Knights junior running back Garrett Kaalberg (26) rushes with the ball in the first quarter against the Jesup J-Hawks on Friday, Sept. 26, at Union Stadium in La Porte City. On the next play, Kaalberg ran in the ball to mark Union’s first touchdown of the evening. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

LA PORTE CITY – The Union Knights football team moved one step closer to a perfect regular season here last Friday night by striking down 41-2 the Jesup J-Hawks in district play, capturing the inaugural KnightHawk trophy.

The Knights (5-0, 2-0) entered Week 6 undefeated, earning them a No. 6 ranking in Class 1A in the first edition of the Iowa High School Athletic Association’s (IHSAA) 2025 football rankings released on Monday (Sept. 29).

Union got off to a somewhat bumpy beginning Friday evening after losing the coin toss and receiving to start. A flag prior to the first play pushed the Knights back five yards to their own 32 yard line. A couple plays later, Union fumbled the ball and Jesup retained possession midfield. But the Knights defense made quick work of the J-Hawks, forcing a turnover on downs courtesy of junior Holden Craft who tackled Jesup’s signal caller as he attempted to rush.

The Knights scored twice in the first quarter, including on their second possession of the game courtesy of junior running back Garrett Kaalberg who ran in a 1-yard touchdown after twice carrying the ball including for a first down. With the extra point good, Union led 7-0 halfway through the first quarter. Knights quarterback Caden Sorensen carried in the next touchdown on a 7-yard run with just over a minute remaining. The extra point was no good to put Union up 13-0 heading into the second quarter.

Union’s third touchdown arrived late in the second quarter, again courtesy of Kaalberg who ran in another short carry. Senior Kolton O’Connor fielded a pass from Sorensen for the two-point conversion to lead at the half 21-0.

Both the Jesup and Union cheer teams took the new KnightHawk custom-made trophy for a spin around Union Stadium on Friday ahead of the game. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

The Knights would go on to score thrice more including twice in the third quarter and once in the fourth to remain undefeated on the season and notch a district win 41-2 over the J-Hawks. Touchdowns in the second half were scored by Kaalberg, Sorensen on a 75-yard punt return, and Craft on a 2-yard reception. Jesup’s only points came on a safety in the final quarter.

“[Senior receiver] Cooper Spore and [senior running back] Mays Weber added several big offensive plays on [third] downs in order to keep our drives going,” Union football posted on social media following the win. “The defensive line had several quarterback sacks and [junior cornerback] Stratton Luke as well as [senior cornerback] Cooper Spore, each added an Interception for the Knights defense. Great win tonight, fellas!”

Sorensen was 7-for-10, passing for 109 yards and one touchdown while connecting with four of his receivers. The Knights offense rushed for 232 yards – the bulk of which was racked up by Kaalberg who recorded 155 yards – and four touchdowns.

Union’s defense had a whopping 73 1/2 touchdowns led by O’Connor and senior Andrew Bronner who both had eight. Junior Jackson Youngblut managed a sack.

Tonight, the Knights take on Hudson (2-3) in a Class 1A District 4 road game followed by another district road game against Columbus Catholic (2-3) on Friday, Oct. 10.

Senior Knights receiver Cooper Spore successfully fields a deep pass for a first down to put Union in good position to score its third touchdown against the Jesup J-Hawks on Friday, Sept. 26, at Union Stadium. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

Union is back home on Friday, Oct. 17 against the currently winless Sumner-Fredericksburg, another District 4 competitor.

All games kick off at 7 p.m.

PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

Union senior signal caller Caden Sorensen (10) prepares for the snap late in the second quarter against Jesup on Sept. 26, at Union Stadium. Sorensen was 7-for-10 against the J-Hawks, passing for 109 yards and one touchdown while connecting with four of his receivers. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER