Senior wide receiver Gavin Frederiksen looks back after crossing into the end zone Friday night at Union Stadium, scoring the Knights’ first touchdown of the 2026-27 season while playing the non-district New Hampton Chickasaws. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

LA PORTE CITY – Led by senior quarterback Stratton Luke in his debut starting under center, Union football logged a promising first quarter against non-district New Hampton last Friday night here before failing to score again and allowing the Chickasaws to cruise to a 35-12 victory.

Less than a minute into the game and on the Knights’ opening play, Luke threw a 31-yard touchdown pass to senior receiver Gavin Frederiksen after New Hampton lost possession on a fumble.

Both teams subsequently turned the ball over on downs; the Knights then recovered another New Hampton fumble to take back possession at their own 49-yard line.

After rushing nearly 40 yards to the Chickasaws’ 6-yard line and a subsequent loss of yardage on the following play due to a penalty, Luke completed an 8-yard pass to Holden Craft, giving the Knights their second touchdown of the evening. Union led 12-0 with just over three minutes remaining in the first quarter.

Following a good deal of scramble and some stout defense by the Knights, New Hampton finally managed its first touchdown just ahead of the 1-minute mark. Craft halted the Chickasaws’ attempt at a 2-point conversion. The quarter ended with Union on top, 12-6.

Union kicker Garrett Kaalberg (26) watches the ball soar downfield following the Knights first touchdown against New Hampton last Friday night in La Porte City. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

The Knights’ defense effectively collapsed in the second quarter as the Chickasaw offense sprang to life, allowing New Hampton to score 22 unanswered points and take the lead heading into halftime, 28-12.

Neither team scored in the third quarter. New Hampton added one more touchdown and an extra point in the fourth to defeat Union 35-12.

Luke went 19 of 21 passing for 168 yards and two touchdowns to Frederiksen and Craft. Union rushed for 197 yards total, led by Luke, who carried the ball six times for 80 yards. Senior Garrett Kaalberg had eight carries for 72 yards.

The Knights’ defense had 56 1/2 total tackles, led by junior Chase Johnson with 11 1/2 (10 solo, including two for loss). Sophomore Jace Sorensen and junior Wes Buckingham each recorded six tackles, including five solo. Craft, senior Jackson Youngblut and junior Jeremiah Lowe all recovered one New Hampton fumble apiece. Junior Tallahn Miller had a sack.

The Chickasaws rushed for 332 yards and three touchdowns. Starting quarterback Kye Rausch passed for 97 yards and two touchdowns. New Hampton finished with 51 1/2 total tackles and two sacks.

Knights wide receiver Jase Loveless (5) carries the ball early in the first quarter against New Hampton last Friday. Loveless had four receptions for 40 yards against the visiting Chickasaws. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

Union (0-1) will travel to South Tama tonight, Friday, Sept. 4, to take on the Trojans (1-0). STC defeated Vinton-Shellsburg on the road last Friday in their season debut.

The non-district Week 2 clash kicks off at 7:30 p.m. at STC High School.

Knights starting quarterback Stratton Luke (1) passes the ball against visiting New Hampton during the first quarter of last Friday’s Week 1 non-district class in La Porte City. Luke went 19 of 21 passing for 168 yards and two touchdowns. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

Union quarterback Stratton Luke (1) rushes with the ball early in the first quarter against New Hampton last Friday. Luke led the Knights rushing game, carrying the ball six times for 80 yards. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

Unable to find a passing lane, Union quarterback Stratton Luke, left, makes the decision to rush the Chickasaw defense late in the second quarter last Friday evening in La Porte City. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER