We are excited to announce Union's next head football coach Jared Pospisil! Jared has a resume' of success and an excellent ability to connect with young men. He was the assistant head coach and defensive coordinator of the 2011 3A state championship team. Please make sure you give him shout next time you see him. In addition, the entire staff will be staying intact for next fall. It's a great time to be a Knight! Congratulations Jared! For more info on Coach Pospisil click here: https://www.leaguelineup.com/directorinfo.asp?url=ukfootball&id=559987

Congratulations to Union Senior - Silver Schmitz, son of Mark and Krystal,

who has committed to Wartburg College where he plans to continue his education

and football career. Schmitz had 37 receptions for 381 yds and 3 TDs this fall for the Knights.

Wartburg is a member of the NCAA III Iowa Conference. For more information on Wartburg

click here: https://go-knights.net/index.aspx?path=football. Congratulations to Silver and his family!

Congratulations to Senior Kaleb Roach who has been selected to the North

team for the Iowa Shrine Bowl this summer! Kaleb will report in July. For more

information on the Iowa Shrine Bowl and how the game benefits many children

with physical needs click here:https://www.iowashrinebowl.org/.

Congratulations to Union senior Carter Spore. He was recently announced as a member of the IFCA 2A

All State Academic Team!  Union proud of Carter. 👊🏼 🏈

Congratulations to Union senior Kyle Gross He was recently announced as a member of the IFCA 2A

All State Academic Team!  Union proud of Kyle. 👊🏼 🏈

Congratulations to the six first team all district selections for the 2018 Union squad.   Junior Brayden Grosse, and seniors Lane

Albertsen (2x award winner), Ben Behrens, Ben Rempe, Kaleb Roach, and Rashawn Williams recently had their photos added to the wall

in the We Build Champions Performance room at UHS.   Congratulations to all!   We are proud of you!

Thadd Loeb - Class of 1990, Mason Pelke - Class of 2017, Carter Brehm and Jace Glenn Class of 2018 were added to the 

Next Level Champions wall.    In order to have your photo on the Next Level Champions wall one must have completed a 

minimum of one year of college football at any level:  JUCO, NAIA, NCAA I, IAA, II, and III.    Congrats to all!

Join us vs #3 ranked and 2A defending champions Waukon on the road at 7pm.

If you can't make it listen to the dynamic duo of Dean Bostian and Josh Dunkelberger

online at www.unionknights.net. WEAR RED for the SEA OF RED theme! #wintheday #utradition

ALL FRESHMEN WILL TURN IN ALL UNION ISSUED GEAR AFTER SCHOOL IN THE EQUIPMENT ROOM.    

ALL SOPHOMORES will dress for the playoff run to the Dome!

Please bring your travel bag, shoulder pads, helmet, practice pants and top, game pants and jerseys, belts, all pads that are Union

issue you would put in pants, and any other items, including footballs.   You will be billed for any missing equipment for replacement

cost.   You will also need to turn in your helmet cap (protective cap).

We will have coaches down in the room from 3:15-4pm today!

Thanks and CONGRATULATIONS ON THE 7-2 season, great job young Knights!

https://wcfcourier.com/sports/high-school/football/prep-football-union-makes-statement-against-no-benton-in-district/article_01fc88be-6fa5-502d-8bec-984e9c2861a0.html     

https://www.kcrg.com/content/sports/FNL-Benton-Community-Union-493993151.html

In two weeks we play at home again against Benton Community.     We have packaged a

S.I.D.S., autism, and cancer all into one night for our communities.   These three together we

are calling S.A.C.K. for SIDS, autism, cancer...and kick 'em all for the k.    100% of the T-

shirt profits will go back to Knox Blocks (SIDS), River Hills school (autism), and the Iowa City

Children's hospital (cancer).      All of our coaching staff will be wearing these T's and we

hope you will not only purchase one, but spread the word on your email contacts, Facebook

or Instagam, and any word of mouth.    So please do your part to support these three great 

causes as they have been a part of our lives past, present, and future.  

SACK night shirts available for purchase until September 9!

https://www.adcraftwebstore.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=4926

This year we are tying all the causes near and dear to our hearts but having SACK (SIDS, Autism, Cancer, Kick ‘em all!) night on September 21st! Order by September 9th to ensure delivery! All proceeds go to support kicking SIDS, Autism, and Cancer!

https://www.adcraftwebstore.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=4926

CLICK HERE AND SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM TO VOTE:   http://www.kwwl.com/category/130646/friday-night-heroes

CLICK HERE FOR HI LIGHTS FROM KWWL:   http://www.kwwl.com/story/38959538/2018/08/25/union-beats-beckman

KCRG:  http://www.kcrg.com/content/sports/FNL-Beckman-Union-491684701.html

CBS2:   https://cbs2iowa.com/sports/cbs2-local-sports/eiot-union-starts-off-2018-with-a-big-win 

Being a lineman is sometimes a difficult assignment.   No name in the paper, no glory, all work and the

team rises and falls with your efficiency.    Each year our Union linemen (entering 9th-12th grade) have

made the trip to Bloomington, IL and the campus of Ilinois Wesleyan.   It is at this small college that

head Coach Norm Eash has conducted a hidden secret to get better.  A camp just for linemen.   

And his VIP guest coach just happens to be the line coach for the Dallas Cowboys, Paul Alexander.   

Paul is arguably the best in the business.   His dry sense of humor and games at the end of each

practice make each kid feel special and appreciated.    Special thanks to Coaches Denner, Gassman,

and Clapp for driving the players out and staying with them.    BIG thanks to Coach Denner

for organizing it all.   We got better!

LINE CAMP ‘Look A Like’ Winners:
Voldemort, A Shrub, Joe Dirt, Captain America

 Union staff:   Coach Adam Gassman and his son Lincoln, Coach Joe Hadachek, Dallas Cowboys Line

Coach Paul Alexander, Coach Scott Denner, Coach Todd Carlson, and Coach Travis Clapp.

So proud of these champions! We lost some great talent from last year. Good teams/programs always do.

We played at ISU last weekend and it was not on par with our expectations.

Not playing to a level of excellence that has been the tradition here. This week we talked about what

needed to be fixed and asked these young men to 1) compete like a Knight, and 2) get better through OTAs

and one/one talks. Today we accomplished both goals. We competed with great effort and we got better.

Each player got better. Played four schools from Illinois that have enrollments from 1300-2600. All class 8A.

Proud to say we went 4-0! Much work still to do but fellas we are proud of you. Embrace the process. #wintheday

Thanks to Coaches PJ Mouton, Todd Carlson, Chris Behrens, and Don Sallee for taking a competitive

group of Knights to the NIU 7v7 competition during Father's Day weekend.    These men all serve as your

young men as role models and we are honored to work with them to not only become better football

players but better men in our school, communities, and churches.

‪I don’t know how many towels & uniforms this champion lady has washed in her career at UHS. I do know we ALL will miss Joann Jones!   You are the best. 

🏈 #uKnights #irreplaceable‬

The Knight coach staff would like to welcome back Coach Jared Pospisil.                                                                        Coach Pospisil will be the cornerbacks' coach for the Knights defense this fall.

Jared coordinated the defense and served as the defensive back coach for the                                                                Knights from 2008-2012. During his last three years 2010-2012, Union averaged ten wins per season. In addition, he has also served as Union High School’s assistant head football coach.

Four of the five years he served as Union's DC were at the 3A level football. His last season we were 2A 2012 district champions. The 2011 state champions showed a great improvement on defense which helped with postseason victories over Washington, Maquoketa, Solon, A-D-M, and the title game giving up only 14 points to Decorah.

Pospisil has written several articles for X and O labs which is an online coaching resource. Jared past duties included video exchange and assisting with the strength & conditioning staff at UHS. His expertise is acceleration and deceleration.

Coach Pop coached Jared Wauters who played defensive back at Wartburg College and Brad Siebel who played DB at Coe College.

Previously, Jared served as defensive coordinator at Waterloo West High, special teams coordinator and offensive line coach at Charles City, a sophomore coach at Montgomery-Lonsdale High (MN), and volunteered for West Central and Vermillion High Schools and the Dakota Lawdawgs (all in SD).

Jared earned a BA in English, BS in education, and masters in special education, from the University of South Dakota, where he also played defensive back for the Coyotes.

Jared currently lives in La Porte City, with his wife, Sarah, and his two daughters, Addison and Elliette, and his son Marek.

The Union Knights would like to say THANK YOU to Coach Cole Hinders

for his service this past season. Cole was a member of the 2011 3A state

championship team and also a member of the first-ever padded Dysart

Youth Football Club team. Due to job commitment, he will be unable to

return this fall. Coach Hinders is welcome back anytime, thank you!

Not too many people can say they have played and coached in a state championship game

at such a young age.     Two different sports, two different roles, but the same individual.

We welcome Hunter Zempel to the Knights coaching staff as he replaces Tate Hadachek

as a volunteer wide receiver coach.   Hunter was a two-way starter on the Union Knight

3A state championship team in 2011.   He was a four-sport athlete participating in football, 

baseball, wrestling, and soccer.    Zempel is also the current head coach for the traditional

powerhouse Union girls soccer program.    Last year they were in the state championship

game held in Des Moines and were runner-up.     Hunter is finishing up his teaching and

coaching degree at UNI.    Welcome back Coach Zempel!   

PARENTS AND PLAYERS:

DO NOT WAIT UNTIL YOUR SENIOR SPRING TO TAKE visits to colleges you may have an interest

in attending.   There are spring visit dates popping up right now.    When you visit you either add the

school to your list of possibilities or cross it off and realize it's a definite no.    With ONE DAY camps,

you get an evaluation of your talent.    Coaches are evaluating you and you can evaluate the coaching

staff/campus.   Here are a few of the examples we have received through the mail or emails.

We are officially announcing the departure of assistant coach Tate Hadachek from the Union football program. We would like to thank Tate for his last two year of volunteering for the Union Knights. At this time he has made a decision to give more time to a intern position at Prairie Lakes Church in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Tate has been active as an usher, youth group leader, as well as an active member of the FCA Huddle at UNI. 

In two years he has made an impact on many and they will continue with his internship. Two years and two trips to the UNI Dome! Not many coaches can say every year they coached in the Dome. Good luck Tate!

Wanted to THANK everyone who has supported the Union Knight Football Facebook page.

We recently surpassed 2400 likes.  Thanks to the friends, families, graduates, students, and

fans!      #grateful#wintheday #resUrgence

The junior class (2018 fall seniors to be) met for a four hour leadership day at Hickory Hills park with 

members of the Union football coaching staff including Todd Carlson, Chris Behrens, and Joe Hadachek.

We had a chance to experience an exercise in personal values, an opportunity to share each other's

ONE WORD for 2018, a discussion about how to solve major issues that confront schools today,

and other items that were geared towards maximizing the 168 hours we live each week.     

http://www.kcrg.com/content/news/477921303.html

Congratulations to these 3.0 and 4.0 Honor Roll members for the 2nd trimester!

4.0 Club

Carter Brehm alone with his parents Lyle and Jennie had the honor of a home visit by Shriner John Brandt last night. John went over the expectations required to be a part of the game and covered why the game is played. It’s an amazing story that’s been a tribute to changing 1000’s of kids lives through hospital treatments and care. Thanks John for serving and congratulations Carter for getting the opportunity to play for the North side, Saturday, July 21st in the UNI Dome. For more information click here:http://www.iowashrinebowl.org/

Jace Glenn has verbally committed to Wartburg College.    Jace is surrounded

by his father Tim, mother Kara, and sister Sam.   Wartburg is a NCAA III member

of the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.     Congratulations Jace!

For a complete list of districts, click here. 

Football remains at 16 teams for playoffs.   

Update on playoffs for 2018-2019:   https://www.iahsaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/1.24-Football-Release.pdf

More info on the at large strategy:  https://www.iahsaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/1.24-RPI-Football-FAQs.pdf

*districts released sometime tomorrow

**first four games will be non-district

Jace Glenn, senior co-captain, has verbally committed to Wartburg College.     Glenn also had offers

from Willam Penn and Morningside College.  Jace was the leading  tackler for the 2017 Union Knights

on defense and also contributed as a runner and blocker on offense.

Wartburg is a member of the Iowa Conference, NCAA III.    Best of luck to you Jace!

Congratulations to UNION'S CARTER BREHM. He has been officially invited to be a member of the 2018 Iowa Shrine Bowl North team. This is a great honor recognizing talented players but even a better cause. The children of the Shrine hospital.http://www.iowashrinebowl.org/

The Des Moines Register All State Football teams were announced yesterday and Union Co-Captain Carter

Brehm landed a first team spot on the 2A offensive ilne.      He was a first teamer for two  years in a row.   Below

are the other members of the 2A team and if you click here you can see all teams:   https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/sports/high-school/all-iowa/2017/12/08/introducing-des-moines-registers-2017-all-iowa-football-teams/933396001/

2017 Union High School Football Season Highlights DVD. Disc includes video highlights of every game, a special tribute to the seniors and Game Saver!

Brock Hadachek had a great career for the Union Knights hi-lighted by an opportunity

to play in the 2A Championship game in the UNI Dome with his teammates.   Brock

was offered a scholarship to play at UNI and was redshirted this past fall.    He was recently

awarded UNI's Defensive Scout Team Player of the Year.   Congratulations Brock!

{The photo below Brock is joined by his brother Levi at the presentation event.}

(from left to right:   Ryan Moody, Gary Ewald, Mike Schmidt, Sam Newton, and Josh Dunkelberger)

Thanks for all the time you put into our middle school students and athletes.    We appreciate you!

Congratulations to the following 16 Union Knight football players

that were first and second team, all district, all academic (2A D4). 

Photo above from Waterloo Courier and article here:   http://wcfcourier.com/sports/high-school/football/photos-iowa-high-school-state-football-semi-finals/collection_94a7f320-4b23-5800-8fd6-6a45aa6cbb04.html

There are many options to watch and listen to our game this Saturday at 7:06pm.   

WE WANT AND NEED YOU THERE LIVE AND IN PERSON.   We also realize you may

have family and friends out of state and they want to support the team.    SO here you go....

http://www.ihssn.com/live-streaming.html

GOT YOUR TICKET YET? Help us BLACK OUT THE EAST SIDE WITH UNION FANS.

It's time to close down the towns! With the win Friday night the Union Knights Football

team will advance to semi-finals round. Game will be played on Saturday, 11/11/17 at 7:06pm.

You can purchase tickets at the high school or middle school office beginning Monday, 1

1/6/17. Or you can purchase tickets online in advance by going to https://unitix.uni.edu/
Click on "Buy Tickets"
Click on "Presales/Promotions"
Our Promotion code is: Uknights
Hope to see you all there Saturday night to support our Knights!
Go Knights!!!!

Dean Close from Vinton captured this video in closing moments of the quarterfinal game vs Cascade. 

It was Cascade's first tie ever in the quarterfinals and they had a (10-0) record including a win over the

Knights in the last 30 seconds in the last regular game of the season.    The Knights trailed 7-0 at half as

the stingy Knight defense turned away Cascade time and time again.     With the score 14-7, the Knights scored

their second TD and went for the win a got for two play with four minutes left.  Cascade's defense held.   Later

in the fourth quarter Union would drive the ball down the field and with eight seconds left sophomore kicker

Marc Mahood made a field goal to make it 16-14.   Mahood then kicked deep with four seconds left and the

Cougars tried a desperate attempt to lateral the ball back and forth on the return.   Union's Kaleb Roach 

was able to catch the ball in the end zone and the Knights stormed the field with a 22-14 victory.   Here are the 

hi-lights:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oc5kx39iHXc&sns=fb.

We hope you can all join us at Cascade tonight as we compete

to the FINAL FOUR in the UNI DOME! The Union Knights (7-3) take

on the Cascade Cougars (10-0) at 7:00pm TONIGHT! Do you have

family members wanting to listen in? Click on here to get a virtual

scoreboard and also LIVE play by play with Dean Bostian and UMS

Head Coach Mike Schmidt! This dynamic duo that knows Union

football inside and out. Click to to listen and/or see instant scoreboard:

www.unionknights.net.

SENIOR CAPTAIN TROY HANUS set a new all time Union passing record this past Friday night in round one

of the 2A playoffs.   Earlier this year Troy set a new all-time regular season record for passing yards with 1715.   The

record was previously held by Steven McGarvey (2009) with 1516 yards.   

The total passing yards regular season and playoffs record was also held by McGarvey (2009 with 1812 yards).   

Hanus eclipsed it last Friday with a total of 1815 yards.    The record will continue  to climb as this Friday the Knights

get to play in round two of the 2A post season playoffs.

2-3PM TRAINING ROOM OPEN WITH TAYLOR, STARTERS GET THERE AT 2PM TO GET TREATED FIRST

3PM ALL TEAM LIFT IN WE BUILD CHAMPIONS PERFORMANCE ROOM

3:35PM TEAM MTG FOLLOWED BY FILM SESSIONS

5:00PM  SCOUT REPORT AND RUN

6:15PM  FINISHED

We hope you can all join us at Parkersburg tonight as we start the “Road to the Dome!”

and begin our second season with 16 2A teams fighting for the final two spots.

The Union Knights (6-3) take on the A-P Falcons (8-1) at 7:00pm TONIGHT!

Do you have family members wanting to listen in? Click on here to get a virtual

scoreboard and also LIVE play by play with Josh Dunkelberger and Dean Bostian!

dThe dynamic duo that knows Union football inside and out www.unionknights.net.

Turn orders into DG Elementary, LPC Elementary, UMS and UHS front offices!

We appreciate your support for Union Knight football!

Congratulations to Union's senior QB, Troy Hanus as he had 158 yds passing

tonight in the 22-12 win over North Fayette Valley to bring his regular season t

otal to 1594 yards as he broke the record set by Steven McGarvey in 2009 of

1516 yards. Troy has one more regular season game to go.  GO KNIGHTS!

We hope you can all join us at home (UHS fb field) tonight with Fr/So kickoff at 5pm and Varsity at 7:30pm. It's Homecoming as Union hosts the Blazers from Dyersville-Beckman HS.  Out of town family members want to listen in?

Click on here to get a virtual scoreboard and also LIVE play by play with Josh Dunkelberger and Dean Bostian!   The dynamic duo that knows Union football inside and out: www.unionknights.net.

