By Jacob Mathias

Coming off a 38-13 season opening win over the St. Mary’s Central Zephyr’s last Friday, the Pacelli High School Cardinals took a loss against the Aquinas High School Blugolds at Goerke Park on Aug. 27.

The Cardinals came out strong with 13 unanswered points against the Zephyrs after a touchdown pass to #88, senior wide receiver Chris Karch bringing the score to 7-0. A 15-yard TD pass to #6, junior wide receiver Andy Tepp brought the score to 13-0.

The Blugolds soon recovered with two quick scores including a TD by #24, senior running back Isaiah Brown with 1:24 remaining in the second half. An interception by #27, senior defensive back Connor Haag led to another touchdown quickly thereafter bringing the score to a 14-13 Blugold lead at the half.

The third quarter went scoreless as both teams gave a strong defensive effort, a trend throughout the game.

A screen pass by the Blugolds at the beginning of the fourth quarter put the ball on the 5-yard-line and a touchdown run by Haag brought the score to its final 20-13.

Despite a hurry up effort with one minute left in the fourth quarter, Pacelli was unable to pull off the touchdown and two-point conversion needed for the win. The Cardinals sit at a 1-1 record in preseason play.

The Cardinals return to Goerke Park on Friday, Sept. 4 for their first conference game against the Weyauwega-Fremont Indians. Kickoff is at 7:00 PM.