GREEN BAY - On Friday, Sept. 26, the Green Bay Preble Hornets secured a 34-16 victory over the Appleton West Terrors.
It was a night of resilience, momentum and big plays that gave Preble its third win of the season.
Head coach Brad Boockmeier said the victory was about toughness and trust.
“We had a tough three weeks where we didn’t play as good as we thought we could’ve played,” Boockmeier said. “They struck first tonight, they have a dangerous offense, but we responded super well. When we needed it most, our offense had a 96-yard touchdown drive. That’s awesome. I was just proud of the way they fought and didn’t give up.”
Appleton West opened the scoring with an interception that set up a touchdown late in the first quarter. A successful two-point conversion gave the Terrors an early 8–0 lead.
Preble responded in the second quarter when senior Gavin Sullivan hauled in an 8-yard touchdown catch.
The Hornets missed the two-point try, but their offense kept rolling.
With 39 seconds left before halftime, senior running back Aiden Bruce muscled into the end zone from the 2-yard line, and the extra point was good, giving Preble a 13–8 lead at the break.
From there, the Hornets took over.
Sullivan caught his second touchdown of the night midway through the third quarter, extending the lead to 20–8.
Bruce powered in for his second score just before the quarter ended, putting Preble up 27–8.
The defense stepped up in the fourth.
Senior Andrae Rutledge recorded a sack to fire up the sideline, and the Hornets forced a turnover on Appleton West’s next possession.
Riding that momentum, quarterback Harrison Selk scored on a keeper to make it 34–8.
Appleton West managed a late touchdown and two-point conversion to trim the deficit, but Preble sealed the win when Sam Stillman intercepted a pass with just 12 seconds left.
For Bruce, who scored twice, the win meant more than stats.
“I’m very proud of my teammates, very proud of my community,” he said. “We fought hard, we got a dub. Couldn’t do it without my o-line. They were amazing. We kept driving, kept pushing, it was great. Everyone believing in each other, it was amazing.”
Boockmeier emphasized that Preble football is built on more than Friday night lights.
“I just love Preble. I teach the guys it’s more than just football, it’s a community,” he said. “Seeing the kids excited, the lights flashing after every touchdown, it’s Preble pride.”
With their 34–16 win, the Hornets not only found their rhythm again but reminded themselves, and their fans, of what they are capable.
Preble will look to face Green Bay Southwest on Friday, Oct. 3.
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