The outcome wasn’t decided until the final minute but De Pere held on to edge past Manitowoc Lincoln 15-13 last night in the high school football season opener for both teams. The visiting Ships had an opportunity to tie it, after senior Malcome Young scored from 4-yards away with 7:39 remaining in the 4th quarter. But, a 2-point conversion pass failed and the Redbirds were able to retain their two point lead the rest of the way. Young led the Lincoln offense gaining 72-yards on 16-carries, but Coach Rick Ducat’s squad was only able to muster 164 yards in total yardage. The Ships 1st score came late in the opening quarter on an 8-yard pass play from Josh Hoffman to Alex Braun after Alex set-up the drive with an interception. De Pere also had trouble moving the ball against the Lincoln defense winding up with 211-yards. Lincoln Coach Rick Ducat was proud of his team, saying,
Ducat said his players battled-the-entire game.
The Ships will now open their Home schedule next Thursday night at the newly renovated Ron Rubick Athletic Field, with Green Bay Preble as their opponent.