PARKERSBURG – The Union Knights football team came up a bit short in their season opener last Friday against the 1A No. 10 (preseason/The Gazette) Aplington-Parkersburg Falcons, falling 23-7 on the road.

“We know we’ve made gains from the previous year,” Knights head coach Jared Pospisil told the Telegraph in an email following the game. “Offense made some big plays, and defense made some stands when they hadn’t the year before. Special teams continued to be a solid unit that we have come to rely on.”

Returning quarterbacks Andrew Sadler and Caden Sorensen both got the chance to play the center position on Friday, Pospisil said.

“Each ran the ball well, and each made some good throws. Moving forward, we need to see more consistency at that position to take the next step; and I’m confident that our offensive staff will make that happen.”

In other Union football news, former head coach Joe Hadachek – uncle to current running back Levi Hadachek – has returned to the fold, rejoining the staff as offensive coordinator. Coach Hadachek led the Knights for almost a dozen seasons before resigning in 2019. He led the team to their first and only Class 3A state championship in 2011.

“It’s been great to have Coach Joe Hadachek back on the staff,” Pospisil said. “He brings so much experience and energy to the program, and our players really benefit from his teaching.”

This week the Knights are set to face 3A No. 1 (preseason/The Gazette) Mount Vernon (1-0) at home. Last week the Mustangs beat 2A No. 7 Monticello 35-6 in their season opener.

Kickoff on Friday night is set for 7:30 p.m. at Union Stadium in La Porte City.

Stats for Union were not available in time for publication.