Union Knights Football Team

Compiled by: Cheyne Reiter

After week 1, Union sits at 1-0 (0-0) overall following a thriller which took place last Friday night vs. the Decorah Vikings. Patience was key with the Knights as they were frustrated by a quick and strong Viking defense for the first three quarters. Eventually, Union's ground game got going and with the help of a trick play, they stormed back from a 17-6 deficit in the second half to win 20-17. Week one had its ups and downs but when it was all said and done, Union walked off with a W. With that being said, let's take a look at this weeks upcoming match-up.

Union 1-0 (0-0) travels to Independence 0-1 (0-0) Friday night looking to carry over that 4th quarter momentum from last week's contest. Independence faced off with a solid 2A team in Waterloo Columbus. Although they lost that contest 36-19, there are some things to watch for in this weeks game with Union.

Last year's result: Union 56 Independence 7

Indee Outlook:

The Mustangs rushed for 281 yards and 3 touchdowns last week vs. W'loo Columbus while throwing for 64 yards and an INT. They didn't have a rusher over the 100 yard mark meaning they possess a well-balanced attack from the backfield. Three seniors will be getting their name called a lot Friday night in Nick Fuller, Nick Shannon, and Sam Rasmussen. Although Indee lacks the tradition of success that Decorah possessed, they may attack the Knights in similar fashion. Each possession will be critical, and they may try to eat up some clock to keep the Knights high-powered offense off the field.

Union Outlook:

As for Union, look for them to establish their ground game with Wes Burnside early and often. In last years affair, Burnside carried only 15 times for 188 yards and 4 TD's. Union QB Trev Hadachek also had a hay-day on the ground by carrying 6 times for an astonishing 132 yards. As Union hits the dirt, the play-action pass may open up quite a bit as well. Senior wideout Hunter Zempel may be on the receiving end of a couple big plays. Obviously, the one-two punch of Burnside and Hadachek will be eyed all night by the Mustang defense.

Final prediction: Look for a similar result to last year as Union will be looking to break out of the gates early and often. Union wins this one 49-6 and ought to head into district play with plenty of momentum next week at an undefeated 2-0.