors Adam Loesche, Chase Elliott, Thomas Stowers, and Luke German were key to pulling the Slinger defense together. Owl’s senior Cameron Groves connected on a field goal as Slinger tacked on 3 points at the end of the second quarter, 31-10.
At halftime, the crowd got on its feet to feed energy and enthusiast into the hometown arena.
At the end of the third quarter, Slinger senior Avery Kurth had a 7-yard reception for a touchdown inching the Owls closer, 31-17.
Kaukauna struck back minutes later with an 84-yard run and a score, 38-17.
To end the night, Hora had a rushing touchdown, but Kaukauna finished off with another 17-yard run; the Ghosts defeating the Owls 45-24.
For Slinger, Hora had one of his best passing games with 296 yards. Leidel also had 179 rushing yards.
The end of the game was emotional as it capped off the 2022/2023 football season for the Owls.
These young men have worked extremely hard this season and should be proud of their accomplishments.