Vote for Union's homecoming game by clicking here:   http://www.kwwl.com/category/130646/friday-night-heroes

We hope you can all join us at Oelwein tonight with Fr/So kickoff at 5pm and Varsity at 7:30pm. Out of town family members want to listen in? Click on here to get a virtual scoreboard and also LIVE play by play with Josh Dunkelberger and Dean Bostian!  The dynamic duo that knows Union football inside and out. 

CLICK HERE:  www.unionknights.net.

Credit to photo from Vinton Today and Dean Close.   

Our athletic trainer, Taylor Vaske, is working on junior Josh Ternus as he preps for warmups for the varsity

game vs. Monticello last Friday.   Taylor has been a tremendous asset to all athletes at Union.

Vote HERE for our Lincoln Savings Bank, Friday Night Heroes Play of the Week

Proud of our teams improving week 1 to week 2. Double wins with fresh-soph in opener (38-0), and varsity (42-14) over Vinton-Shellsburg.

District play begins with next game at home vs. Monticello! Honoring Patriot Night and Senior Citizen's Night!

On our first night we did a community blitz with the communities of LPC and Dysart to help raise funds

for our football team through Gold Card sales.   There are funds needed for player equipment, field equipment,

video equipment, and many other items not covered by our budget.   Gold Cards also back our local businesses!

The ones who are asked to join the booster club, sponsor posters, donate items for auctions, and more.   If

you have not been asked to buy a card yet let us know and we will get a player to you ASAP.   

Above on the left is Tyler Rottinghaus who sold 20 cards the first night in La Porte City, and Mason Scott on the

right who sold 20 cards in Dysart.    Thanks for supporting our fund raiser! 

Players and Parents:

We just finished up with our five day mini-camp, We Build Champions!    Appreciate all the time and effort put into the camp as it will pay off as Monday is the first official practice with a team meeting for all 9-12th graders in UHS auditorium.

You will now have access to lockers and the locker room.  You can shower after practice and we highly encourage you to do so before leaving.   Transportation to and from Dysart UMS to LPC UHS has been arranged for young men needing a ride. If you have a young man that plans on riding the school provided transportation please text/email Coach Adam Gassman.  

ALL COACHING STAFF EMAILS AND CELL PHONES can be accessed by clicking here:   http://www.leaguelineup.com/directors.asp?url=ukfootball&sid=653437492.

There are currently THREE forms that need to be done prior to practicing.  One is the high school physical which we have been communicating since starting the summer workout program.   The second one is a concussion form (handed out to athletes on Monday of mini camp) which must be read and signed by parent and athlete.   The third is a new form from UHS office.   This form can be filled out online or copy brought to the office.   Click here to access forms: http://www.union.k12.ia.us/?page_id=5459

Coach Chadd Johnson is in charge of the forms.   We are attaching the latest physical form information we have from the front office.  If there is a conflict from what is listed here please contact Brenda or Kenda via phone during normal working hours.   (342-2697)  If they are highlighted in yellow they are expired and need to be updated before they can practice.  The blue highlighted will expire during the season and there are several that expire very early in the season. 

If you are not up to date on your forms you are not excused from practice.   It is your responsibility to make sure the paperwork is finalized.

Our calendar has our up to date practice and game schedule.   Please realize all are subject to change.  To find calendar click here:  http://www.leaguelineup.com/calendar.asp?url=ukfootball&sid=653437492.

Looking forward to the season!

Coach Hadachek and staff

9th-12th graders if YOU DO NOT have your helmet fitted yet, this will be done today starting at 3pm. Report behind school next to green house. Enter that door and take a right down the stairs. We close doors at 3:50pm to be a team mtg at 4pm in auditorium.

It's early but pre-season accolades are coming out via Iowa Preps.

Senior Captain Koby Alpers has landed a spot on the Iowa Preps third team Elite (all classes 8 man to 4A)

as a wide receiver.

On 4th Team Elite offense two Knights were given recognition.     Senior QB Troy Hanus and Senior offensive

center Carter Brehm.    Both young men are also captains for the 2017 squad.

The 3rd team defense as well as 1st and 2nd team O and D have not been announced yet.

For more information you will need to subscribe to Iowa Preps at iowapreps.com.

Above photo is from the Midwest Line Camp, 11 consecutive years in attendance!

Thanks to coaches Royce Rottinghaus and Scott Denner for helping with transportation.

The above photo is from the NIU 7v7 competition.   (missing Silver Schmitz,

Tim Glenn, and Joe Hadachek). 

Class 2A, District 4 Football Peek

Players, Parents, and Union Knight Fans:

You can now order gear for this summer and fall via two great sources.   First of all each year we feature

"THE SHIRT."   This is THE SHIRT for all Union Knight players and fans.     This is the shirt we want you to 

wear to all the games and fill the "Sea of Red!"     We have the motto "RISE UP!" this fall as we are on the road

six of our nine games while we have one of those six games at Upper Iowa (neutral site) where we are the host team.

Gregg also has some other items you will see on the flyer.   The Champion sweats are the heavy old school type that 

last forever.   

If you are interested in Under Armour gear those items are offered with an online store via The Graphic Edge.   Several

items there are for PLAYERS ONLY.    Those items include the UA Men's Squad Woven jacket and bottom (this item is

needed of all players that are sophs, jrs, and srs).    If you have one from past year's that will be fine!   The

Russell five pc girdle is also a player only item.     Like we covered in the meeting Sunday night, if finances prevent

you from ordering a travel top/bottom or girdle please let me know in strict confidence and we will take care of you.

BOTH ORDERS ARE DUE ON MAY 15TH!     GREGG'S HAND IN TO THE SCHOOL FRONT OFFICE AND THE GRAPHIC EDGE ORDER ONLINE VIA THE LINK.

CLICK HERE FOR THE GRAPHIC EDGE GEAR TO ORDER ONLINE:  

http://eFlyerOrder.com/UNIONFBAPPAREL

THANKS FOR WEARING THE UNION COLORS!    RISE UP THIS FALL 2017!

Coach Hadachek and Staff

The following champions had a 4.0 GPA from last trimester:

Kyle Gross
Carter Spore

The following champions had a 3.0 GPA or better from last trimester:
Daycen Douglass
Ryan Miller
Hunter Fleshner
Jace Glenn
Gavin Miller
Keaton Newgren
Clayton Thiele
Troy Hanus
Ben Dvorak
Bryce Parker
Brayden Grosse
Hunter Heitmann
Ethen Meyer
Carter Brehm
Kody Crawford
Josh Ternus
Brandon Stech
Carter Asmussen
Brady Rempe
Tate Hookham
Brock Hadachek
Ben Behrens
Dylan Stech
Jordan Schmitz
Mason Pelke
Ben Rempe
Michael Ahrendsen
Koby Alpers
Kaleb Roach
Trevor Davis

FRIDAY, March 31 at UMS in Dysart

2016 8th grade (2017 freshmen) football players at UNION: Show up tomorrow during PAL time at UMS and we will talk about your future as a student, athlete, and champion as you enter high school next fall. Not sure you want to play? Show up and listen to the opportunity to become more and be part of something special at Union. Bring any questions about the summer and fall. GO KNIGHTS!

Attn: 2nd-5th graders..sign ups for youth padded football will be held this Sunday at the La Porte City Elementary from 1-3 PM in the preschool hallway. We do need everyone who plans to go out be there to get fitted for equipment and turn in registration form and payment. We do have a new option this year of paying online. You can go to http://youthsportsfoundation.org/ and then to online football registrations and then click on Union Football. You will register and pay online but we still need you to come on Sunday for equipment fittings. We will have available to purchase a 4 point chin strap which we do recommend to all players, they are $12. If you have yours from last year, please use it. Those that need jerseys, we will have a online store up and running around football camp at the end of July. If you have any questions please contact team mom, Krystal Schmitz.     Join the KYFC Facebook group by clicking here:   https://www.facebook.com/groups/140434179436117/

Northeast Iowa Special Olympics photo (thanks Coach Todd Carlson)

THE UNION COMBINE (similar in competition) to the NFL combine is going on this week 

with individual and team points for placement on each event.    In addition grades and volunteerism

can jump the point totals.     Senior lead, everyone else FOLLOW!

This Sunday will be the 10th consecutive year we have volunteered at the NE IOWA SPECIAL OLYMPICS.    

It's not too late to help out.    

The NE Iowa Special Olympics will be held on campus at UNI. Kick off event at UNI Dome. If your name is here you are committed to help out: John Adelmund, Jace Glenn, Quentin Kinsel, Troy Hanus, Brit Rolison, Kolby Alpers, Carter Brehm, Hunter Holman, Josh Ternus, Silver Schmitz, Brandon Stech, Ryan Sedgwick, Bryce Parker, Brayden Grosse, CJ Weltzein, Rashawn Williams, Carter Spore, Kaleb Roach, Levi Gray, Mason Scott, Tate Hookham, Hunter Fleshner, Jacob Wyant, Kyle Cox, Dylan Felderman, Ben Behrens, Trevor Davis, Michael Ahrendsen, and Dylan Stech (subject to hockey). If we are missing someone please get ahold of Coach Todd Carlson.

Senior team captain Michael Ahrendsen was selected by the north coaching staff to play in the Iowa Shrine Bowl

to be held at the UNI Dome this July.    There are 44 players selected from North of Highway 30 and 44 from south.

All levels of schools must be represented and in addition to playing ability the team members must also exert character

and teamwork outside of football.   You can purchase tickets in advance through Ahrendsen for $10.   Tickets at door of

game are $15.  In addition, there will be ads for the yearly booklet which assist cost of the game as the majority of ticket 

sales goes to the Shriner hospitals.   Iowa has been #2 for the amount of money raised through the football Shrine games

nationwide.    In the past Union Knights Jason Fowler (1993), Jared Wauters (2010 north team captain), Wesley Burnside

(2011), and Trev Hadachek (2012) were selected and played in the game.   Jay Scheel was also selected in (2013) but did

not get to participate due to rehab.    Joe Hadachek was the defensive coordinator when Wauters played in 2010.     The

north won that game 24-0 with head Coach Roger Janssen from Sioux City Heelan.   

For more info click here:  www.iowashrinebowl.org

CHECK OUT ALL SPRING AND SUMMER CAMP OPPORTUNITIES:   http://www.leaguelineup.com/handouts.asp?url=ukfootball

John Boisen will be a member of the Sioux Falls Cougars next

fall in Sioux Falls, SD.    The Cougars are NCAA D2 members and 

led by Coach Jon Anderson.  John was a three year starter for the

Union Knights playing WR, QB, DB, LB and punter.   He is the son

of Todd and Jill Boisen.   Good luck to you next fall John!

Dylan Stech will be a member of the Simpson College Storm

next fall in Indianola, IA.   The Storm is a member of the Iowa

Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and is led by Head Coach

Matt Jeter.   Dylan was a team in captain this past season

and first team all district player.  He is the son of Shane and Heather Stech.

Good luck to you next fall Dylan!

Senior John Boisen visited the University of Sioux Falls this past weekend.

USF is a NCAA II member and has a great tradition located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

For more information on USF click here: http://www.usfcougars.com/index.aspx?path=football

Isaiah Vaughan committed to play football next fall at Ellsworth Community

College.    ECC is located in Iowa Falls,    Vaughan led the Union Knights in

rushing the last three seasons with first team all state honors this year.   He

holds several rushing records for the Knights and was one of the top rushers

in 2A this past season.   He is the son of Todd and Jen Renz.  

Good luck this fall Isaiah!

LB - Jace Glenn

LB - Quentin Kinsel

QB - Troy Hanus

WR - Koby Alpers

RB - Britton Rolison

**to find out the entire list you must subscribe to www.IowaPreps.com 

Keaton Newgren and Michael Ahrendsen have been playing together for a number of years.   Youth football, two years in middle school, and four years in high school.   Their final game together was in the finals of 2A at the UNI Dome.   However, they may have chance in the near future to play against each other.

Ahrendsen committed late last week to Northwest Missouri State as a "preferred walk on" after having numerous offers at the NCAA II, NAIA, and JUCO levels.    The school was a good match for his future plans, farming, and he liked the culture of the Bearcats.   He will be lining up on the defensive side of the ball next fall.

Newgren had several offers at NCAA II and some JUCO attention also.     He made his final decision on his last visit to Kearney.   He felt the program has a new skipper and a new vision.   Keaton wants to be a part of that and the education was a good match for him too.   He will play offensive line next fall.

The real news is the teammates could match up against each other in college.    Both schools are not far apart

distance wise.   Both schools play in the same conference, the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association.

Either way Knight fans will be cheering for these two linemen as they enter their college careers.

Union's first commitment was Brock Hadachek as he committed to UNI this summer.   In addition Isaiah Vaughan, John Boisen, Dylan Stech, and Dakota Hora are finalizing their plans for college with the opportunity to play football.   GO KNIGHTS! 

Senior Isaiah Vaughan had a great career for the Union Knights and plans to transition to the college level. He has made two visits of schools on his radar. His first visit was at Ellsworth Community College (http://www.eccathletics.com/sports/fball/index) and his second was at Iowa Western CC (http://www.goreivers.com/sports/?Sport=football). Both schools are recruiting him as a running back. (photo below from semi-final game vs. Mt Vernon at UNI DOME). Good luck IV! #theU

Keaton Newgren, senior offensive lineman for the Knights has received his second NCAA II offer. This offer comes from Kearney State in Nebraska. Congratulations Keaton!

http://www.lopers.com/index.aspx?path=football
(photo courtesy of Jo Wilson)

WE SUPPORT YOU JAY!   Thanks for the memories!

Coach Hadachek, staff, team, and the Union Nation.

USA Today

WR Jay Scheel's Football Career at Iowa is Over

DEREK YOUNG

Yesterday at 11:35 AM

 

Ryan Miller

Carter Spore

Clayton Thiele

Jordan Schmitz

Keaton Newgren

Kyle Gross

Daycen Douglass

Kody Crawford

Brock Hadachek

Carter Brehm

Hunter Fleshner

Troy Hanus

Bryce Parker

Ethen Meyer

Ben Dvorak

Hunter Heitmann

Richie Artega

Carter Asumussen

Trevor Davis

Bradyen Grosse

Jace Glenn

Drew Edwards

Ben Rempe

Brady Rempe

Dakota Hora

Dylan Stech

Koby Alpers

Payton Pelke

Tyler Rottinghaus

Silver Schmitz

Brandon Stech

Josh Ternus 

We will have our event today realizing you may or may not attend due to the abnormally cold weather!

We may try to Facebook Live the event, subject to a good connection in auditorium.  Travel safe!

Congratulations to the following 12 champions that not only get it done on the field but in the classroom!

1st Team (3.5/4.0 GPA or higher)-
Carter Brehm
Daycen Douglass
Jace Glenn
Troy Hanus
Keaton Newgren
Bryce Parker

Voted Award Winners:

Offensive MVP:

-Skilled- Isaiah Vaughan, Sr, Union

-Lineman- Ethan Lape, Sr, North Fayette Valley

Defensive MVP:

-Back- Mitchell Snitker, Jr, Waukon

-Lineman- Michael Ahrendsen, Sr, Union

Punter:  Sam Stelken, Sr, Beckman Catholic

Kicker: Dakota Hora, Sr, Union

Returner: Dilin Simon, Sr, Cascade

Coach of the Year: Bob Lape, North Fayette Valley

1st Team All District:

North Fayette Valley: 9-0, (7-0)

Dylan Larson, Sr, E/DELuke Butikofer, Sr, G/DT

Josh Guenther, Sr, E/DETate Hovden, Sr, QB/S

Ethan Lape, Sr, T/DTJesse Mackey, Sr, RB/LB

Brandon Wolfe, Sr, G/LBTanner Kuhens, Sr, RB/DB

Union: 8-1, (6-1)

Isaiah Vaughan, Sr, RBMichael Ahrendsen, Sr, OL/DL

Koby Alpers, Jr, WR/DBDylan Stech, Sr, WR/DB

Troy Hanus, Jr, QBJace Glenn, Jr, RB/DB

Daycen Douglass, Sr, OL/DL

Waukon: 6-3, (5-2)

Blaine Swenson, Sr, RB/DETanner Mathis, Sr, E/DB

Mitchell Snitker, Jr, RB/DBBrandon Regan, Sr, OL/LB

Andrew Dickson, Sr, DLAbraham Schwartz, Jr, QB/DB

Cascade: 6-3, (4-3)

Shaylon Strub, Sr, RB/LBAustin Lieurance, Jr, RB/DE/LB

Robbie Droeszler, Sr, TE/LBPaine Delarm, Jr, OL/DL

John Supple, Jr, WR/DB

Beckman Catholic: 4-5, (3-4)

Brady Arens, Sr, WR/DBLuke Funke, Sr, OL/DL/LB

John Gulick, Jr, OL/DLAustin Koopmann, Jr, TE/LB

Columbus Catholic: 2-7, (2-5)

Kaleb Boleyn, Sr, LBTreyshawn Plunkett, Sr, DL

Dylan Gantois, Sr, WR

Monticello: 3-6, (1-6)

Max Keleher, Jr, RBClayton Kraus, Sr, DE

Oelwein: 0-9, (0-7)

Sayer Woodson, Jr, WR/RB/LB

2nd Team All-District:

North Fayette Valley:

Chase Hollinrake, Sr, RB/DBJordan Baumler, Jr, T/DT

Jace Burrow, Jr, RB/LB

Union:

Brock Hadachek, Sr, LBJohn Boisen, Sr, WR

Carter Brehm, Jr, OL

Waukon:

Tristan Hansmeier, Jr, RB/LBRylie Wyninger, Sr, DL

Chase Opperman Jr, OL

Cascade:

John Larkin, Sr, WR/DBLogan Smith, Sr, OL/DL

Quenton Recker, Jr, OL/DL

Beckman Catholic:

Cody Feldman, Sr, DB/RBLuke Hageman, Jr, RB/DL

Ryley Helle, Jr, OL/DL

Columbus Catholic:

Cole Weber, Jr, OLMitch McFarland, Jr, LB

Nathan Corrigan, Jr, DE

Monticello:

Jacob Lorenzen, Jr, OLLake Stahlberg, So, LB

Andy Tjaden, Sr, DE

Oelwein:

Dillon Arndt, So, DB

Honorable Mention:

North Fayette Valley

Austin Frieden, Sr, C/DTBlaize Frieden, Sr, RB/S

Union:

Jordan Schmitz, Sr, OL/DLClayton Thiele, Sr, WR/DB

Waukon:

Alex Brink, Jr, DLJadon Johnson, Jr, DB

Beckman Catholic:

Carson Schlotfeldt, Sr, RB/DLJoel Vaske, Jr, QB

Columbus Catholic:

Jacob McBride, Jr, DENick Augustine, Jr, RB

Monticello:

Quinton Fellinger, Sr, OLLogan Westphal, Sr, DB

Oelwein:

Robby McKeeman, Sr, OL/LB

Golden Award:

North Fayette Valley:

Trey Kuhens, Sr, FB/LB

Union:

Hunter Fleshner, Jr

Waukon:

Max Swartz, Sr, DB

Cascade:

Blake Simon, Jr

Beckman Catholic:

Connor McDermott,  Jr, LB/TETy Pottebaum, Jr, TE/DL

Justin Wessel, Jr

Columbus Catholic:

Conner Langan

Monticello:

Jacob Manternach, Jr, QB

Oelwein:

IOWA, ILLINOIS, and INDIANA live feed:   http://stream.nbcsports.com/rsn/high-school-iowa-watch-live?pid=28187

OFFENSE:

RB Isaiah Vaughan

OLINE Brock Hadachek, Michael Ahrendsen, Carter Brehm, Keaton Newgren, Daycen Douglass

DEFENSE:  

NG  Michael Ahrendsen

CB  Koby Alpers

SPECIAL TEAMS:

Koby Alpers

Michael Ahrendsen

SCOUT TEAM POWs

Jacob Wyant

Carter Brehm

TEAMme POW

Kody Crawford

TONIGHT is the night. 7:06pm is the kickoff TIME. BLACK is the color to wear, as we are BACK (to the Dome) IN BLACK! WE want you there LIVE and in person to rock the Dome. Feel free to share this with your out of state friends and relatives. See Direct and Dish TV channels.

