Union linebacker Caleb Olson (2), center, makes a tackle early in the game against the Mustangs last Friday in La Porte City. Olson, a senior, notched 6.5 tackles (five solo) during the game. Union's defense was put to the test against Mount Vernon, the No. 1 team in Class 3A (as of last Friday). PHOTO BY KAYLA ROBB

LA PORTE CITY – Knights football took on the No. 1 team in Class 3A and the reigning state runner-up last Friday night — the Mount Vernon Mustangs — in its home opener at Union Stadium. And while the Knights lost the non-district game 33-0, the team managed to stem what had the potential to be a much greater points deficit thanks to a strong defense.

Union entered the second half behind by just a touchdown, but the second half, unfortunately, became the team’s undoing with Mount Vernon scoring a dozen points in the third quarter, followed by another 14 in the final.

Union’s defense managed 57.5 tackles total and was led by junior Brayden Bohnsack with 8.5 tackles (seven solo). Junior Justice Luke recorded one interception against the Mustangs, moving the ball 10 yards.

Starting quarterback Caden Sorensen went five-for-19 for 23 yards while being intercepted twice. He also carried the ball six times for a deficit of 14 yards. Junior Hunter Anderson was the rushing leader for the Knights – carrying the ball eight times for a gain of 35 yards – followed by sophomore Levi Hadachek who carried the ball seven times for a gain of 16 yards.

This Friday, Union takes on West Delaware in another non-district game at home beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Editor’s note: Following the game, in The Gazette’s post-Week 2 poll (published Sept. 4), the Mustangs dropped from No. 1 to No. 2 in Class 3A.