Union football’s 2023-24 senior class. PHOTO COMPILATION COURTESY OF UNION BOOSTER CLUB/FACEBOOK

LA PORTE CITY – On a night meant to honor many of Union’s fall senior athletes, the varsity football team scored its first win of the season last Friday night against Vinton-Shellsburg, taking down the winless Vikings 38-8 at Union Stadium for a district win.

In addition to senior marching band members, cross country runners, and dance team members, Union football’s senior class was also honored including Corbin Clark (65), Ryan Devries (55), Alexander Dickerson (8), Keegan Ellsworth (28), Wyett Kramer (56), Matthew Medina (61), Tyce Murley (72), Caleb Olson (2), Jay Petersen (50), Landen Reed (63), Logan Rosauer (10), Brock Ruzicka (66), Hayden Spore (67), Blake Taylor (31), and Conner Wood (4).

One of the highlights of the game for many in the stands was watching senior Devries – usually present on the offensive line – score in the endzone after being given the opportunity to play running back for the Knights.

Quarterback Andrew Sadler led the offense for the Knights, going 8-for-16 for 80 yards. Passes to Logan Rosauer and Justice Luke ended in touchdowns.

Sadler also kept the ball 10 times for 95 yards and a touchdown, while Devries rushed twice for 63 yards and two touchdowns, Caleb Olson six times for 52 touchdowns, Levi Hadachek eight times for 44 yards, and Brock Ruzicka three times for nine yards.

The Knights’ defensive line recorded 51.5 total tackles led by Blake Taylor with 7.5 tackles (seven solo). Keegan Ellsworth recovered one Viking fumble, while Sadler and Rosauer intercepted twice for 10 and three yards, respectively.

Ruzicka kicked off seven times for 366 yards total. He also had five PATs.

The Knights (1-6) are set to face fellow 2A District 6 opponent West Marshall (2-5) this Friday in their final regular season game. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. at the high school football field in State Center.