Also online capacity to watch or listen. http://www.ihssn.com/

Defense - Michael Ahrendsen, Koby Alpers

Offense - Keaton Newgren, Isaiah Vaughan

Special Teams - Bryce Parker

Scout Teams - Ben Rempe, Kaleb Roach

One last time by request!     Our colors for the Dome Saturday and beyond are BLACK...as in "Back in Black!"    Order by 3pm TUESDAY and get in time for game this Saturday!   BLACK OUT!   http://www.shoplpcink.co/merchants/union-knights-2016-state-football-qualifier-gear/

Thanks to all of sponsors!   When you are looking for any service, or item be sure to give these local

businesses first shot!    They back us and without their support we have no show.    

Check out the hi-lights from the battle last weekend in round one of the playoffs: https://video214.com/play/zxIJOq2152KV0FsJ88PWzQ/s/dark

Do everything you can to support the TEAM in person tonight at West Union vs. #1 ranked NFV. The weather will be perfect. If you can't listen to Dean and Ryan tonight by clicking on www.unionknights.net. Ryan Moody will be filling in for Josh Dunkelberger. GO KNIGHTS!

CLICK HERE TO ORDER ONLINE:  http://www.shoplpcink.co/merchants/union-knights-2016-state-football-qualifier-gear/

The IHSSN will bring Iowa High School Football playoff pairings to you via webcast on October 22, 2016 at 10:00AM (Saturday). Join us as the ROAD TO THE DOME begins and the teams are paired for the first round of the high school football playoffs. Then join us back here for all the UNI DOME semi-final and final action in November!

This webcast will be the EXCLUSIVE place for your first look at playoff team pairings, game locations and times, so be sure to watch on October 22!www.IHSSN.com and you'll see the link!

CLICK here for teams who qualified:  http://www.iahsaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/2016_Football_Qualifiers.pdf

Players of the Week vs. Waukon and the nominees for tackle/blocks/hits of week. Here is the link for the Week 7 highlight video.

http://www.hudl.com/video/2/491/5804548b842eb24574f86f76

Players of the Week vs. Waukon and the nominees for tackle/blocks/hits of week. 
Here is the link for the Week 7 highlight video.
http://www.hudl.com/video/2/491/57fb2616f617083edc4fba75

KCRG covers the Union Knights on the road:     http://www.kcrg.com/content/sports/Friday-Night-Lights-End-Zone-Week-5-Part-2-394658921.html

Great coverage on Facebook by The Progress Review plus KCRG was at game,   Union hilights at 4:25 minute mark!   Thanks KCRG!  http://www.kcrg.com/content/sports/Friday-Night-Lights-End-Zone-Week-4-Part-3-393803331.html

Additional coverage on Facebook under Union Today!

UHS cheerleaders selling Football Yard Signs.
Pre-order your signs now- Cost is 20.00
Please contact Kayleen Glenn @ 319.939.7179 or email her at cheer1982@hotmail.com
Or Brenda at UHS 319.342.2697 or email her at B_rottinghaus@union.k12.ia.us
We are taking orders starting today until September 19th.

Hi lights from KCRG:  http://www.kcrg.com/content/sports/Friday-Night-Lights-Part-3-392970331.html

Union chosen as Game of the Week by KWWL:  http://www.kwwl.com/category/130142/video-landing-page?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=12721745#.V9Or8qSa8YM.facebook

WE want you at the game tonight!

Frosh kick off at 5pm, and varsity vs. Vinton Shellsburg at 7:30pm.

CAN'T MAKE IT? Listen here live and also get up to the date score thanks to Mr. Bruce Rempe:http://www.theunionknightcast.com/listen-live.html

DES MOINES REGISTER

CLICK HERE for article on Hawkeye WR depth:  http://wcfcourier.com/sports/college/iowa/iowa-football-scheel-eager-to-get-back-to-work/article_10fe691b-e2d4-5b24-bb39-fc04f917c8cc.html

Congratulations to the following champions that sold 10 cards the first night of sales:

1 - Jordan Carey, 2 - Troy Hanus, 3 - Tyler Rottinghaus, and 4 - Brenton Johnson!

We will be out selling cards to help offset the costs of football equipment and other costs

associated with our program. Thanks!

Trev Hadachek, Kolten Bader, and Jay Scheel were generous enough with their time to give back last 

Sunday and share a message with all our campers and fathers.    We are so blessed with our alumni and

their willingness to come back to the U!   Thanks.

Parents, Players, Alums, and Fans:

Please feel free to forward this to anyone you know has boys 3rd-8th.   You don't have to be in our school district to attend.   We have two camps starting on Monday.  Both are in Dysart.

The 3rd-6th camp for Knights Youth Football Club kicks off at 10:00am sharp at the Dysart Park.    This is a two day camp.  Football cleats encouraged by not required.   Good attitude required!   If NOT registered you can still come, just fill out the form by clicking here:  https://www.leaguelineup.com/formpreview.asp?url=kyfc&formID=114211.

The 7th-8th camp for UMS kicks off at 9:00am sharp at the Union Middle School practice fields located west of the middle school.   This is a four day camp.  Football cleats needed for this.   Good attitude required.   If NOT registered you still can attend, just fill out the form by clicking here: www.FollowTheKnights.com and clicking on right hand side menu where there is a link that says 2016 Middle School camp.

If anyone has difficulty paying the camp fee/league fee for ANY of our camps/leagues please contact the respective coach in charge or me personally for fee waiver. We scholarship any/all kids due to personal circumstances beyond your control. In addition if your son(s) need football shoes and cannot afford them we have sponsors to help out with these special situations.  

All kids need the opportunity to go to our camps and have fun!

Thank you!

Joe Hadachek

Head Football Coach 

Union Community Schools

                      (Brock after a game at home his junior year, with dad, Jon)

Senior to be Brock Hadachek has the size and speed to attract offers.   He had full ride offers from Eastern Michigan (FBS), UNI (FCS), Montana State (FCS), and South Dakota (FCS).   Several other FCS schools were courting him.   Add in one more, one of the best NCAA II schools in the nation, Northwest Missouri State.   Another attractive visit and offer.

When it comes down to a tough decision it is always best to use your "gut."   Brock's gut told him UNI as he felt peace when leaving campus and talking with Coach Farley and staff.   He didn't want to wait until signing date.   Brock wanted to focus on his senior year and his teammates.    He committed to UNI earlier this week.    Good luck Brock!   Congrats!

Email copied from Mike Whittlesey to Coach Hadachek...

"The order form for shirts is live. We've posted info and links to them on our Facebook page, theprogressreview.co and shoplpcink.co. We will also run a story in next week's paper. We will also forward all of the details to the Vinton newspapers. Here's what we posted on Facebook this morning:

On Friday, September 2, the Union Knights football team will host Vinton-Shellsburg. In keeping with the team's annual tradition of "Patriot Night," which honors those who serve their country and their communities, a special "Back the Blue" t-shirt will be offered for sale. What makes these shirts unique is that the proceeds from sales of "Back the Blue" will go to the public safety departments in four area communities: La Porte City, Dysart, Vinton and Shellsburg. Even better, YOU pick which community receives this special donation when you order your shirt.

Gregg's Sporting Goods and The Progress Review are proud to partner with the Union High School football team in this special show of support for the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe.

Orders for "Back the Blue" t-shirts may be placed online at http://www.shoplpcink.co/merchants/back-the-blue-t-shirt/

Order deadline is August 20, 2016."

Michael Whittlesey
La Porte City Printing & Design
213 Main Street
La Porte City, IA 50651
319.342.2429
www.theprogressreview.com

Congratulations to Tanner Cummings, senior from the class of 2016, on his final decision to attend the University of Dubuque and play football. Tanner was a linebacker/RB and special teams player on the fall 2015 team. He will join fellow teammate Eric Vaughn at UD as well as Union graduate Holly Holmes who will be senior for the Spartans. For more on UD:http://www.dbq.edu/Athletics/MensAthletics/Football/

‪#‎goknights‬ ‪#‎unionstrong‬

 Invitation for all father's with sons to attend Father-Son Day!

July 31st, rain or shine. ‪

CLICK HERE:   https://youtu.be/oWnWYjqD1go

Senior Captain Michael Ahrendsen received his first offer from Mankato State this weekend!

Michael is a two time captain and also participates in wrestling and track.   He is a two time

state qualifier at heavy weight and also current record holder in five minute snatch test.

We had a great four team competition this winter called the "Above the Line" Face off Challenge. We had two captains per team voted by their teammates and then a draft. This team won. Co-captained by Jordan Schmitz and Isaiah Vaughan. (Missing from photo is Isaiah Vaughan and Adrian Hernandez). The winners were treated to lunch at Buffalo Wild Wings in Cedar Falls. Congrats to all team members involved in the winter/spring competition!

L to R:  Treyton Slater, RIchie Artega, Bryce Parker, Carter Asmussen, Lane Albertsen, Tyler Rottinghaus, Ben Rempe, Jordan Schmitz, Brit Rolison.  (missing - Isaiah Vaughan, Adrian Hernandez)

Combination of UHS seniors (15 strong), the KYFC players, and cheerleaders!

For the 10th consecutive year Union Community sent a large group across the border to Illinois to participate

in the Midwest Line Camp.   This is the oldest camp of it's kind in the USA.  The camp was started by Head 

Coach at Illinois Wesleyan University, Norm Eash, and Cincinnati Bengals assistant head coach Paul Alexander.

FRONT ROW:  L to R - HFC Joe Hadachek, Lincoln Gassman, Adam Gassman, Lane Albertsen, Carter Spore, Mason

Scott, Jacob Wyant, Coach Scott Denner.    BACK ROW:  L to R - IWU Coach Travis Rundle, Coach Todd Carlson, 

Asst Student Coach IWU, Daycen Douglass, Coach Rottinghaus, Jordan Schmitz, Michael Ahrendsen, Carter Brehm, 

Indy U Coach Todd Carter, and Bengals Asst HFC Paul Alexander.

15 players traveled to NIU last weekend to compete with 43 other teams in a 7 versus 7 tournament.

(FRONT ROW l to r):  Drew Edwards, Ryan Miller, Troy Hanus, Tate Hookham, Isaiah Vaughan, Bryce Parker,

Brit Rolison, Kaleb Roach, and Clayton Thiele).   

(BACK ROW l to r):  John Boisen, Jace Glenn, Brock Hadachek, Michael Ahrendsen 'big dog camper', Koby Alpers,

Jordan Schmitz, and Dylan Stech).

Hanus and Parker quarterbacked the 7v7 team and every one did a super job getting better from game one through

the last contest.    Ahrendsen and Schmitz then traveled to Bloomington, IL to participate in the MidWest Line Camp.

Shay Foulk, staring cornerback on the 2011 3A State Champion Union Knight football team.

Now a man that is a part of a much bigger team.   He protects the very land we play on.   He is

one of the best of the best.    Shay is a U.S. Army Ranger.   We were honored to have him come

workout with us today at 6:30am and then address the team before the finisher on the track.   Shay

said the thing he remembers most is not the championship but the teammates that surrounded him

and how much adversity we fought through during the 2011 fall.   Adversity makes you stronger.

Thanks Shay for the time you gave us today and the service to defend the U.S.A.!!

4.0
Zane Seuser
Ryan Miller
Carter Spore

3.0

Kody Crawford
Tyler Rottinghaus
Jace Glenn
Tanner Cummings
Hunter Fleshner
Dylan Stech
Carter Hennessy
Troy Hanus
Carter Brehm
Joe Gloede
Kyle Gross
Gavin Miller
Keaton Newgren
Bryce Parker
Mathias Myhre
Ben Dvorak
Clayton Sparks
Carter Asmussen
Josh Ternus
Brady Rempe
Andy Aryee
Treyton Slater
Daycen Douglass
Brock Hadachek
Adrian Hernandez
Richie Artega
Koby Alpers
Sam Johnson
Dan Zeien
Tate Hookham
Ben Rempe
Quentin Kinsel
Lane Albertsen
Ben Behrens
Tate Renaud
Dakota Hora
Kaleb Roach

UMS workouts for guys entering 6th-8th (fall 2016) at 5:10pm on Mon, Wed, and Fri with Coach Kirk Crawford. Coach does an excellent job with the base fundamentals of strength and conditioning. There is no fee for the workouts. Enter the SW door between the weight room and the wrestling room. Thanks!

The squad from fall 2015 was challenged to improve their GPAs from 2nd trimester

to 3rd trimester.   Congratulations to the 37 that improved with best improvement

coming from senior to be captain Dylan Stech.     The focus on student, then athlete

is important now and later on when applying to colleges.   Congratulations to all!

#24 Jamaal Richardson from ISU just happens to be related to Coach P.J. Mouton. We had the surprise of him joining us at our OTA (organized team activity) this afternoon at UHS. After our session he offered some words of wisdom to the fellas. Thanks Jamaal and PJ! Thanks Coach Carlson for the photos! Next session is Wednesday night at 7pm on the UHS practice fields see you there!

Check the Kohl's report out on Daycen by clicking here:   http://kohlskicking.com/profile/daycen-douglass/21991/

Team Captains are voted by 10-12 teammates and coaches.   Unity Council members are voted by

teammates within their own class.    We are excited about the leadership represented in the photo above!

Michael Ahrendsen 24 kilo x 169 reps = 8923lbs!

Rashawn Williams our Union Champion of the Week! He has

been busting it this spring and is disciplined!  Congrats Rashawn!

 ‪#‎theU‬ ‪#‎UnionStrong‬

In 2011 these two teammates played together in the UNI Dome while helping win a 3A state championship.

Today, both have played in the Dome wearing colors different than the Knight red, black, and silver.   Wes 

Burnside enjoyed a great spring prepping for his final year at running back for the UNI Panthers.   As a high school

senior Wes was named the MVP of the 2011 championship game before attending Iowa Central CC for two years prior

to UNI.  While his teammate, Trev Hadachek, played at Iowa for two years, then transferred to WIU.  He was a WR and

special teams player for WIU when the Leathernecks traveled last fall to UNI and pulled off a win in a very tight ball game.  

WIU has a new coaching staff and Hadachek has been moved to safety.  This fall the Panthers travel to WIU on November

12 at 1pm CST.    No matter what the outcome we will be cheering for our Knight alums!   GO KNIGHTS!

We have two, multi-sport athletes that are Union's Champions of the Week!

John Boisen is a two sport athlete with football and basketball, while Drew Edwards is a three sport

athlete with football, basketball, and soccer.     They have displayed terrific attendance, super effort, and

are working on better themselves in all skills of the performance room and agility/running program.

Congrats to John and Drew!

Here are the totals from the competitions today.   At the end of the day, there is another lead change,

All I see is Gold retakes the lead, and Touch Down Divas pulls within 25 points of Slayas.  

Only 265 points separate 1st and 4th for above teams!

Great examples of what can happen to YOU if you make the wrong decisions

posting with social media.   What you think is temporary becomes permanent.

Keep it simple, keep your behavior "Above the Line!"

Champion of the Week!

Bryce Parker doesn't say much when working out he just flat out

gets it done.    Work ethic defines him.   He is pushing to get better

with the U Strength & Conditioning program that averages 50+ 

males working out three times per week.   #paytheBryce

Check this out!   Scheel back to make those famous one hand catches, click here:  JAY SCHEEL.

"Had an unbelievable visit at the University South Dakota! I was

extremely impressed by both the coaching staff and the campus."      

Comments from Brock Hadachek post visit at USD this past weekend.

Union Knight "Champion(s) of the Week!" Outstanding work

effort this spring and three challenging workouts this week

by Troy Hanus (lt) and Clayton Thiele (rt). ‪#‎UnionStrong‬.

CLICK HERE:   www.eiupanthers.com

Junior Brock Hadachek received his first offer yesterday from the University of South

Dakota.   USD is a !AA member of the MIssouri Valley Conference.    Hadachek is also

a member of the track and basketball teams.   Brock was a captain as a junior at the U.

Congratulations to the following student-athletes that had a strong performance last trimester!

If for some reason we are missing your name please get in touch with Coach Hadachek.

1.  Zane Seuser, Ryan Miller, Kody Crawford, Carter Spore

5.  Hunter Fleshner

6.  Jace Glenn

7.  Andy Aryee

8.  Cael Lamb, Kyle Gross

10. Clayton Sparks

The following champions had a 4.0 GPA from last trimester:

Kody Crawford, Ryan Miller, Zane Seuer, Carter Spore

The following champions had a 3.0 GPA or better from last trimester:

Hunter Fleshner, Jace Glenn, Andy Aryee, Cael Lambe

Kyle Gross, Clayton Sparks, Carter Brehm, Troy Hanus

Joe Gloede, Gavin Miller, Bryce Parker, Ben Rempe

Adrian Hernandez, Tyler Rottinghaus, Josh Ternus, Treyton Slater

Richie Arteaga, Carter Asmussen, Hunter Klima, Carter Hennessy

Clayton Thiele, Kaleb Roach, Koby Alpers, Brock Hadachek

Daycen Douglass, Ben Behrens, Tanner Cummings, Nathan Leroy

Lane Albertsen, Ben Dvorak, Silver Schmitz, Michael Ahrendsen

Brady Rempe, Tate Hookham, Quentin Kinsel

** we are looking for the TOP 10 improved GPAs from last trimester to this trimester!

YOU WILL BE RECOGNIZED at the end of the spring trimester, BE ONE!

Champions of the Week! Most difficult week to pick one so we picked two. So many guys busting it the past two weeks. Both of these champs are dual sport and show up ready to go to work each day. To left Jacob Wyant (FB, track) and to right Hunter Fleshner. Hunter is a great example of no excuses with tennis, club baseball, show choir, and musical all going on at the same time right now. ‪#‎theU‬ ‪#‎webuildchamps‬

CLICK here to see short video from Sunday:  NE IA SO VIDEO

TEAMS WILL BE competing against each other and get points for attendance, spring sports,

spring clubs, grades, volunteering time, TEAMme actions, and ind/team competitions each week.

Points and attendance will be posted in the "We Build Champion" Performance Room weekly.

Those that volunteered at the NE IOWA Special Olympics this Sunday receive 15 points per athlete.

Those team results are:

POINTS FOR TEAMMATES VOLUNTEERING TODAY AT UNI NE IA SPECIAL OLYMPICS! 23 TOTAL SHOWED UP.

Ahrendsen/Newgren, total of 135 points.
Hadachek/Stech , total of 105 points.
Schmitz/Vaughan, total of 60 points.
Douglass/Rempe, total of 30 points.

Coach Scott Denner has become Union Community's first certified Speed & Agility Coach.

The certification was made available by Athlete's Acceleration and Denner recently completed all

necessary requirements and received his certificate.

"We are fortunate to have someone like Coach Denner that cares to go the extra mile.   He is a team player 

and does the little things that make a BIG difference.    Denner was presented with an opportunity and jumped 

at the chance to help our athletes at Union get better with running and agility skills.   We have already seen

marked improvement with a recent testing," commented Head Football and Strength Coach Joe Hadachek.

On Sunday March 6 the NE IOWA Special Olympics will come to the UNI Dome in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

It is a great occasion to share the asset of time with some great athletes that will be competing just like

you compete on the football field, the court or mat, or any other place where you have a chance to display

your skills.   For the past nine years we have traveled up to Cedar Falls, IA and volunteered.   In addition

to our Union athletes we have been joined by the UNI Football team, and athletes from all over NE Iowa.

SIGN UP NOW IN THE UHS FRONT OFFICE or in the UHS Media Center with Ms Gassman!

Champion of the Week, Jordan Schmitz!

Always comes with a great attitude at 6:30am and never complains.

He is a direct result of hard work and a coachable attitude.

Union has three seniors from the class of 2016 that have signed or made verbal commitments

to attend college and play football.    

Senior Carter Hennessy, Dysart, signed today with Mankato State University.  

Mankato is a NCAA II school located in Mankato, MN..   For more information on Mankato State and the 

Maverick football program click here:   http://www.msumavericks.com/index.aspx?path=football&

(Tate Renaud on the left and Carter Hennsessy on the right)

Senior Tate Renaud, LaPorte City, signed today with Ellsworth Community College.  

Ellsworth Community College is a member of the Iowa Community College Athletic Conference (ICCAC)

and the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).   ECC is located in Iowa Falls, IA..

For more information on Ellsworth CC and the  Panther football program click here:

 http://www.eccathletics.com/sports/fball/index

Senior Eric Vaughan, LaPorte City, verbally committed today to the University of Dubuque.  

Dubuque is an NCAA Division III affiliate and a member of the Iowa Conference.  UD is located in Dubuque, IA..

For more information on the University of Dubuque  and the  Spartan football program click here: 

http://www.dbq.edu/Athletics/MensAthletics/Football/

Jace Glenn is our Champion of the Week! Jace is a rare FOUR sport (football, basketball, track, and baseball)

athlete at Union and commits to twice per week during basketball to get better with strength & conditioning.

His effort is always "Above the Line."   Congrats Jace! 
#theU #showup #workhard  

Zane is a senior linebacker and tight end from Buckingham, Iowa and the son of Chad/Stephanie Seuser!

Zane is a member of the 2015 2A Iowa Football Coaches Association (IFCA) Academic All State. 
Criteria for nomination and selection:
1. Player must be a senior starter.
2. Player must have a cumulative GPA of 3.7 or better at the end of their junior year.
3. Player must be involved in other extra-curricular activities.
4. The Head Coach must recommend the player.

Tradition of Academic Excellence at the U!

2015-Zane Seuser, 2014-Nathan Dvorak, Noah Garwood, Jace Hadachek, 2013-Bo Bader, Nick Weich,

2012-Brian Dunkelberger, Trev Hadachek, 2011-Shay Fehl, Brenden Kuhn, Dylan McLaughlin,

2010- Brad Siebel, 2009-Jared Wauters, 2007-Brian Wigg,

2004 Tom Ocheltree, 2000-Travis Turner

Congrats to Champion of the Week, Josh Ternus!  

Josh has been working hard with the Union Strength & Conditioning program

the past two weeks and shows up everyday with great work ethic. #UnionStrong

   *Go to www.IowaPreps.com to subscribe to get more in depth information.

http://www.shoplpcink.co/cd-dvds/honor-flight-dvds/
Fans of Union football can order their 2015 season DVD, which features video highlights and slideshows of each game, a tribute to the senior players and a "Greatest Hits" highlight reel. But there's more! Pop the disk in a Windows pc and view all the stories, stats and more in a 34 page yearbook that includes links to view every photo gallery published by The Progress Review this season- literally hundreds of photos at the click of a mouse. For those who prefer a hard copy, you can order the printed yearbook to accompany the DVD.

Senior captain Carter Hennessy (Dysart) had an offer from Concordia-St. Paul (MN) earlier this summer and recently added

an offer from Mankato State (MN).  Both colleges are NCAA Division II.    Carter has not yet made a final decision and is

considering several other schools.  Congratulations Carter and his family!

Senior captain Tate Renaud (La Porte City) received offers from two NCAA II schools this past week.   The first offer came

from New Mexico Highlands and the second offer came from Wayne State (NE).   The senior captain has a few more visits

lined up before making a final decision.    Congratulations to Tate Renaud and his family!

POWs for East Marshall Game:
Block: John Boisen
TEAMme: Tanner Cummings, Justin Parson, Carter Spore
Scout Team: Carter Brehm, Brady Rempe

To get more info on high school sports you can subscribe to Iowa Preps.  www.iowapreps.com

The Union Knights traveled to #2 ranked South Tama on Friday night to play their second 

district game of the season.   As soon as statistics are available we will post summary.

Thanks to the fans that braved the weather and supported us!   We will rise again.

This Friday the Knights go back on the road for district play at East Marshall.    

Union is (1-3 overall, 1-1 district play).

(photo courtesy of Vinton Newspapers)

The Progress Review:  http://theprogressreview.co/2015-football-union-41-roland-story-21/

The Cedar Rapids Gazette:  http://www.thegazette.com/subject/sports/multi-talented-vaughan-running-wild-for-union-20150912

Vinton Newspapers:  http://www.communitynewspapergroup.com/vinton_newspapers/sports/article_6a06ef7c-5b4a-11e5-97a7-0bd8b5b36cdb.html

Vinton Today:  http://www.vintoniowa.org/articles/Sports/article1015670.html

Youth Camp Feature

The Dysart Reporter:  http://www.dysartreporter.com/page/content.detail/id/509959/Lots-of-kids--lots-of-fun-at-football-camp.html?nav=5009

PLAYERS OF THE GAME vs. Roland Story:

Hammer (Tackle): Jace Glenn

Bulldozer (Block): Michael Ahrendsen

Do you have family members or friends that serve our communities?

If so they will be honored with their names on the scoreboard and a walk on the game field

this Friday.   Please email Aly the first and last name (firefighters, police, paramedics, dispatchers, and

those serving in our armed forces).   Email to send name(s):  iowateam@gmail.com

It all started with Father - Son Day which is our annual rite of passage that fall is here and football season is upon us.

That day we pack our fields with fathers, grandfathers, brothers, and players to form the U on our game field.

After our 9-12 camp, we have the KYFC (3rd-6th) and UMS (7-8th) camps.   The last camp preps our 1st-2nd graders 

for the flag league and we also include any kindergartners wanting to get a jump on the game.   End result?

OVER 250 kids from 15 different towns and communities.   Most are Union Community but it's great to have a carload

drive as far as Carroll, Iowa or someone from Marion, Iowa drive over just to check out the fun!

Logan Sallee (Buena Vista U), Wesley Burnside (UNI), Cole Hinders (Wartburg), Trev Hadachek (Western ILL), Halanier Holmes (U of Dubuque), Kolten Bader (BVU), Jace Hadachek (Wartburg), Jay Scheel (Iowa), Tate Hadachek (Wartburg), Josh Clark (BVU), Alex Barz (Wartburg), Tanner Heckt (BVU), Dylan Bear (Wartburg).     #leadership  #UFBtradition  #webuildchampions

Union's freshmen competed on Thursday night vs. Denver on the Knight home field in La Porte City and

lost a close game 31-26.    The Knight's had a commanding lead at the half as the game came down to

a last minute drive by Denver which converted a touchdown in the 4th quarter.   Last year Denver defeated the young 8th

grade Knights 49-0.  The freshmen get to play again this Friday at Center Point - Urbana.

The junior varsity team played Monday night at UHS vs. Gladbrook - Reinbeck.   Union commanded a 12-0 lead

with a stiff defense and an offense that got clicking in the second quarter.   Union's defense remained tough in 

second half and pitched a shutout while the Knight offense scored again in the 4th quarter to make the score 18-0.

The next JV game will be played on Tuesday night due to Labor Day weekend.   

Two of the pre-season top ranked teams in their respective classes clashed Friday night after a heavy down pour of rain in La Porte City.    The game was delayed by 30 minutes to allow the field to drain.    With five minutes left in the second quarter, the Knights were down 13-0 and a lightening strike delayed the game as the Knights drove inside the five yard line thanks to a blocked punt by Union's Jace Glenn.   After several 30 minute delays it was decided to shorten halftime and keep the game moving to prevent further delays.   The Knights struck on the first play after the weather delay with a short touchdown run by Isaiah Vaughan.   The decision to go for two fell incomplete. 

As the second half started the Knight defense did a great job shutting out the GR offense while several Knight drives ended in turnovers.   The game ended with a 13-6 Union loss.

We would like to thank the following Press Box Radio Sponsors: USANA-Todd and Angie Gray, for help with cost for broadcasting through Press Box Radio.  Check it out here:  www.unionknights.net.

PHOTO:  (from left to right:  D Coordinator Todd Carlson, Daycen Douglass, Eric Vaughn, Jordan Schmitz,

Jared Jolley, John Boisen, Brock Hadachek, Isaiah Vaughan, Zane Seuser, Dylan Stech, Jace Glenn, 

Michael Ahrendsen, Head Coach Joe Hadachek).

The Union Knights announced the Army of 11 black shirt defensive starters last night after Monday 

practice.   Defensive coordinator Todd Carlson and the defensive staff each congratulated several starters

by handing the black jersey to be worn on practice days.   The players will get to keep and wear their black

jersey unless another teammate rises up to take their place.   In that case the jersey will be turned in and 

handed to the new starter.  #TheU

Mondays at 7:00am are days to look at the previous game/scrimmage Hudl film and let the truth

be told.   You want to make sure you have watched the entire game prior to this meeting.

In addition, this Monday, all Unity Council members (including alternates) will meet at 7:45am for 

a brief meeting.   This cycle repeats itself every Monday.   Be there!

From LT TO RT:  Michael Ahrendsen, Tate Renaud, Carter Hennessy, Zane Seuser, 

Daycen Douglass, and Brock Hadachek

First row:  L to R, Alex McKinley, Eric Vaughan, Tanner Cummings, Nick McQuilkin

Second row:  L to R, Mathias Myhre, Jared Jolley, Tate Renaud, Carter Hennessy, Zane Seuser

NO scrimmage due to weather.

4pm-Coaches/player meeting in aud.

5pm-Practice (parents are able to come watch)

6pm-Mandatory Parent Meeting (30-45 minutes)

The alums edged out our Union varsity in a match that was tied 34-34 going into the final round last night at the UHS football stadium finishing under the lights!   In the BIG MAN competition there were some epic battles by FIVE man teams including two alum teams and two varsity.   After a tie, the decision was made to "leg wrestle" to see who won.   Chris Ribble rolled out Carter Hennessy for the win.

Finally, we had a first ever fieldgoal and long snap competition.   We had three great kickers from our past, Reid Monroe, Brady Petersen, and Steven McGarvey.   After being tied at 15 and 25 yards, Dakota Hora, took home the win.

We would like to say thanks to Ryan DeSousa for the past couple of years helping coach at Union HS. Ryan coached TE's, OLB's and was most recently the special teams coordinator. Due to job change he will no longer be able to assist.   Ryan was a standout player prior to coaching at Union. THANKS RYAN!

The following players listed have sent their camp forms in. If you want a t-shirt, e-mail your size to Aly at iowateam@gmail.com and get your form sent in ASAP!

High School

Adelmund     John
Ahrendsen    Michael
Alpers           Koby
Arteaga          Richie
Asmussen     Carter
Albertsen      Lane
Behrens         Ben
Brehm           Carter
Boisen           John
Crawford      Kody
Douglass       Daycen
Edwards       Drew
Fleshner        Hunter
Glenn            Jace
Gross             Kyle
Gray               Levi
Hadachek      Brock
Hanus            Troy
Hanus           Seth
Hadachek     Brock
Hennessy     Carter
Hookham      Tate
Hora               Dakota
Johnson        Sam
Kinsel            Quinten
Kiler                Alex

Kokesh          Clayton
McKinley       Alex
McQuilkin     Nick
Miller             Ryan
Parker           Bryce
Rollison        Britton
Rottinghaus  Tyler
Rempe           Ben
Rempe           Brady
Redman        Trey
Redman        Anthony
Renaud          Tate
Sanderson     Carlos
Seuser            Zane
Schmitz         Silver
Schmitz         Jordan
Scott             Mason
Smutz             Trey
Sparks           Clayton
Spore             Carter
Stech              Dylan
Ternus           Josh
Thiele            Clayton
Weltzin          CJ
Wyant            Jacob
Vaughn          Isaiah
Zeien              Dan

Middle School

Ahrendsen, Adam
Albertsen, Marcus
Bellinger, Cole
Blackburn, Dallas
Block, Keagan
Bowers, Ryan
Carey, Jordan
Carey, Jacob
Crawford, Kolten

Cherveny, Brayden
Davis, Trevoe 
Dickerson, Jonathan
Edwards, Dawson
Frisbie, Michael
Gleason, Rocky
Grosse, Brayden
Harkness, Elijah
Heitman, Hunter
Hilmer, Brady
Hoy, Chase
Meyer, Ethan
North, Nick
Putz, Kendall
Stech, Brandon
Stone, Liam
Wellner, Cameron

2nd Place!

Coaches Todd Carter (Indy U) and Paul Alexander (Asst HFC, Cincinnati Bengals) on far right.

Alexander puts in the clinic with the IWU head coach and Carter has coached our oline each year.

Union competed against five Illinois teams and one team from Wisconsin while finishing 

(5-1) overall in the tournament held on the campus at Northern Illinois University.

TEAM one (old boys):   Front row L to R:  Quentin Kinsel, Brady Rempe, Nathan Leroy

Second row:  Daycen Douglass, Brock Hadachek, Zane Seuser, Alex McKinley, Jordan Schmitz, Tate Renaud

TEAM TWO (Young boys);    Front row L to R:  Kokesh, Rottinghaus, Gross, Scott, Wiegant

Back row:  Albertsen, Rempe, Spore

Tate Renaud making some noise from his crushing blocks last season with schools throughout the midwest. Check out hi-lights here: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1794305/highlights/218830375/v2

If you are interested in more articles like this you must subscribe to Iowa Preps.   Here is the link:  www.iowapreps.com

Carter Hennessy, Captain of the 2015 Union Knights football squad was honored today with his first scholarship offer. Named one of the top linemen for the class of 2016 by Iowa Preps, Hennessy visited and performed for the coaches at Concordia-St. Paul which is a NCAA DII school. Congratulations to Carter and his family!
For more on Concordia St. Paul click here: http://www.cugoldenbears.com/index.aspx?path=football&tab=football

Team Seuser won the Buffalo Wild Wings challenge!   From left to right:   Zane Seuser, Kyle Gross,

Eric Vaughan, Nick McQuilkin, Jared Jolley, and Ryan Miller.   Missing was Jake Lawrinenko who 

was attending a summer camp.    Team were drafted by FIVE strength and conditioning captains and 

then the competition was between attendance, performance of individual and team contests as well

as personal testing in agility, speed, and strength.    Congrats to all the teams who competed!

Coach Brandon Adolphs joined the Union football staff in fall of 2007.    He has been on staff as the 

running back coach since Coach Hadachek took over the reigns of the program.    At this time Adolphs

felt it was time to spend more time with his family and business and we congratulate him on that decision.

Brandon has coached some great running backs during his time at the U including one of the best the state

has ever produced, Wes Burnside.    Burnside set a state record for carries in one game with 58 vs Marion his

senior year and helped Knights to the 2011 3A state title while being named MVP of the game.   He holds too

many team records to list here.   One of the greatest statistics contributed to the team by Adolphs will NOT show

up in the stat book.   The last two years our varsity RBs had zero fumbles.   Thanks Brandon and enjoy the memories!

