By John Kemmeter

The Pacelli Catholic High School football team improved to 2-0 on the season for the first time since 2010, with a win at home over La Crosse Aquinas Friday, Aug. 25.

Pacelli Catholic High School senior wide receiver Hayden Jurgella holds up the ball after he went up over a pair of defenders to haul in a pass that set up a touchdown in the third quarter of the Cardinals’ 41-16 win over La Crosse Aquinas at Community Stadium at Goerke Field Friday, Aug. 25.
(John Kemmeter photo)

The Cardinals jumped out to a 21-0 lead in the second quarter and held off an Aquinas charge late in the first half, as they pulled away for a 41-16 victory at Community Stadium at Goerke Field.

“We haven’t been there in a long time,” said Pacelli quarterback Zach Zimmerman. “It’s been a while for this program, and it feels really good.”

“The last few seasons we’ve been 1-8, 2-7, 2-7, so to start out 2-0, it’s a really good feeling,” said senior running back/defensive back Daniel Mitch. “But we’ve got to get back on Monday and go to work.”

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Pacelli Catholic High School senior running back Daniel Mitch breaks into the open field down the right sideline in the Cardinals’ 41-16 win over La Crosse Aquinas at Community Stadium at Goerke Field Friday, Aug. 25.
(John Kemmeter photo)

Junior running back Xander Schmitz (30) follows a block from Daniel Mitch (5) during Pacelli’s 41-16 win over La Crosse Aquinas Friday, Aug. 25. (John Kemmeter photo)

Pacelli Catholic High School junior defensive back Richard Zuppan (22) tries to bring down a ballcarrier during the Cardinals’ 41-16 win over La Crosse Aquinas Friday, Aug. 25.
(John Kemmeter photo)

Pacelli Catholic High School football head coach Drew Nelson motions to the sideline during the Cardinals’ 41-16 win over La Crosse Aquinas Friday, Aug. 25.
(John Kemmeter photo)