Fond du Lac Dominates on Opening Night Plus Football Scoreboard

FOND DU LAC – Entering opening night of the high school football season, Fond du Lac wasn’t exactly sure what to expect.

After graduating 32 seniors from last year’s squad, the Cardinals faced plenty of questions as a new group of players stepped into larger roles. What they discovered Friday night was a roster full of hungry athletes ready to make a name for themselves.

Things did not start smoothly for Fond du Lac. Hartford struck immediately with a trick play that caught the Cardinals off guard. Orioles wide receiver Brady Helms took a reverse and launched a pass to Ethan Webb, who raced 80 yards for a touchdown. Hartford converted the two-point attempt to grab an early 8-0 lead.

Fond du Lac answered right away.

On its first offensive possession of the season, the Cardinals marched downfield and capped the drive with a 4-yard touchdown run by quarterback Eli Michalewicz. Michalewicz then connected with Guardian Harris on the two-point conversion to even the score at 8-8.

The tie didn’t last long.

On the ensuing kickoff, Webb electrified the Hartford sideline again, returning the kick for a touchdown to put the Orioles back in front 15-8 after the extra point.

From that moment on, however, it was all Fond du Lac.

The Cardinals scored on their next seven offensive possessions, overwhelming Hartford on both sides of the ball. After falling behind early, Fond du Lac dominated the remainder of the contest, outscoring the Orioles 49-3 the rest of the way on its way to an impressive 57-18 season-opening victory.

Michalewicz delivered a spectacular performance in his first game of the season, accounting for six total touchdowns. The junior quarterback threw for three touchdowns and ran for three more in a career night that showcased his ability to lead the Cardinals’ new-look offense.

One of his favorite targets was Harris, who hauled in two touchdown receptions while also contributing on the game’s opening two-point conversion.

Fond du Lac’s ground game was equally effective. Brady Schmidt and Martavia Welsch each found the end zone as the Cardinals continually wore down the Hartford defense.

For a team replacing so much production from last season, Friday night’s performance was an encouraging sign. After a brief feeling-out period and an early deficit, and 2 weather delays Fond du Lac’s players showed they are more than ready for the challenge ahead.

Behind Michalewicz’s six-touchdown performance and a relentless offensive attack, the Cardinals opened the 2026 campaign in emphatic fashion with a 57-18 victory over Hartford.

Post Game Comments from Head Coach Sam Plucker and Quarterback Eli Michalewicz

Friday High School Football Scoreboard

Winnebago Lutheran 13 Luther Prep 12

Lomira 44 Horicon/Hustisford 0

Milwaukee School of Science 24 North Fond du Lac 16

Kettle Moraine Lutheran 27 Campbellsport 16

Saturday High School Football

Darlington at Fond du lac St. Mary’s Springs – 1pm kickoff at Hyland Field.