The Polar Bears lost to the Appleton North Lightning on Friday, Sept. 20, by a score of 24-13.

Hortonvile dropped to 1-4 on the season and 1-2 in the Fox Valley Association conference.

In the first quarter, the Polar Bears gained early momentum with an interception by linebacker Jace Frenkel.

The Polar Bears got on the scoreboard first with a touchdown catch by University of Idaho-bound Reggie Kloehn, who caught a one-yard pass for a touchdown to give his team the early 7-0 advantage.

In the opening seconds of the second quarter, the Lightning tied up the game at 7-7 with a 49-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Charlie Olson to wide receiver Grant Hardy.
Running back Gavin Zielinski scored from one yard out before halftime to give the Lightning the 14-7 lead.

Polar Bears defensive back Calen Plamann intercepted a pass early in the second half on the ensuing play. Lightning linebacker Brady Golden intercepted a pass back for his team and returned the ball to the Polar Bear 18-yard line.

The Lightning extended their lead on the drive after the takeaway, as kicker Mason Skorstad made a 32-yard field goal to give his team the lead.

An interception by defensive back Daniel Garrigan led to the Lightning putting the game out of reach for the Polar Bears. They converted an eight-yard touchdown reception by tight end Jack Kangas to make it a 24-7 lead going into the fourth quarter.

A touchdown run by Polar Bears running back Tristan Berrens from one-yard out cut the Lightning lead to 24-13, but an interception by the Lightning shut down any chance of a comeback by the Polar Bears.