DEFIANCE — A fourth-quarter rally fell short for Napoleon’s football team in a 20-19 loss against Defiance to open the season.

The host Bulldogs held a 20-6 advantage with 7:10 remaining in the game before Napoleon rallied. The Wildcats had a chance to win it when they scored with 54 seconds remaining, but a 2-point effort was denied.

Thanks to a 31-yard Cole Cereghin punt return and 15-yard personal foul against Defiance, the Wildcats started a drive at the Bulldogs’ 31.

Napoleon then was able to score in 59 seconds on four plays with Hayden Groll scoring on a 4-yard run, cutting the margin to 20-13.

The Wildcats were able to prevent the Bulldogs from getting a first down but were unable to convert on fourth down.

A Defiance fumble gave Napoleon the ball at its own 36 with 2:19 left.

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