PHOTOS BY STEVE BRANT – Union senior running back Garrett Kaalberg finished with 167 yards and 4 touchdowns against STC.

TAMA – For a second year in a row, a 1-0 STC football team took on Union in their second game of the season. And for a second year in a row, the Knights walked away with a win.

Union traveled to Tama last Friday night, Sept. 4, and went home with a 27-6 victory.

Like in their first game against Vinton-Shellsburg, the Trojans got off to a slow start. Union took the opening kickoff and drove for a touchdown on their first possession. Starting on their own 17 yard-line, the Knights marched the ball 83 yards on eight plays. The drive was capped off by a 16-yard touchdown scamper by senior running back Garrett Kaalberg.

After an interception thrown by STC junior quarterback Ryan Brant on their first possession, Union was set up with good field position on the Trojan 39 yard-line. Eight plays later, Kaalberg found the end zone once again — this time on a 6-yard run. Suddenly, the Trojans found themselves down 14-0.

But as the 2nd quarter began, STC’s defense began to gain some traction. A Union drive stalled, and they were forced to punt, giving the Trojans the ball at their own 19 yard-line. STC began a 13-play drive that took almost seven full minutes off of the clock. The drive was dominated by the run game, as STC senior Eric Medina rushed for 24 yards and junior Izak Schroeder contributed 29 yards on the ground. The Trojans ended the drive with an 18-yard touchdown reception by senior Michael Henry. After a failed 2-point conversion, STC had cut the lead to 14-6.

Union junior wide receiver Chase Johnson is tackled by STC senior defensive back Eli Cruikshank.

On the following possession, the Trojan defense forced the Knights to go 3-and-out. STC was gaining momentum and had a golden opportunity to get right back in the game. And they took advantage of it — or so they thought.

On the ensuing punt, Schroeder fielded the ball at his own 15-yard line and ran the punt back 85 yards for a touchdown. STC looked like they had evened up the score–but there was a flag on the play. The Trojans were penalized for holding on the long return and Schroeder’s score was taken off the board. STC kept the possession but time ran out in the half. Union headed to the locker room with their 14-6 lead intact.

In the second half, the Trojans just could not get the offense moving consistently. Their five possessions (not counting the sixth when the clock expired) ended in two punts, two failed fourth down attempts, and an interception. Meanwhile Kaalberg continued his strong running for the Knights, adding two additional touchdown runs, including one for 47 yards. The Knights scored their final touchdown with 39 seconds to play to push the final tally to 27-6.

On the night, Stratton finished 6/10 for the Knights, with 26 yards passing and 78 yards rushing. Kaalberg finished with 20 carries for 167 yards and his 4 touchdowns. The Knights, as a team, had 276 yards rushing. Junior linebacker Chase Johnson had 12.5 tackles on the night for Union.

For the Trojans, Medina finished with 18 carries and 92 yards of rushing. Schroeder chipped in 53 yards on 14 carries. Senior Kyle Youngbear led the Trojans with 11 tackles on the night.

Union sophomore Jace Sorensen scores a 2-point conversion in the first quarter against STC.

Up next for the STC is another home contest on Friday night, Sept. 11. The Trojans will host the Louisa-Muscatine Falcons in their final non-district game of the season. So far this fall, the Falcons have beaten Wapello and dropped their latest game to Danville. Kickoff between the Trojans and the Falcons is set for 7:30 p.m. at the STC High School football field.

Union senior quarterback Luke Stratton pitches the ball as he is taken down by an STC defender.