For more on Adolphs click here:  http://www.leaguelineup.com/directorinfo.asp?url=ukfootball&sid=285374218&id=187969

Monday and Wednesday this week at UHS practice fields, 6pm-7:30pm, prep for 7 on 7.    Skill guys (10-11th, 9th optional but encouraged).   DBs, WRs, TEs, RBs, QBs, LBs...wear T shirt and shorts and bring FB cleats.   Prep for NIU 7 on 7 and rest of summer.  (baseball priority for baseball players)

There was a great group of champions getting after it this winter and spring

while most students were still sleeping.   A price must be paid to get better.

You have to stick and stay.    You have to remain humble while staying hungry.

If you set a personal record you get to "ring the bell!"   Join the family.

Click here to see it:  UNION STRONG

TEAM MTG this Monday night at UHS auditorium for any player that will be entering 9th-12th grade and be 

part of the 2015 season.    We will have information sheets for players and parents that need to be filled out and 

cover some important items in regards to this summer and fall.   MANDATORY attendance.   Estimate 60 minutes long.

Physical testing this week (current HS athletes only):

1.  Monday:  6:30am - standing long jump, 20 yd pro shuttle, bench press, and 3:10pm - 40 yd dash (after school)

2. Tuesday:  6:30am - parallel squat and hang clean

3. Clean up:  6:30am - any text not finished

* height, weight, and body fat should already be done ( if not please see coach Douglass)

Thursday competition. Obstacle course sprint.

Top skill: 1st: tied Hookham/R Miller, 3rd: Stech, 4th: Kinsel

Linemen: 1st: P Pelke, 2nd: Johnson, 3rd: Douglass, 4th: Ahrendsen

TEAM: 1st Seuser, 2nd Douglass, 3rd Ahrendsen, 4th Hadachek, 5th Renaud

Tootsie's Ice Cream & More in LPC is giving our rugby team 10% of their profits this weekend! Stop in and enjoy a treat while helping out the rugby team!

(Alex and his mother Heidi Barz after a victory by the Knights)

Alex Barz, Team Captain, SR., OT/DE/LS, has made a verbal commitment to attend Wartburg College and play football next fall.   Barz was a 2nd team Des Moines Register all state and first team 2A D6 all district Olineman.   He was also a member of the Unity Council and volunteered for Special Olympics.

Wartburg College is a member of the Iowa Conference and made it to the final 8 in the NCAA III playoffs last fall. Congratulations Alex!    

Wartburg College is a member of the Iowa Conference and finished this past season in the final eight of NCAA III. For more on Wartburg College click here:http://www.go-knights.net/index.aspx?tab=football&path=football

Dylan Bear, Team Captain, SR., TE/FS, has made a verbal commitment to attend Wartburg College and play football next fall.  Bear was the leading receiver for the Knights this past season and also was a starter for the basketball team at Union and an active member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Wartburg College is a member of the Iowa Conference and made it to the final 8 in the NCAA III playoffs last fall. Congratulations Dylan!    

Wartburg College is a member of the Iowa Conference and finished this past season in the final eight of NCAA III. For more on Wartburg College click here:http://www.go-knights.net/index.aspx?tab=football&path=football

OPPORTUNITIES ARE NEVER LOST, JUST PASSED ON TO SOMEONE ELSE!

YOU CAN NEVER START OVER BUT YOU CAN HAVE A NEW BEGINNING!

Union's Joel Bishop (wife LuAnn, Coach Kirk Ferentz) received one of six Iowa

Football Coaches Association Distinguished Service Awards today at the Iowa

Hawkeye Football Clinic.   Joel was introduced by HFC Joe Hadachek and acknowledged

prior to the scrimmage in the stadium.   Mr. Bishop recently retired from teaching at Union

has volunteered for 43 years running the scoreboard and game clock.   He also coached

junior high school football for 25 years (both Union Community Knights and LPC Rams).  

Congratulations Joel on a well deserved honor.   #UnionStrong

2015 U FB team. Optional gear to order. We will placing an order for these Under Armour tops and option to get shorts also. If you ordered them last year you are set. These are identical. Can wear for summer workouts, 7 on 7's, linecamps, etc.. Also with # on sleeve looks very sharp on game nights. Please make check out to UCS and put UA and jersey # in memo. Give ck with your size and jersey # to Coach Douglass. If you don't know your jersey # Coach D can assist.   Coach D's contact info under left hand side menu under Contact Info.

Top 35.99 s-xxl
Short 32.99 s-xxl
if 3x is needed add 4.00 to the pricing.

Last night the new members of the National Honor Society were recognized as President Nathan Dvorak 

welcomed the crowd at UHS auditorium.   Below are two photos from the event.

New inductees Alex Barz and Dobson Douglass join teammates Nathan Dvorak,

Noah Garwood, and Tate Hadachek.

Junior class inductee Zane Seuser cited his role of leadership in the strength and 

conditioning program as a factor towards his personal development.   Amy Kriz,

Mr. Fleshner, Mr. Mullen, and Mr. Slack witness Zane lighting the leadership candle.

DRAFT DAY:   Our five Strength & Conditioning Captains selected their teammates

today in a draft.   The teams are not listed in "draft" order but alphabetic order.

**if you name is missing and you are currently on the football roster enrolled (9th-11th)

please see Coach Denner or Coach Gassman ASAP so we can add you.

Senior Jace Hadachek, All State LBer, 2x Team Captain, and three year starter for Union Knights has made a verbal commitment to attend Wartburg College and play football next fall.  Jace is also part of the 2A 2015 Team Dual state wrestling team.    Hadachek started for three years at inside lineback and this past season was also a fullback.   Jace has been a member of the Unity Council for four years and is a member of the Union FCA Huddle.  Congratulations Jace! 

Wartburg College is a member of the Iowa Conference and finished this past season in the final eight of NCAA III. For more on Wartburg College click here:http://www.go-knights.net/index.aspx?tab=football&path=football

1. Please arrive to the UNI Dome by 9:30 am. You can pick up your jersey there from Daycen Douglass. RETURN TO HIM BEFORE THE END OF THE DAY! 

2. Underclassmen-if you need a ride, contact one of the older players to see if you can get a ride with them. 

Players Volunteering:

Jace Hadachek
Nathan LeRoy

Tate Hadachek

Brock Hadachek

Zane Seuser

Tate Renaud

Alex Barz

Hunter Fleshner

Isaiah Vaughan

Jordan Schmitz

Daycen Douglass

Keaton Newgren

Clayton Thiele

Jace Glenn

Koby Alpers

Sam Johnson

Dylan Stech

Michael Ahrendson 

Nick McQuilkin

3. Any questions, contact Aly at iowateam@gmail.com

Seniors Noah Garwood, Nathan Dvorak, and Jace Hadachek were selected as

IFCA Academic All State Football selections from last fall. There were 32 players

selected at the 2A level and Union had three represented. 

Congratulations to Noah, Nathan, and Jace!

To see all the 2A players click here:  2014 2A Academic All State TEAM

Senior team captain Tate Hadachek made his official verbal commitment today to Wartburg College. Tate was a first team all district DB for the 2A D5 champions, and leader on the Unity Council for four years. He is also student leader for the Union FCA huddle.   Tate plans to play wide receiver in college and is considering the majors of religion and/or business.

Wartburg College is a member of the Iowa Conference and finished this past season in the final eight of NCAA III. For more on Wartburg College click here:http://www.go-knights.net/index.aspx?tab=football&path=football

Parents: Now is the time to submit FAFSA applications

for your college-bound students!    If you are not familiar 

with the process call the guidance office at UHS and speak

with Ms. Kriz ASAP.    The amount of time it takes to fill out

the form can reward you with the financial aid necessary to 

fulfill your student's dream.    You can estimate it with last 

year's tax forms if necessary.

Click here:  https://fafsa.ed.gov/

5 TIPS click here:  I want to know more!

What does your 2015 look like?    

Don't just survive another year, THRIVE this year!

THRIVE in 2 - 0 - 1 - 5 !

Be a Champion interview with Cole Hinders (listen and learn opportunity for our younger guys/gals under construction in high school).

click here: http://youtu.be/6rVm22hSftA

Click here to here a great message for everyone but especially freshmen and sophomores:

http://youtu.be/2fBOdYM4OFk

Austin Bunz graduated from Union High School.   He accepted a football scholarship to Winona State.  

After two seasons he was driven a different direction for life change.   That direction was the U.S. Navy

and serving our country.   Today he addressed our early morning workout champions about the four common

points that being on a football or related team, and the Navy have in common.    Amazing growth by this young

man.   Thanks Austin!   Knights for life.

Listen to the message here (apologize as the first couple minutes were not able to be recorded):

http://youtu.be/0m1yYT1bGRo

Congrats to these champions in the classroom!

4.0 and above
Nathan Dvorak
Noah Garwood
Blake Faber
Zane Seuser
Dobson Douglass
Brady Driscol

3.0 and above
Hunter Fleshner
Josh Lawrinenko
Will Reiter
Payton Hellman
Daycen Douglass
Sam Johnson
Dylan Stech
Alex Barz
Blake Havran
Koby Alpers
Quentin Kinsel
Carter Brehm
Jace Glenn
Brock Hadachek
Keaton Newgren
Jared Jolley
David Wildeboer
Troy Hanus
Brady Rempe
Mason Pelke
Dylan Bear
Tate Hadachek
Adrian Hernandez
Wes Kaufman
Tate Hookham
Noah Heerkes
Trayton Slater
Jace Hadachek
Carter Hennessy
Payton Pelke
Nathan Leroy
Clayton Thiele
Tate Renaud
Ryan Miller
Tanner Cummings
Eric Vaughn

We received awesome news last week from our guidance counselor, Amy Kriz, that our football team earned the Academic Achievement Excellence Award from the state of Iowa. The team (9-12th and managers) had a combined Trimester 1 GPA in excess of 3.0. To earn the award we needed to have a minimum of 3.0. Great job by all students and parents!

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/sports/high-school/2014/11/22/sunday-register-all-state-football-team-high-school/19367933/

Congratulations to Union Knights for making the second team 2A squad:  Alex Barz, Brady Driscol, and Jace Hadachek.

2014 TEAM Captains are thanked for their service and leadership to kick off the 2014 Reward & Recognition Event at UHS.

(from l to r:  Coach Jeremy Robb, Jace Hadachek, Alex Barz, Tate Hadachek, Dylan Bear, Brady Driscol, Head Coach Joe Hadachek)

ALL OTHER PHOTOS OF AWARD WINNERS ARE AVAILABLE UNDER LEFT HAND SIDE MENU UNDER PHOTOS.

Congratulations to former Knights Matt Schmitz, and Brad Siebel as they close out their careers at COE College vs BVU today at 12:05pm.   This game is televised on KCRG 9.3, FYI. The Knight Nation is proud of you.   #UnionStrong

Last regular season game of career for former Knight and Cornell College Ram captain, T.J. Gray. Right now the Rams are (5-3) with overall record. Good luck vs. St. Norbert's, the Knight Nation is proud of you. #UnionStrong

Union lands nine on first team 2A District 6 All-District Team, two on second team,

two honorable mention, and eight all academic!   19 team players recognized from

past athletic and academic performances.

Senior linebacker Jace Hadachek was named District Defensive MVP and 1st team linebacker.

Other first team defensive players: Sr. Dakota Hopper, DL, Sr. Brady Driscol, DB, Sr. Tate Hadachek, DB, So. Michael Ahrendsen, DL.

Offensively first team Sr. Dylan Bear, TE/WR, Sr. Alex Barz, OL, Jr. Tate Renaud, OL, and So. Isaiah Vaughan, RB.

First team punter, So. John Boisen.

Second team offense: Jr. Carter Hennessy, OL, and So. Brock Hadachek, LB.

Honorable Mention: Sr. Wes Kaufman, and Sr. Justin Carey

District Coach of the Year:  Joe Hadachek

All Academic: Seniors: Noah Garwood, Nathan Dvorak, Jace Hadachek, Tate Hadachek, Alex Barz, Dobson Douglass. 
Juniors: Zane Seuser, and Will Reiter.

View video highlights of Union's playoff game against New Hampton on November 3, 2014,

which include two touchdown passes from Brady Driscol to Dylan Bear that covered 97 and 73 yards.

A valiant Union rally came up just short, as the Chickasaws advance with a 26-20 win.
http://www.shoplpcink.co/2014-football-the-progress-review-fan-zone/

Earlier in the year, soph RB, Isaiah Vaughan, tied a record for most TDs in one game vs. Roland-

Story with FIVE.   Previous records holders with FIVE include:  Jason Fowler vs Dike-NH (1991),

Chris Miller vs. Nashua-Plainfield, Garrett Gingrich vs. CPU (1997), Wes Burnside vs. 

Central DeWitt (2010), and Trev Hadachek vs. Mt. Vernon (2012).

Isaiah Vaughan

Several records fell in the first round playoff win over CPU last Wednesday night at the UHS

football field.    First of all, sophomore Brock Hadachek broke an individual record of Chris Miller

from 1994 in the South Hardin game.   Miller had a 54 yard fumble return vs. Iowa Falls in 1994.

Hadachek took one back for 75 yards in the S. Hardin contest.   That record only lasted one week, as

senior Dylan Bear broke it with a 98 yard fumble return vs. CPU.   Congrats!

Brock Hadachek          Dylan  Bear

Also senior Brady Driscol broke a record for interceptions in ONE game vs CPU.   The old record by of three was 

held by Jason Jeffries vs. Jesup (1995), Mike Loveless vs. Central City-Springville (1997), and Cheyne Reiter vs.

Osage (2007).   Brady had FOUR interceptions.   Congrats to all.

Brady Driscol

TEAM RECORD FOR INTERCEPTIONS IN ONE GAME WAS ALSO TIED VS CPU WITH FIVE!

Old record:  5 vs. Jesup (1995), and 5 vs. Central Springs (2013).

Players of the game vs Center Point-Urbana, round one playoffs:

Defense: 

DB - Brady Driscol

DB - Dylan Bear

DL - Dakota Hopper

LB - Jace Hadachek

Offense:

OL - Tate Renaud

QB - Brady Driscol

TE - Dylan Bear

WR - Tate Hadachek

Special Teams:

Punter - Jon Boisen

Photo taken was for the BLUE theme earlier this year and the Union student section.   The theme for the 2014 playoffs

is BACK IN BLACK.    Wear your Union black colored gear and playoff gear if you ordered it.   Thanks to all the fans!

Come make some noise as the game starts at 7pm!   GO KNIGHTS!

The Union Knights fought off adversity in more ways than one Friday night on the road vs South Hardin.   Time after

time when things were not Union's way the defense, offense, and special teams found a way to win 31-18.   Update here as soon as we 

receive the stats.    Union finishes 7-0 district champions in 2A D6.   Overall, 7-2.  

The Iowa HS Athletic Association posted round one of the Iowa HS playoffs late tonight.

Union gets a rematch at home vs. Center Point - Urbana.   Game time kickoff is 7pm so be sure to come 

early and cheer loudly to support the Knights!   Tickets availability will be posted here and on our Facebook site.

GO KNIGHTS!!

Offense Players of the Game

Alex Barz

Justin Carey

Defense Players of the Game

Dylan Bear

Alex Kane

Special Teams

Alex Krall

Scout Offense players of the week

The O-Line include as a whole includes

Noah Heerkes

Jared Jolley

Alex McKinley

Keaton Newgren

Adam Purdy

Scout Defense players of the week

Alex Krall

Nick McQuilken

Dylan Stech

Team Me players of the Week

Colton Adams

Nathan LeRoy

The Union Knights were tied 14-14 with the Anamosa Raiders on Friday night and ended up losing 31-28.

Stats available soon.

Can't make it to the game tomorrow night? Listen at www.unionknights.net!

FRONT SCREEN ABOVE

BACK SCREEN BELOW

ORDER form located under HANDOUTS on left hand side menu.  Due next Wednesday.

Offense Players of the Game

Tate Hadachek

Carter Hennessy

Isaiah Vaughan

Defense Player of the Game

Jace Hadachek

Special Teams player of the Game

Brock Hadachek

Scout Offense player of the week

Adam Purdy

Scout Defense player of the week

Jon McQuilken 

Team Me 

Will Reiter 

Danny Zeien

Congratulations!

2A District 6 

Champions

POWs-AP Game

Michael Ahrendsen-Offense

Alex Barz-Defense

Dylan Bear-Offense

John Boisen-Offense

Tanner Cummings-Defensive Scout

Jace Hadachek-Defense

Blake Havran-Defensive Scout

Jared Jolley-Special Teams Scout

Tate Renaud-Defense/Offensive Scout

Isaiah Vaughan-Offense

Punt Block Team

TEAMme-Royce Rottinghaus

Senior parents need to be lined up on the SW Corner of the track at 7:05 Friday night, introductions will be at 7:10.  Order will be Band, XC, Cheer, then FB.   This way all fb players can go through the normal warmup routine.    Please make sure all parents are aware of this schedule.

Can't make it to the game tonight? Go to www.unionknights.net!!

POWs for East Marshall Game

Michael Ahrendsen-Defense
Ryder Albertsen-Offense Scout
Matt Anderson-Defensive Scout
Alex Barz-Offense
John Boisen-Offense
Justin Carey-Offense
Jace Hadachek-Defense
Tate Hadachek-Offense
Noah Heerkes-Special Teams
Jared Jolley-Defensive Scout
Christian DeSalva-TEAMme

Isaiah Vaughan run vs. East Marshall:  http://www.kwwl.com/category/130646/friday-night-heroes

Also Union at AP for game of the week!     Thanks Union fans!

KWWL hi-lights click here:  http://www.kwwl.com/story/26641740/2014/09/27/union-knights-marshal-east-marshall

Thanks cheerleaders for a great homecoming week of festivities!  (photo courtesy of KWWL)

POWs for South Tama Game:

Michael Ahrendsen: D Sct
Alex Barz: Def
Brady Driscol: Spec. 
Noah Garwood: O Sct
Brock Hadachek: Def
Noah Heerkes: O Sct
Carter Hennessy: Off
Dakota Hopper: Off
Dakota Hora: Spec.
Keaton Newgren: D. Scout
David Wildeboer: TEAMme

The Union Knights were resilient this Friday night at home while honoring Patriot Day at the end of the first quarter with nearly 50 firefighters, EMTs, police, and armed service men and women from the local communities.

