PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

SUMNER – The Union Knights football team closed out the 2026-27 season in Sumner last Friday, falling to the Cougars, 41-14, in Week 8, Class 1A District 4 action.

The Knights remained scoreless throughout the first half, while Sumner-Fredericksburg racked up three scores to lead 20-0 at the break.

In the second half, both teams scored once in the third quarter, while in the final quarter, the Cougars managed another 13 points to Union’s 7.

Statistics were not available for Sumner-Fredericksburg in time for publication.

Sophomore Jace Sorensen led the Union offense, going 4-of-7 passing for 197 yards and two touchdowns. Senior Holden Craft was 5-of-10 passing for 22 yards. Senior receivers Gavin Frederiksen and Garrett Kaalberg both scored a touchdown apiece – Frederiksen on a 57-yard reception and Kaalberg on a 72-yard reception.

The Knights amassed only 44 yards on the ground, the majority coming from Sorensen, who carried the ball eight times for 31 yards. Kaalberg kicked in both of Union’s extra-point attempts.

Union totaled 71 tackles against the Cougars, led by junior Chase Johnson with 16 and two sacks. Kaalberg contributed 9.5 tackles; seniors Jackson Youngblut and Wesley Gaston both had six apiece; Evan McMahon and Craft both had five.

Craft and junior Tallahn Miller each recovered one Cougar fumble. Senior Brogan Ellis Schipper notched one interception for the Knights.

Union ends the 2026-27 season fifth in the district (3-5, 1-4) and without a playoff berth. Class 1A District 4 qualifiers include Aplington-Parkersburg (1st), Hudson (2nd), Sumner-Fredericksburg (3rd), and Columbus Catholic (4th).

The Knights notched non-district wins this season over South Tama and Oelwein. They also defeated district foe Jesup for the 2nd annual KnightHawk Showdown.