Union Knights Football Team

The game was played Friday night on the UMS football field in Dysart but at times it might have resembled a track meet. The resilent Union Knights overcame a two touchdown lead twice en route to a 47-46 victory. The standing room only crowd stayed until the final click off the clock with the Knights in victory formation to seal the win. Patriot's Day was also celebrated with pre-game recognition of the men and women who serve our country (armed forces, police, fire, rescue).

The game produced 93 points and over 1000 yards of offense in addition to a few special teams situations that added to the excitement during the four quarters of 3A District 5 play. Central Clinton DeWitt came into the game with a record of (1-2) and the Knights (3-0). However, DeWitt's losses were to 2A 2009 state champion Solon and a talented team from Fairfield. This game was an absolute battle and a fight to the finish.

DeWitt jumped out to an early 13-7 with a trade of TD runs by DeWitt's Brandon Jasper (65 yards) but missed the PAT, and Union's Wes Burnside (JR) 74 yards. Burnside's run was the first offensive play for the Knights. Joseph Feldpausch then ran 80 yards to put DeWitt up 13-7 at the end of the first quarter. Feldpausch had a great night with 18 rushes, 385 yards, and 3 TDs.

In the 2nd quarter Burnside powered and sprinted his way to a 55 yard touchdown but the PAT was missed. DeWitt then scored two more times to make the halftime score DeWitt 26- Union 13.

Union would rally behind Burnside's running and Trev Hadachek's (SO) arm (6 of 13, 157 yds, 2 TDs) and score two TDs in the third quarter with a 26 yard TD pass to junior Brad Gallup (2 rec, 50 yds, 1 TD) and a 15 yard TD run by Burnside. Feldpausch from DeWitt had another TD run to let DeWitt lead 34-26 heading into the final period.

The fourth quarter started with DeWitt's Feldpausch and Union's Burnside trading TD runs one more time followed by the Knights giving up a 83 yard kickoff return by Chris Lubben to make the score DeWitt 46 and Union 32. At the half way mark of the 4th quarter Hadachek (12 rushes, 52 yds) connected on a 64 yard TD strike to senior Brad Siebel (2 rec, 83 yds, 1 TD). The Knights then went for the two point conversion and Hadachek connected with sophomore Will Crees on a diving catch to make the score DeWitt 46, Union 40. The DeWitt offense was stopped two times by fumbles. Cory Feldpouch (SR) and Dalton Crosser (SO) each had a fumble recovery. Crosser's came when the Knight's needed it and the offense charged down the field with a mix of run and pass. Burnside ran it in from two yards out to tie the game 46-46. Junior Reid Monroe who had missed a previous PAT attempt booted this one between the uprights to give the Knights a 47-46 lead. As the fourth quarter was winding down DeWitt received the kickoff and began their last drive of the game. In a key series in Knight territory the Union defense made a couple stops to create a third and long situation. DeWitt rolled out and threw a deep pass that was intercepted inside the five yard line by Siebel. The Knight offense was then able to run the clock out and seal the victory, 47-46.

Leading the Knights defensively were Brad Siebel (8T, 4AT, 4UT), Cole Hinders (6T,4UT, 2AT), and Dylan McLaughlin (7T, 4UT, 3AT, 1TFL). The Knight defense also had two additional tackles for loss (Cody Krall, Matt Schmitz). The Union defense created three turnovers (two fumbles, one int) while offensively they played error free. The Knights were penalized nine times while DeWitt only had five penalties.

The Knights move to (4-0) overall and (2-0) in the district. The next game is homecoming versus Anamosa. The current plan is to play the game on the new sodded football field behind the high school in La Porte City.