Join Witham Auto Center for a test drive up and until 6pm tonight so our school can be awarded a donation to

our Union Booster Club!    Also thanks for opportunity to try our some pulled pork on a smoking new grill from Dysart

FCTC.   We have an amazing following and are grateful for all the fans and boosters!

The Union Knights traveled to Story City on Friday night for their district 2A opener and 

POWs for Roland Story:

Alex Barz - Scout O

Dylan Bear - Defense

Brady Driscol - Specials

Tate Hadachek - Defense, Scout O

Wes Kaufman-Defense, Scout D

Tate Renaud-Offense

Zane Seuser - Scout D

Isaiah Vaughan - Offense

The Union Knights traveled to Gladbrook, IA to take on Class A #3 ranked Gladbrook-Reinbeck with many questions to be answered.

Who will be the QB?   Who will replace the leading rusher and leading tackler?    How will the offense line work together?  Who is going

to step up on the Dline to replace three seniors?   How will the kicking game be with a new kicker, punter, and snapper?   

Nearly all those questions and more were answered as the defense dominated GR's offense for four quarters.  The only score came when 

GR ran back a kickoff return in the fourth quarter.   The field conditions were tough and keeping the football dry was even tougher.   Union 

took the upper hand in the turnover department    The revitalized defense created three turnovers, with one fumble recovery (Michael Ahrendsen)

and two interceptions (Brady Driscol and Isaiah Vaughan).   Vaughan had the key turnover picking off a GR pass and returning it 73 yards inside the

GR five yard line which led to a Union touchdown.  The defense was the hi-light for Union allowing only 81 total offense the entire game.

Led by Jace Hadachek with 11 total (8UA, 3AT) and two sacks the Knight team swarmed the GR offense all night long.   Blake Havran and Dylan Bear

each had five tackles, while Justin Carey, Zane Seuser, and Dakota Hopper had four.  Tate Hadachek and Michael Ahrendsen had three each and 11

other Knights were in on tackles.

Offensively, sophomore Isaiah Vaughan turned it on in the wet conditions and rushed for 135 yards in 20 carries and 2 TDs.   John Boisen, another

sophomore started his first game at quarterback and was 3 of 9 for 17 yards.    Brady Driscol had two of the three receptions for 14 yards and Dylan

Bear had the other.

Special teams was another untested entity Friday night.    Justin Carey had a big punt return in the fourth quarter for 46 yards and a touchdown and 

Will Reiter kicked off five times for a 45.8 average.    Some breakdowns occurred on the PAT and punt units proved there are some areas to work on

in week two.

The Union Knights open up at home this Friday night vs. Center Point - Urbana.   CPU is currently ranked #9 in the 2A poll by www.iowapreps.com..

Grade...Name...SLJ in inches

12 Dylan Bear 109"
10 Brock Hadachek 109"
12 Tate Hadachek 106"
12 Brady Driscol 103"
10 Isaiah Vaughn 103"
10 Ryan Miller 101"
11 Will Reiter 99"
10 Daycen Douglass 98"
12 Blake Havran 98"
12 Justin Carey 97"
10 Nathan Leroy 97"
10 Dylan Stech 97"

1. John Boisen-increased 2,218 lbs.
2. Ryan Miller-increased 1,734
3. Sam Johnson-increased 1,486
4. Tate Renaud-increased 1,210
5. Ryder Albertsen-increased 1,158
6. Jon McQuilkin-increased 1,060

Congrats to these players. All of their hard work throughout the off season has paid off!

Missing:  Noah Heerkes and Adam Purdy 

Week 7

Workout 1: Straight Ahead Speed

Jump Start

• 12 X 10 yard Sprints (1:1) Jump Start

• 12 X 20 yard Sprints (1:1)

• 8 X 100 yard Sprints (1:3)

• 400 yard shuttle (20 back – 40 back – 60 back –80 back)

Workout 2: Change of Direction

• T drill (30 yard shuffle) (sprint, shuffle, shuffle,pack pedal) (1:2)

• 10 X reps - 1 minute break – 10 reps

Workout 3: Volume

• 18 X 100 yard sprints (1:1)

Week 6

Workout 1: Straight Ahead Speed

• 12 X 10 yard sprints (1:1)

• 10 X 20 yard sprints (1:1)

• 8 X 40 yard sprints (1:2)

• 6 X 80 yard sprints (1:3)

• 2 X 100 yard sprints (1:3)

Workout 2: Change of Direction

• Box (sprint, bear crawl, back pedal, bear crawl) (1:2)

• 10 reps - 1 minute break – 10 reps

Workout 3: Volume

 • 12 X 200 yard sprints (1:1)

http://www.dragondoor.com/workshops/rkc_skincare/

Week 5

Workout 1: Straight Ahead Speed

• 12 X 10 yard Sprints (1:1)

• 8 X 100 yard Sprints (1:3)

• 12 X 10 yard Sprints (1:1)

Workout 2: Change of Direction

• 5-10-5 (20 Yard shuttle) (1:2)

• 10 reps - 1 minute break – 10 reps

Workout 3: Volume

 • 16 X 100 yard sprints (1:1)

Week 4

Workout 1: Straight Ahead Speed

Get Up Sprints

• 10 X 10 yard sprints (1:1)

• 9 X 20 yard sprints (1:1)

• 8 X 30 yard sprints (1:2)

• 4 X 200 yards sprints (1:3)

Workout 2: Change of Direction

• 60 yard shuttle (5 -10 -15) (1:3)

• 8 reps - 1 minute break – 8 reps

Workout 3: Volume

• 10 X 200 Yard Sprints (1:1)

Four members of the Cincinnati Bengals offensive line were present to help coach at the Illinois Wesleyan

Line Camp held this past Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday.  Union had 13 members of their team present and

there were nearly 200 campers.   The Knights had the most of any team which included Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri.

Week 3

Workout 1: Straight Ahead Speed

Jump Start

• 10 X 10 yard Sprints (1:1)

Jump Start

• 10 X 20 yard Sprints (1:1)

• 6 X 100 yard Sprints (1:3)

• 400 yard shuttle (20 back – 40 back – 60 back – 80 back)

Workout 2: Change of Direction

• T drill (30 yard shuffle) (sprint, shuffle, shuffle,

pack pedal) (1:2)

• 8 reps - 1 minute break – 8 reps

Workout 3: Volume

• 14 X 100 yard sprints (1:1)

Workout 3: Volume

• 14 X 100 yard sprints (1:1)

Week 2

Workout 1: Straight Ahead Speed

• 10 X 10 yard sprints (1:1)

• 8 X 20 yard sprints (1:1)

• 6 X 40 yard sprints (1:2)

• 4 X 80 yard sprints (1:3)

 • 2 X 100 yard sprints (1:3)

Workout 2: Change of Direction

• Box (sprint, bear crawl, back pedal, bear crawl) (1:2)

• 8 Reps - 1 minute break – 8 Reps

Workout 3: Volume

 • 8 X 200 yard sprints (1:1)

The following workouts are designed for the Union athlete to perform on "OFF" days where we do not have organized Strength & Conditioning

workouts.   It is also primarily designed for the athlete not playing baseball, not participating in basketball activities, but needing additional short

distance work as well as change of direction reps.   it progresses until August when it peaks you for mini-camp and the fall season.

When you see work to rest intervals that means work and rest time is the same, like 1:1 or rest may be longer like 1:2 or even 1:3.  So if it takes you 15 seconds to run a 100 yards you rest for 45 seconds, thus 1:3.  If it takes you 12 seconds to run a 100 yards you rest for 36 seconds.   

A 1:1 ratio means time to run and rest are identical.  

WEEK ONE

Workout 1 (Sunday or Tuesday)  straight ahead speed

* 10 X 10 yard sprints (work to rest 1:1)

* 6 X 100 yard sprints (work to rest 1:3)

* 10 X 10 yard sprints (work to rest 1:1)

Workout 2 (Friday) change of direction

* 5 - 10 - 5 Pro Shuttle (work to rest 1:2)

8 reps - 1 minute break - 8 reps

Workout 3 (Saturday or Sunday) volume

* 12 X 100 yard sprints (work to rest 1:1)

**we wil post Week Two workouts on Sunday

**IF YOU DON'T SEE YOUR  NAME ON HERE, E-MAIL YOUR TIME SLOT TO ALY AT IOWATEAM@GMAIL.COM

LPC 6:30 A.M.

Jared Ansley


Alex Barz

Dylan Bear

John Boisen


Justin Carey

Jordan Carey

Kyle Colwell


Trevor Davis

Christian DeSalva

Daycen Douglass

Dobson Douglass

Brady Driscol


Blake Faber

Dylan Felderman

Hunter Fleshner
Brayden Grosse

Jace Glenn


Seth Hanus

Tanner Hilton

Dakota Hora


Derek Holschlag

Jacob Holschlag

Sam Johnson

Alex Kane

Quentin Kinsel

Alex Krall

Nathan LeRoy

Jake Lawrinenko

Joshua Lawrinenko

Jonathan McQuilkin

Nick McQuilkin

Gavin Miller 

Ryan Miller

Keaton Newgren

Bryce Parker

Adam Purdy

Anthony Redman

Trey Redman

Will Reiter

Ben Rempe

Brady Rempe

Kaleb Roach

Zane Seuser


Zeke Seuser

Treyton Slater

Jordan Schmitz
Silver Schmitz

Brandon Stech

Dylan Stech


Alek Stone


Austin Timmer

David Wildeboer

Dan Zeien

Eric Vaughn

LPC 5:00 P.M.

Colton Adams

Harley Adams 


John Adelmund


Bryan Artega

Allan Bergom


Tanner Cummings


Anthony Garza


Kyle Gross

Christian Hoyas

Mason Pelke


Payton Pelke

Preston Peterson

Tate Renaud

Tanner Shirk

Clayton Sparks

Clayton Thiele 

Nolan Wandschneider

C.J. Weltzin

Dysart 6:30 A.M. 

Michael Ahrendsen

Lane Albertsen

Ryder Albertsen 

Koby Alpers


Carter Brehm

Nathan Dvorak

Noah Garwood

Brock Hadachek

Jace Hadachek

Tate Hadachek


Troy Hanus

Blake Havran

Jon Hellman


Payton Hellman

Carter Hennessy

Adrian Hernandez


Tate Hookham

Dakota Hopper

Jared Jolley

Donald Lyons

Wes Kaufman
Carter Moore

Jakob Rutledge

Isaiah Vaughn 

Zach Winkelpleck

TO ORDER GEAR FROM GREGG'S AND THE GRAPHIC EDGE CLICK ON THE LEFT HAND SIDE MENU.   GO TO HANDOUTS.

BOTH ORDERS ARE DUE BY MAY 28TH.   

CAMP FORM FOR THE "WE BUILD CHAMPIONS" AUGUST CAMP WILL BE ON THE HANDOUTS ALSO.   NOTICE UMS AND UHS DATES ARE 

DIFFERENT BUT BOTH ARE ALLOWED TO ATTEND FATHER-SON DAY ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 3.  

The Union football team will have a leadership meeting at the UHS auditorium at 7:45am on Friday.

This is for the fall 2014 squad and excludes freshmen.    We ask all athletes to bring a pen.

We will be voting on the Junior and Sophomore Unity Council members as well as covering some 

important points of emphasis.

Our annual Player-Parent meeting will be held on Monday, May 19 at the UHS auditorium from 7pm-8:15pm.

We request ALL players entering 9th-12th grade be in attendance as well a minimum of one parent for 

communication purposes.

Kolten Bader making it official to attend BVU next fall and play football for the Beavers.

BVU is a member of the Iowa Conference and NCAA DIII. Kolten had a great career for the Knights 

and will be doing great things in the future at BV.

His parents, Deb Blake, and Kyle Bader are looking over him.

Congratulations to Kolten and his parents.   We are proud of you.

Congrats to Knight graduate Josh Clark on being featured in the JCGridiron.com Pre-Season Interior Offensive LinemanWatch List on Friday.  https://jcgridiron.rivals.com/.

We just received word that Tedd officially graduated from boot camp with the U.S. Navy.  

Here is Kent and Sue Schmitz with Tedd after the ceremony.   Congrats Tedd and thanks

for serving our country!  For more information you can click here:  http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/

Tedd is in Division 134.   

First of all congratulations on a strong finish in the 2nd trimester to all our of student-athletes.  We had very few casualties in the 

classroom.   We are proud of two great back to back semesters dating back to spring of 2013.   Keep up the great work as we will 

post the top 20 and 3.0 GPA club on our website very soon.   Also, congratulations to Nathan Dvorak, Noah Garwood, Jace

Hadachek,and Tate Hadachek as they were inducted into National Honor Society with some other champions last night at UHS

under the direction of Mrs. Kriz.   Maintain the classroom excellence!

Secondly, giving back has always been a big part of our program and also UHS.   We are pleased to announce the following

champions volunteered at the 2014 NE Iowa Special Olympics this past Sunday at the UNI Dome in Cedar Falls. Keaton Newgren,

Sam Johnson, BrockHadachek, Tate Hadachek, Jace Hadachek, Alex Barz, Dylan Stech, Dakota Hopper, Dakota Hora, Dylan

Bear, Isaiah Vaughn, Jack Ollendieck, Christian Hoyas, Clayton Thiele, John Boisen, Michael Ahrendsen, Zane Seuser, Nathan

LeRoy, Wes Kaufman, Alex Krall, Dayton Powell, and LaurenBarz.   Forgive me if I missed a name.   It is just amazing to watch

our students in action and giving their time and energy to others.   In addition, the hi-light is watching the champions compete at the

Special Olympics as we had several from our Union Community School district. You can catch a glimpse of the action here:

http://youtu.be/MiGY4tjotik

Thirdly, we also took a group of 12 young men to the University of Dubuque this past Sunday after the Special Olympics.  

They are hosting a unique opprortunity to use their brand new indoor football facility and have a two hour skills session coached by

the UD staff.  We arrived at 6:00pm and the session went from 6:30-8:30pm.   There were about 55 kids from NE Iowa present

including our U dozen.   Thanks to Heather Stech, Toby Hall, and Coach Todd Carlson for assisting with transportation.    There are

sessions available this Sunday and next also.  I know most of the guys who attended this past Sunday are planning on going back

due to the great experience.  You can get a form off our team website under left hand side menu under the heading HANDOUTS.

Click here:  //s3.amazonaws.com/my.llfiles.com/00116587/2014-QB-WR-Training-1-1.pdf 

Please call Coach Todd Carlson if you have any questions.  We will not have any coaches going to this second session but

Carlson can answer any questions you may need answered.   Todd's cell number is 319-230-3911 and his email address

is toddcarlson@lpctel.net.

Lastly, we have posted all games all levels thanks to Aly on our team website.   We have a 9 game schedule with four home and

five away and also nine frosh games and eight JV games.   All are subject to change.    We thank you for following the Knights

Football Facebook site also as we topped 1700 likes and this would compare to 2300 for UNI Football which is an amazing

accomplishment for a high school team.  Not on Facebook site yet?  

Click here:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Union-Knights-Football/254538910044

Have a great week!

 Coach Hadachek and Staff

Union Knights  2014 Schedule:

 BYE

08/29 @Gladbrook-Reinbeck

09/05 Center Point-Urbana

09/12 @Roland-Story, Story City

09/19 South Tama County, Tama

09/26 East Marshall, LeGrand

10/03 @Aplington-Parkersburg

10/10 Iowa Falls-Alden

10/17 @Anamosa

10/24 @South Hardin

Union Knights  2015 Schedule:

 BYE

08/28 Gladbrook-Reinbeck

09/04 @Center Point-Urbana

09/11 Roland-Story, Story City

09/18 @South Tama County, Tama

09/25 @East Marshall, LeGrand

10/02 Aplington-Parkersburg

10/09 @Iowa Falls-Alden

10/16 Anamosa

10/23 South Hardin

Their ability to deal with failure, hands down, and their ability to refocus after being distracted. They’re great at controlling themselves when they fail. They keep themselves motivated and focused always.

- See more at: http://growingleaders.com/blog/podcast-21-5-strategies-help-students-become-mentally-tough/#sthash.rEtFKrrX.dpuf

Carey: +10 bench, +45 squat

Douglass: +5 bench, +50 squat

Hennesey: +40 squat

Heerkes: +30 bench

Kane: +5 bench, +45 squat

Krall: +25 bench, +30 squat

LeRoy:+25 squat

J. McQuilken:+10 bench, +10 squat

McQuilken: +15 bench, +15 squat

Rempe: +5 squat

Renaud: +10 bench, +5 squat

Seuser: +30 bench

Vaughn: +15 bench, +30 squat

Keep up the hard work in the weight room!

Thurday we had great effort and results with a max out session includling 24 

personal records.   While this winter has been challenging with the snow and the 

wind chill there has been a core group that show up cosistently and persistently.

The rewards go to the ones who the pay the price.   The reward was "ringing the

bell" for each new PR.  Next time we "max out" the public is invited to join us!

At UHS this Wednesday it was NOT a normal day.  First off all due to the snow, wind, and cold there was NO school.   Second of 

all one of Iowa's premier athletes from this past fall signed to play football at the University of Iowa.   Jay Scheel and his parents, 

Diand and Dave, along with many fans including administrators, family, and friends saw cameras from KWWL and KCRG, and local

newpaper reporters brave the weather to see Scheel sign.   Congratulations Jay Scheel and his family.   We are UNION PROUD!

Congratulations to Union Knight senior Kolten Bader as he has verbally committed to Buena Vista University.  Kolten is from La Porte City and the son of Kyle Bader and Deb Blake.  He will be joining the Beavers as a wide receiver after excelling for the Knights as a defensive back and wide receiver.  Baderwas a first team 2A D3 player this past season, a sr. Unity Council rep, and a 2 year starter. Kolten will join team members Logan Sallee and Tanner Heckt at BVU and is the 2nd member of the 2014 class to commit to playing next fall.   Best of luck Kolten!

At halftime of girls game at UHS this past Friday night three seniors were honored.  

(from left to right:  Jay Scheel, Bo Bader, and Nick Weich)

Jay Scheel was honored for being selected to Iowa Shrine Bowl this summer at UNI,

Bo Bader and Nick Weich were both selected to the 2A Iowa Football Coaches All State Academic team.

UNION PROUD!

