Union Knights Football Team

Players of the Week vs Osage:
DEFENSE: DL-John Ringelstetter, LB-Austin Dengler, DB-Nic Peters
DEF scout: Mitchell Brandhorst
OFFENSE: OL-Tanner Heckt, WR-Brady Petersen
OFF scout: Tyler Fishels, Jesse Stock
SPEC TEAMS: Austin Dengler

By Cheyne Reiter

Five years ago, the last time Osage and Union met in a 2A clash, the Green Devils spoiled the Knights' homecoming with a 19-17 victory. Fast forward to 2012; Union flipped the script.

Union notched their third consecutive victory this past Friday night as they trounced Osage on Homecoming, 41-7. With players on offense who can score any time they touch the ball, it was the defense who was forced to step up in this KWWL Game of the Week. Faced with the No. 2 passing offense in 2A, that task wasn't supposed to be easy.

The Knights defense sent a message from the get-go; this one wasn't going to be close.

Union's defense swallowed up the Green Devils' offense, limiting them to just 164 yards of total offense. The No. 2 air attack threw for just 141 yards while Nic Peters intercepted two Osage passes. The Knights totaled seven defensive sacks, imposing their will on an offense who had the ability to score in bunches.

While the defense harassed Osage's offense all night, it was business as usual for the Knights offense.

The Knights ground out 303 yards of rushing and also aired it out for an additional 209 yards. Aside from a fumble that was scooped up for six, the offense was unstoppable.

The dual-threat Scheel completed 14-of-22 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns and also ran 13 times for 180 yards, scoring once on an 83-yard burst. Andrew Osuna led the Union halfback department with 11 carries for 72 yards and a score while Trev Hadachek provided 54 rushing yards of his own. Brady Petersen once again led the Knights receiving core, hauling in five receptions for 81 yards, scoring once from 18 yards out.

Union led 21-0 after 12 minutes of play and 27-7 at the half. They added to their lead with two second half touchdowns.

With the win, the Knights moved to 3-1 overall and 2-0 in 2A District 3 play. The Knights are currently tied with New Hampton and Waukon for the 2A D3 crown. Next week, the Knights travel to Cascade, a solid squad from 2A District 4 in a non-district matchup. Cascade is also 3-1 and 2-0 in their district, respectively. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.