TO GET MORE IN DEPTH INFORMATION IN REGARDS TO IOWA HS FOOTBALL AND OTHER SPORTS SUBSCRIBE HERE:  WWW.IOWAPREPS.COM

January 26, 2014

Scheel coming in at receiver

Luke Feddersen
HawkeyeReport.com

A dual-threat quarterback in high school, four-star prospect Jay Scheelfirmed up plans with the Iowa coaching staff this weekend to start his college career at wide receiver for the Hawkeyes. We caught up with the 6-foot-1, 170-pound Scheel to talk about his official visit, how the position change will affect him, and much more.

Jay Scheel is going to start out at wide receiver in college.

Q: How was your trip to Iowa?

SCHEEL: I had a really good time. I learned more about the academic side and met with the coaches. I had a lot of fun.

Q: What did they have you do over the weekend?

SCHEEL: I got there at 3:30 on Friday and we ate dinner in the press box. I got to hang out with Trev (Hadachek) before coming back to the hotel. We had breakfast in the morning and academic stuff during the fall. Then I got to hang out with Trev and some of the players. We went to Coach Ferentz's house (Sunday morning) and then I came back this afternoon.

Q: What would you consider the highlight of your trip?

SCHEEL: I knew the in-state guys, but I liked getting to know the out of state guys. They were really cool.

Q: Did they clarify about your position at all?

SCHEEL: I talked to Bobby Kennedy and we talked about me starting at receiver. He really just helped with my decision and what I want to do.

Q: How do you feel about starting at receiver?

SCHEEL: I really like it and I am excited. When I played in high school, it was really fun. I am excited to go there and do whatever I can.

Q: Is it hard giving up quarterback?

SCHEEL: It is a little sad, but I'm playing college football. I can't be that sad about it.

Q: What did you learn from the trip?

SCHEEL: There wasn't a whole lot I didn't know but I did learn a few things about academics.

Q: You've been committed for over a year. How excited are you to finally sign?

SCHEEL: It is really exciting because I've always want to play there. It is only six months away and it is really exciting.

Q: Do you have any signing day plans?

SCHEEL: I'm not sure what will happen. I don't mind if anything does or doesn't happen.

Q: How is your knee doing?

SCHEEL: It is getting better. I'm working on it every day. The trainer and the doctors think I'll be fine. Everything is going great with it.

Congratulations to Union Knight senior Jay Scheel. Jay has been invited to play this summer for the North side in the annual Iowa Shrine Bowl to be held at UNI. 

To date, the Iowa Shrine Bowl has raised over $2,268,000 for The Shriner's Hospitals for Children. Funds for The Shriner's Hospitals For Children are developed by ticket sales, advertising in the Shrine Bowl program, merchandise sales, contributions and sponsorships.

http://www.iowashrinebowl.org/sb_roster.htm

The Union Football staff would like to congratulate the following students who earned the top GPA'sin our program.

4 POINT CLUB (alphabetical)
Nathan Dvorak
Noah Garwood
Zane Seuser

3 POINT CLUB (alphabetical)
Nathan Acuff
Michael Ahrendsen
Kolten Bader
Bo Bader
Alex Barz
Alex Bear
Dylan Bear
Alan Bergom
John Boisen
Jacob Clark
Trey Davis
Daycen Douglass
Dobsen Douglass
Brady Driscol
Elijah Gates
Brock Hadachek
Jace Hadachek
Tate Hadachek
Dylan Havran
Job Hellman
Carter Hennessey
Derek Holschlag
Kaitlin Holschlag
Jacob Holschlag
Dakota Hora
Sam Johnson
Alex Kane
Wes Kaufman
Nathan LeRoy
Cole McNeal
Nick McQuilken
Vince Neil
Keaton Newgren
Mason Pelke
Will Reiter
Brady Rempe
Jay Scheel
Dylan Stech
Clayton Thiele
Eric Vaughn
Nick Weich

Congratulations to champion Nick Weich and his parents Sam and Sharyl, and also Bo Bader and his parents Barb and Ron.  Both were ecently recognized as a members of the 2013 Academic All State football team for 2A. Nick was starting snapper and a member of several special teams units while Bo was a starting defensive end.

Criteria for the award: Criteria for nomination and selection:
1. Player must be a senior starter.
2. Player must have a cumulative GPA of 3.7 or better at the end of their junior year.
3. Player must be involved in other extra-curricular activities.
4. The Head Coach must recommend the player.

(to get more information like this you must subscribe to IowaPreps.com, www.iowapreps.com, thanks Luke for oppportunity to post 

this article about Jay Scheel and the Union football team.)

November 14, 2013

Scheel reflects on senior season

Luke Feddersen
HawkeyeReport.com

Talk about it in Off the Record

Union quarterback Jay Scheel used his senior season of football to continue to improve and grow overall as a player. This Iowa Hawkeye commitment did some good things in the process while compiling over 2,000 total yards, but felt there was even more he could have done.

Jay Scheel finished the season with 1,650 passing yards and 493 rushing yards.

"It went alright but the whole team felt it could have gone better. It is what it is I guess."

Scheel had to focus a lot of the mental portion of the game as a senior.

"We had a lot of adversity so I had to build up my skills as a leader, "he said. "When adversity was happening a lot, myself and all the captains had to step up and show what they have in leading."

The season was tough at times for Scheel as he battled through injuries to carry the team the best he could.

"I was bugged by a little bit of an injury so it was hard to play 100%, "Scheel said. "I was fighting through it and working to get my team better. I did everything I could to help my team continue to win and compete."

Scheel was slowed by a preseason knee surgery and is doing all that he can to get healthy. 

"I am just going to do what the trainer and the doctor says. I'll see what they are going to have me do right now."

Even as their top returning scorer on the basketball court, Scheel is unsure what he will be doing this winter.

"Right now, I have to see my doctor. I know I want to do basketball but if I can't play, that is something I won't do."

Scheel does have a lot he hopes to improve on during the winter and spring.

"I'm just trying to get bigger and better. I am just realizing how to use myself and my abilities to become the best I really can be."

A commitment to the Hawkeyes has kept Scheel focused on what the club has accomplished.

"I think it is going well, "said Scheel. "They have lost some close games but they have pulled out a few and are bowl bound. That is a good thing after last year."

Scheel has made multiple trips to Iowa City for games this fall and has enjoyed them.

"It was fun, "he said. "The team played well and we got to see what kind of improvements they were making. It was fun to watch."

The other athletes that Iowa is bringing in have Scheel pleased thus far.

"I feel we have a good lass coming in. I can't wait to get there and make the most of my time there."

Scheel continues to hear frequently from the Hawkeye coaches.

"I get letters every week from them and the coaching staff keeps in touch, "said Scheel. "I talked with Coach Morgan not that long along and we caught up. He was talking to my about when my official is going to be."

The official trip appears to be scheduled close to Signing Day 2014.

"He said he wanted the commits to come in sometime in January," Scheel said. "He said about the 24th or 25th. It is something like that."

Union's Jay Scheel was honored on two teams this fall post season.   The Des Moines Register QB as a second team QB selection

and the Iowa Newspaper Association second team as a QB.   Junior Brady Driscol, among the top in 2A interceptions was honored 

by the INA as a first team DB.   Congratulations to both of these young men as they carry on the tradition of excellence in our 

football program both on and off the field.

Here is the three teams selected by the INA:

Class 2A First Team

Offense Tight End/Wide Receiver Alex Drees Kuemper Catholic, Carroll 6-4 190 Sr.
Offense Tight End/Wide Receiver Nate Bergfeld Cascade, Western Dubuque 5-8 165 Jr.
Offense Tight End/Wide Receiver Zach Hugen Albia 6-2 180 Sr.
Offense Lineman Wayne Doerscher Davis County, Bloomfield 6-2 280 Sr.
Offense Lineman Sam Brincks Kuemper Catholic, Carroll 6-6 220 Sr.
Offense Lineman Nick Yarkosky Albia 6-2 250 Soph.
Offense Lineman Tanner Kroon Spirit Lake 6-3 270 Sr.
Offense Lineman Marcel Connor Louisa-Muscatine 6-4 270 Sr.
Offense Quarterback Cole Neary Kuemper Catholic, Carroll 6-5 210 Sr.
Offense Back Duncan Ferch West Marshall 6-2 210 Sr.
Offense Back Marcus Weymiller Waukon 5-11 185 Sr.
Offense Back Chase Rupiper Kuemper Catholic, Carroll 5-9 145 Sr.
Offense Kicker Austin Errthum Mid-Prairie, Wellman 5-9 155 Sr.
Offense Utility Brett Leshen Albia 6-2 180 Sr.
Defense Lineman Seth Snitker Waukon 6-3 220 Sr.
Defense Lineman Glyeb Ewing Waukon 6-2 235 Sr.
Defense Lineman Robbie Peters Mount Vernon 6-3 235 Sr.
Defense Lineman Dalton Folkerts Albia 5-9 185 Sr.
Defense Linebacker Parker Hesse Waukon 6-3 210 Sr.
Defense Linebacker Taylor Niehaus Kuemper Catholic, Carroll 6-1 205 Sr.
Defense Linebacker Dakota Ness Waukon 5-0 190 Sr.
Defense Linebacker Devin Chesler West Marshall 5-10 175 Sr.
Defense Back Jacob Ronan Waukon 5-10 160 Jr.
Defense Back Brady Driscoll Union, La Porte City 5-9 143 Jr.
Defense Back Mitch Steger Beckman Catholic, Dyersville 5-9 165 Sr.
Defense Punter Jose Rendon Shenandoah 5-8 165 Sr.
Defense Utility Ben Spaeth Spirit Lake 6-2 200 Sr.



Class 2A Second Team
Offense Tight End/Wide Receiver Austin Folsum Spirit Lake 5-10 145 Jr.
Offense Tight End/Wide Receiver Bryce Kemp Collins-Maxwell-Baxter 6-5 205 Jr.
Offense Tight End/Wide Receiver Seth Bietz Mediapolis 5-10 160 Sr.
Offense Lineman Logan Messenbrink Gilbert 6-0 225 Sr.
Offense Lineman Logan Kruse Beckman Catholic, Dyersville 6-4 245 Sr.
Offense Lineman Andy Cooper Sheldon 6-6 310 Jr.
Offense Lineman Tyler Lyon West Liberty 6-4 340 Sr.
Offense Lineman Jon Krogmann Center Point-Urbana 6-5 235 Sr.
Offense Quarterback Jay Scheel Union, La Porte City 6-0 185 Sr.
Offense Back Brandon Tomer Louisa-Muscatine 5-11 185 Sr.
Offense Back Chase Dobson Nevada 5-11 182 Jr.
Offense Back Brandon Kinsey Center Point-Urbana 6-1 180 Jr.
Offense Kicker Raudel Fierro West Liberty 5-9 155 Jr.
Defense Lineman Adam Drain Mediapolis 6-2 190 Sr.
Defense Lineman Tanner Rentschler New Hampton 6-4 182 Jr.
Defense Lineman Isaac Houghland Davis County, Bloomfield 6-2 220 Sr.
Defense Lineman Steven Peterman Kuemper Catholic, Carroll 6-4 215 Sr.
Defense Linebacker Ben Weber Cascade, Western Dubuque 5-10 215 Sr.
Defense Linebacker Josh Irlbeck Kuemper Catholic, Carroll 6-1 200 Sr.
Defense Linebacker Jared Gescheidler Gilbert 6-2 215 Jr.
Defense Linebacker Bryce Leshen Albia 5-10 160 Soph.
Defense Back Elijan Streeter West Marshall 5-10 153 Sr.
Defense Back Andrew VanGinkel Boyden-Hull/Rock Valley Sr.
Defense Back Wyatt Rhoads Gilbert 5-10 155 Jr.
Defense Punter Jake Pisarik Mount Vernon 6-3 195 Sr.

Class 2A Third Team

Offense Tight End/Wide Receiver Carter Niehaus East Sac Co. 6-1 180 Sr.
Offense Tight End/Wide Receiver TJ Lint Greene County 6-1 190 Sr.
Offense Tight End/Wide Receiver Russell Greene North Polk 6-3 170 Sr.
Offense Lineman Tommy Bomgaars Sioux Center 6-1 200 Sr.
Offense Lineman Patrick Girard Collins-Maxwell-Baxter 6-4 295 Jr.
Offense Lineman Andrew Meek Bondurant-Farrar 6-3 265 Sr.
Offense Lineman Alex Merfeld Nevada 6-4 183 Sr.
Offense Lineman Colton Lueck Beckman Catholic, Dyersville 6-5 245 Sr.
Offense Quarterback Derek Lieurance Cascade, Western Dubuque 5-11 175 Jr.
Offense Back Grant Petersen Bondurant-Farrar 6-1 175 Jr.
Offense Back Drake Fuller Bondurant-Farrar Sr.
Offense Back Braden Meints Garner-Hayfield/Ventura 6-2 180 Sr.
Offense Kicker Peyton Paddock Monticello 5-9 175 Sr.
Defense Lineman Collin Hoshaw North Polk 6-2 192 Sr.
Defense Lineman Tequesis Young Clarinda 6-3 285 Sr.
Defense Lineman Kendrick Suntken Hampton-Dumont 5-11 210 Jr.
Defense Lineman Troy Heick West Liberty 6-4 200 Sr.
Defense Linebacker Reid Miller Mid-Prairie, Wellman 5-11 190 Sr.
Defense Linebacker Connor Frerichs New Hampton 6-1 185 Jr.
Defense Linebacker Tony Anstoetter Beckman Catholic, Dyersville 6-5 195 Sr.
Defense Linebacker Derek Rupp MOC-Floyd Valley 5-11 180 Sr.
Defense Back Jesse Henrichs Central Lyon/George Little Rock 5-10 175 Sr.
Defense Back Drew Foster Mediapolis 6-2 180 Sr.
Defense Back Nick Greteman Kuemper Catholic, Carroll 6-0 160 Sr.
Defense Punter Derek Harksen Camanche 6-0 175 Sr.

Scheel’s late heroics not enough

By Cheyne Reiter

The Union Knights saw their up-and-down season come to an end Wednesday night at Cascade in a 30-27 defeat.

In their first 2013 matchup during the regular season, Union and Cascade went punch for punch and round for round in a game the Cougars eventually won 30-21 after jumping out to a commanding 17-0 lead.

Union vs. Cascade part two looked like part one’s sequel.

The Cougars (8-2) took control from the very beginning, stuffing the Knights’ ground game while scoring on their first two possessions. Cascade halfback Luke Recker – who missed the first matchup against Union – got a taste of the end zone on a 15-yard TD run. Cougars’ sophomore kicker Elmer Gonzalez then nailed a 29-yard field goal to make it 10-0 after one quarter of play.

With Union’s offensive woes continuing, Cascade took full advantage.

Isaac Coohey punched his way across the goal line from two yards out to make it 16-0 midway through the second quarter.

Finally, the Knights’ offense came to life. Union didn’t let a missed field goal deter them. Their following possession, QB Jay Scheel marched the offense down the field and hit junior WR Brady Driscol for an 18-yard touchdown to end the first half. Down 16-7, the Knights (5-5) were back to within striking distance.

But after the break, Cascade regained control.

QB Derek Lieurance broke the pocket and rumbled in for an 8-yard TD to widen the gap back to 16, 23-7.

Union and Scheel closed the gap to 10 after the senior connected with Driscol again, this time for a 9-yard TD. The Knights’ two-point conversion attempt failed, however, keeping it a two-possession game.

What Scheel was doing with his arm, Lieurance was doing with his legs. The Cougars’ junior signal-caller scrambled free for a 10-yard TD, making it 30-13 in favor of Cascade.

Trailing by 17 in the fourth quarter, it appeared the game was in the books.

Playing in what would be their last high school game, the Union seniors didn’t go down without a fight.

Jay Scheel showed off his big play ability two more times before the clock finally expired. The Iowa Hawkeye-commit returned a punt 81 yards to the house to make it a 10-point game and found Tate Hadachek for a 33-yard TD with 1.5 seconds remaining.

The Knights needed a miracle, but their onside kick and strip attempt failed and the final seconds ticked off the clock.

Scheel capped off his impressive four-year career at Union completing 15-of-25 passes for 254 yards and three touchdowns. Driscol (120) and Hadachek (105) both eclipsed 100 yards receiving and hauled in all three receiving touchdowns.

The success through the air didn’t translate to the rushing attack. The Knights were held to 56 yards rushing, led by Scheel who totaled 30 yards on 16 carries. Halfbacks Jacob Holschlag (4-18) and Noah Garwood (4-8) found little running room.

Despite another season coming to an end, Union Head Coach Joe Hadachek saw many positives. “Our no-huddle drive to end the first half was huge. It showed the fight we need to have in close games,” said Hadachek.

The seventh-year coach went on praising his players’ effort until the clock hit zero. “I was very pleased that our team did not quit and took the game to the final second. Unfortunately, sometimes the clock runs out.”

A 5-5 record isn’t what this senior class will be remembered for. They, like the two graduating classes before them, will be remembered as 2011 3A State Champions. Nobody can take that away from them.

“Our seniors were able to taste a great deal of success over the past four seasons,” said Hadachek. “But I’m more proud of the contributions they made off the field and will make after graduation.”

 Thanks to all the fans that traveled to Cascade. Good to see more Union folks there than the home team.

**story and write up to post soon

Union playoff bound for sixth straight season

By Cheyne Reiter

The Union Knights broke open a scoreless game with a 27-point second quarter against the Columbus Sailors Friday night, clinching a playoff spot and the three seed in their district due to tiebreaker criteria.

All three facets for Union – offense, defense, and special teams – excelled in a must-win game. The offense eclipsed the 300-yard mark while the defense held the Sailors to 125 yards, totaling eight tackles for a loss in the process. The Knights’ punt return team was impressive as well, totaling 66 yards on four returns.

Overall, it was a game Head Coach Joe Hadachek and the Knights (5-4, 3-3) needed to have. Not that it was only a must-win with their playoff fate on the line, but the Knights were in the midst of a four-game losing streak; a losing streak that had two 35-point losses.

A 42-point win can fix things awfully quick.

“We came together this game,” said Coach Hadachek. “Our offense now has a definite two-running back attack, our defense gang tackled, and our special teams executed their assignments very well.”

The game’s first twelve minutes saw no scoring by either team, but the remaining 36 minutes featured a relentless effort by the Knights.

Union simply overpowered the Sailors (1-8, 1-5) in the second quarter. The Knights went to the ground game for their first three scores. Halfback Jacob Holschlag put Union on the board with a 2-yard TD burst before Jay Scheel broke free for a 15-yard TD scramble. Moments later, Noah Garwood busted loose for a 28-yard touchdown run to make it 21-0.

Scheel finished out the Knights’ dominant second quarter with a 29-yard TD pass to tight end Nathan Harting.

Up 27-0 at the half, Union added exclamation points to their already impressive performance. Garwood plunged in from a yard out for his second score of the night in the third and added his third touchdown in the fourth quarter on a 15-yard TD carry. He finished with a team-high 87 yards on 14 carries.

Scheel completed an efficient 8-of-12 passes for 123 yards and a score. He added 35 yards on the ground as well. Coming off a three-turnover game against New Hampton, his decision-making was what impressed Coach Hadachek the most.

“I was thrilled with his (Scheel’s) decision-making,” said Hadachek. “He did a great job of leading our team on offense.”

Back in the playoffs for the sixth straight season, Hadachek understands what’s at stake for his 2013 squad.

“It’s a new season, a new opportunity. Right now, we have a singleness of purpose. We have to go to Cascade and execute.”

Cascade (7-2, 5-1) finished as the two seed in District 4 after falling 42-6 to Dyersville Beckman in their season finale. The Cougars defeated the Knights 30-21 at Union’s Homecoming.

“Cascade is a good ball club,” said Hadachek. “We get a shot at revenge Wednesday night.”

We had a big Tuesday with our team captains and senior Unity Council members being invited to have lunch with the LPC Senior Citizens at the

Senior Center.   It was a great time and it was good to hear our players interact with members of our community.   The players brougth their game

equipment and showed the crowd how it was worn and some of the advanced technology.   Jacob Clark is sitting on the table with three senior

citizens while Cole Reiter, Jay Scheel, Bo Bader, Jace Hadachek, and Kolten Bader also were invited.

Lastly, former Union Knight, Austin Bunz, was on leave from the U.S. Navy.   He shared some great points about the core values of the Navy and

how those same core values make up the Union football team.  Austin was right on with his message and encouraged out team to keep fighting.

Austin is shown below speaking with passion about his playing days and TEAM being more important than yourself.

We hope you all can travel to Waterloo Columbus as our freshmen play their last game of the year at 5:00pm followed by the varsity game at

7:30pm.   For your fans far away from here you can follow the Knights score and online broadcast at www.unionknights.net.  Dean Bostian and Ryan

Moody do a terrific job giving you a play by play thanks to our very generous sponsors.

Knights' early 3-0 lead short-lived

By Cheyne Reiter

The Union Knights were walloped 38-3 Friday night in La Porte City against another solid district foe, 2A’s sixth-ranked New Hampton Chickasaws.

Last season, Union QB Jay Scheel turned in the play-of-the-year during the Knights’ matchup with the Chickasaws. He hurdled a New Hampton defender en route to a big offensive gain.

This season, the Chickasaws had plenty of their own play-of-the-year candidates, including back-to-back pick-6’s of 68 and 34 yards off of the Hawkeye-bound Scheel. The two second-quarter interceptions expanded New Hampton’s 11-point lead to 25 in a matter of seconds and erased any hopes of a Knights comeback.

The loss marked the fourth straight overall for the Knights (4-4, 2-3 2A D3) whose offensive struggles reached an all-time high. The Knights were held to 123 yards of total offense and only managed a first-quarter field goal – a 39-yarder by Eskild Eriksen – for a brief 3-0 lead.

New Hampton’s defense stifled Scheel to the tune of 10-of-22 for a meager 84 yards through the air. They also held the dual-threat QB to an astounding -11 yards rushing on 10 carries. Halfback Jacob Holschlag was bottled up as well. The junior accumulated a season-low 27 yards on 14 rushes. Holschlag’s backup Noah Garwood found mild success on the ground as he led all Knights ball carriers with 32 yards on five carries. Union Head Coach Joe Hadachek reiterated his search for more offensive weapons.

“Teams are always going to key on Scheel…they have for the past two years,” said Hadachek. “We need other players to step up and make plays.”

Who those players are has yet to be determined. Wideouts Brady Driscol and Tate Hadachek have shown glimpses of success. Senior WR Kolten Bader has a three-touchdown game to his credit. For the Knights to have any immediate success, it’s a matter of somebody stepping up consistently, especially in a leadership type role.

“Great teams have great leadership,” said Hadachek. “Everything rises and falls with leadership. For us to win next Friday night (at Columbus) and secure a playoff berth, we have to have somebody lead us.”

Despite another 35-point loss, the Knights still control their postseason fate. If they win, they’re in. First-round home field advantage is out of the equation, but Union does have a realistic shot at a third place finish in District 3.

Union’s final regular season home game, however, was one they’d like to forget.

New Hampton (8-0, 5-0 2A D3) took their first lead of the night on a 1-yard TD plunge by Conner Frerichs. They made it 14-3 on a 10-yard TD pass from Cole McDonald to Kyle Smith. Scheel’s devastating interceptions followed, making it 28-3 at the break.

The Chickasaws tacked on 10 second-half points to complete the scoring. Frerichs scored his second TD on a 22-yard run in the third quarter and Smith booted a 25-yard field goal in the fourth.

Union lost the turnover battle 4-0 and were penalized six times for 55 yards, two statistics the Knights have battled in all four losses.

Coach Hadachek hasn’t dealt with adversity such as this in his six-plus years of coaching, yet a win Friday night and the Knights will play in the postseason for a seventh straight season, all under Hadachek himself.

“A postseason opportunity is on the line Friday night,” said Hadachek. If we can get to the postseason, we give ourselves another season of opportunity and the chance to surprise some people come playoff time.”

By Cheyne Reiter

The Union Knights came up short on a goal-to-go situation Friday night at Hampton-Dumont, dropping their third straight game overall, 20-14.

The Knights, 4-3 (2-2 D3), couldn't stop the Bulldogs' bruising ground attack which featured the wishbone offense. H-D churned out 336 yards of total offense, 282 coming on the ground.

Hampton-Dumont jumped on Union early and surprised the Knights' defense with the games' first TD coming through the air. Cole Miller -- who completed just 2-of-15 throws all night -- connected with Parker Claypool for a 44-yard TD strike. The PAT failed, however, making it 6-0 in favor of the Bulldogs.

H-D made it a two touchdown game in the second quarter. Isaiah Noelck -- who ran for a game-high 114 yards on 25 carries -- punched his way across the goal line for a 5-yard TD run.

The Union defense finally came up with an answer for the H-D offense and got a stop late in the second quarter. The Knights' offense responded with a beautifully executed 2-minute offense. Jay Scheel finished the drive by finding a wide open Tate Hadachek for a 42-yard score.

Down 14-7 at the break, the Knights had plenty of momentum carrying into the second half.

The Knights used that momentum and eventually knotted the game at 14 in the third quarter on a Jacob Holschlag 3-yard TD run.

The score remained in a tie until the fourth quarter. Miller put the Bulldogs back in front by six with a 3-yard TD carry of his own.

Down six late in the game, Union Head Coach Joe Hadachek still felt his team was in a great position to win.

"Our defense came up with a huge stop and we forced a bad punt," said Hadachek. "We were right there."

Union's final possession ended in heartbreaking fashion. Scheel drove the Knights inside the Bulldogs' 5-yard line but an errant pass was picked off in the endzone. The Bulldogs kneeled out for the narrow victory.

The Knights won the turnover margin 2-1, but failed to turn those turnovers into points. Brady Driscol picked off his team-high (and 2A leading) seventh interception, a new Union record. The old record of six was shared by Mike Loveless (1997) and Cheyne Reiter (2007) *shed a tear*. The interception was Union's 14th as a team, tops in 2A as well.

However, the Knights were penalized a game-high nine times for 36 yards, erasing any advantage the turnovers provided.

Scheel completed 6-of-16 passes for 188 yards. He threw one TD and one interception. Holschlag led the Knights ball carriers with 62 yards and a TD on 13 carries. He also led the Knights' defense with 15 tackles.

Union's three-game losing streak is the first of its kind in the Joe Hadachek era, spanning six-and-a-half seasons. Hadachek knows a win at home against No. 6 ranked and undefeated New Hampton would eliminate any sour memories. It would also give the Knights a shot at the No. 2 seed in 2A District 3.

"The road doesn't get any easier Friday night. A lot is on the line for our seniors, our team."

Union Community had a last minute opportunity disappear late in the fourth quarter.   Union moved ball inside the five yard line and 

failed to convert.   Union's next game is at home and is senior night and will also embrace anyone affected by cancer.   Purple T-shirts

will be worn by the Union coaching staff as well as fans supporting this cause.   The players will also wear a special emblem next Friday.

Knights limited to season-low 195 yards of offense

By Cheyne Reiter

The No. 9 ranked Union Knights hit the road Friday night to take on No. 1 Waukon in what was viewed as the feature matchup in all of 2A.

The Knights and Indians split a pair of tightly contested games during the 2012 season. After dropping last season’s regular season game 34-33, Waukon eliminated Union from postseason play with a 21-14 victory.

Waukon ensured that their first 2013 game against Union wouldn’t be a nail-biter.

The top-ranked Indians jumped out to a commanding 21-0 halftime lead and never looked back, shutting out the Knights, 35-0.

After starting 4-0, the Knights have dropped two straight games for the first time since 2009 and just the third time since Head Coach Joe Hadachek took the reins in 2008. The sixth-year coach saw some areas that need major improvement following Friday night’s defeat.

“We need to block and tackle more physically…period,” said Hadachek.

The Knights opened the game with a promising drive, only to have it end with a Jay Scheel fumble. The Indians capitalized and marched down the field before QB Parker Hesse sprinted in for a 13-yard TD run. The senior added another TD run from 35 yards out to make it 14-0 Waukon after 12 minutes of play.

Waukon extended their lead in the second quarter. Hesse connected with halfback Marcus Weymiller for a 19-yard catch-and-run, making it 21-0 at the break.

Union opened the second half with a defensive stop and had their offense in business, across the 50 in Indians’ territory. However, a protection breakdown led to a Scheel interception – by Hesse – who returned it 76 yards the other way for a touchdown.

The Indians’ Jacob Ronan finished off the Knights in the fourth quarter with a 52-yard TD carry.

Hesse finished 6-of-8 for 62 yards and a TD and also ran 13 times for 85 yards and two scores. Weymiller led Waukon in both rushing and receiving yards. The halfback had 137 yards rushing on 18 carries and added three catches for 44 yards and a TD. Despite Hesse having a hand in four of Waukon’s five touchdowns, Hadachek said there’s a whole lot more to the Indians than just him.

“They’re a good fundamental football team. Weymiller is the most underrated running back in 2A. I’d put him up against anyone we have seen in the last six years in terms of running the football.”

Offensively, it was a struggle for the Knights. Scheel completed just 12-of-25 passes for 127 yards and an interception. His scrambling ability was limited to 31 yards on 16 carries. Jacob Holschlag led the Knights with 32 yards rushing, and Brady Driscol led all receivers with five receptions for 57 yards.

Hadachek knows there may be a shot at redemption down the line against Waukon but for now, the focus is on the Knights’ next opponent, Hampton-Dumont.

“Maybe we’ll get another chance (at Waukon), but we have to worry about Hampton-Dumont right now. They’re the number one rushing team and offense in our district.”

Offensive Lineman of Week:  Tanner Hilton

Offensive Receiver of Week:  Tate Hadachek

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October 2, 2013

Driscol talks Waukon

Luke Feddersen
IowaPreps.com Editor

Slow start, crucial penalties too much for Union to overcome

By Cheyne Reiter

Friday night’s matchup between the Union Knights and the Cascade Cougars paired two of the top quarterbacks not only in 2A, but the entire state of Iowa. Unfortunately for the Knights on Homecoming in La Porte City, it was Cougars quarterback Derek Lievrance who torched Union’s secondary.

Lievrance completed 22-of-32 passes for a whopping 344 yards and three touchdowns, often finding gaping holes in the Knights’ defensive backfield. He helped guide Cascade (4-1, 2-0 D4) to an early 17-0 lead, and eventually scored the go-ahead touchdown in the third quarter after Union (4-1, 2-0 D3) stormed back to take a brief 21-17 lead.

Two first-half touchdown passes – 10 and 38 yards -- from Lievrance to Nathan Bergfeld sandwiched a Cougars second quarter field goal which provided their 17-point advantage.

Union quarterback Jay Scheel finally got the Knights’ up-tempo offense on the board midway through the second quarter, scoring on a 36-yard scamper. The Knights’ second quarter comeback continued on the Cougars’ ensuing possession. Kolten Bader picked off Lievrance – one of his few mistakes all night – and returned it 47 yards for a TD, pulling Union within three, 17-14.

After half, the Knights took their first and only lead of the night in the third quarter. Union halfback Jacob Holschlag plunged across the goal line from two yards out to make it 21-17.

Cascade came right back on their following possession and capped off a third-quarter, 80-yard scoring drive with a 1-yard TD carry by Lievrance. The PAT was wide of the uprights, leaving the door open for the Knights, trailing by two points, 23-21.

The Union offense couldn’t capitalize, however.

The score remained 23-21 until the seven-minute mark in the fourth quarter. On 4th and 5 deep in Union territory, Lievrance ensured another Knights comeback would not be. The quarterback took advantage of another Union broken coverage, connecting with Kurt Rumm for a 25-yard TD strike.

Down 30-21 and the clock not in their favor, Union needed a magical finish. Friday, it wasn’t meant to be. Their following drive stalled at midfield, and the Knights’ run at perfection was halted in its tracks, a 30-21 non-district defeat.

Union’s aerial attack was limited as Scheel completed just 9-of-20 passes for 114 yards. The dual-threat QB did find space with his legs, running for 151 yards and a TD on 19 carries. Holschlag broke the 100-yard barrier once again as the junior RB churned out 108 yards on 15 carries. Brady Driscol led the Union receivers with four catches for 51 yards.

Despite being outgained in yardage for the first time this season – 431-375 – the Knights’ defense did rack up a season-high six sacks. Bo Bader had an impressive 9 tackles, along with 3 sacks and 1.5 TFL. Holschlag had a team-high 11 tackles and one sack, and Gavin Eastman racked up 10 tackles.

Union won the turnover battle 2-0 but had untimely penalties throughout the night. The Knights were penalized 10 times for 62 yards.

The Knights resume district play this upcoming Friday on the road in Waukon (5-0, 3-0 D3) against the top-ranked Indians. Union won an epic 34-33 regular season game against the Indians last season before being trounced in the second round of the playoffs by Waukon, 21-14. Both games were played in La Porte City.

Offensive Back of Week:  Jacob Holschlag

Offensive Lineman of Week:  Carter Hennessy

Optional opportunity to hear from a true champion Chris Norton.   This event is designed for middle school aged students and older.

This event is open to all and we have friends that have joined us in the past from Waterloo Columbus, North Tama, Don Bosco, Center Point-Urbana, Vinton-Shellsburg, and Wapsie Valley to name a few.   This year we have also heard from Gibert Community and Independence.    Bring a friend, dress warm as we will be outside on grass unless it rains.  If bad weather we will use main gym at UHS.   No fee but encourage you to bring food items that can be donated to NE Iowa Food Bank.   Thanks to the Union FCA Huddle members for helping set up, attend gates to collect food, as well as sharing.

Cascade 30, Union 21. Work to do, you win or you learn. Time to learn and get ready for a big game vs Waukon.

Thanks to all the loyal fans and alums who showed up for a packed house. 

"We will rise and rise again until lambs become lions."

Union Football Alums, LPC Football Alums and Dysart-Geneseo Football Alums: We request your presence and the homecoming game this Friday vs. Cascade. If you are able to attend we would like you to be announced after the 1st quarter. Please e-mail us at iowateam@gmail.com your name and year of graduation and the school you graduated from by noon on Friday so we can post on the scoreboard. If you have your old football jersey, wear it and meet at the SW corner gate entrance. At the end of the first quarter our announcer will make a brief statement and you will all walk across the new track from the SW corner to the NE corner.

Union defense dominate once again

By Cheyne Reiter

The Union Knights 4-0 (2-0) remained unbeaten Friday night in Osage with a convincing 33-6 win over the Green Devils 0-4 (0-1).

Union RB Jacob Holschlag’s legs and WR/CB Brady Driscol’s hands – both on offense and defense – lifted the Knights to their fourth victory in as many weeks.

The Knights jumped on their opponent right from the beginning with 14 first-quarter points. Holschlag burst across the goal line from 3 yards out to put Union up 7-0 and moments later, Jay Scheel connected with Kolten Bader for a 52-yard TD.

Osage made it a one-score game in the second quarter with their first – and only – touchdown of the night. Green Devils’ QB Collin Havel threw a 79-yard strike to Thatcher Goodale to make it a 14-6 ballgame.

However, the Knights’ secondary made up for their lone mistake in a big way. They intercepted Havel four times – two more by Driscol – and allowed 194 yards on 13-of-29 completions. Driscol leads the Knights and all of 2A with six interceptions in four contests, and Union leads 2A with 12 interceptions defensively, well ahead of Spirit Lake who’s second with nine.

While Driscol was preventing any Osage comeback attempt on defense, he also had an impressive, efficient night on the other side of the ball. The Union junior caught two touchdowns – his only two receptions of the night – from Scheel in the second quarter from 2 and 9 yards out, sending the Knights into half with a 27-6 advantage.

After the break, the Knights were able to establish a rhythm offensively but could only punch it in for a score one time. Holschlag scored his second touchdown of the night on a one-yard plunge in the fourth quarter to finish out the scoring. The Knights’ tailback led all ball carriers with 122 yards on 24 carries and two scores.

Scheel completed 14-of-25 passes for 196 yards and three touchdowns. He also threw his second interception of the season. Kolten Bader torched the Green Devils’ secondary with seven catches for 136 yards and a touchdown.

Holschlag led the Union defense with 11 tackles and Gavin Eastman added six tackles, two being for a loss. Bader also snagged his first two interceptions of the season. Overall, the Knights limited the Osage attack to 249 yards of offense and forced six total turnovers.

The Knights racked up 443 yards of offense, 247 of them coming on the ground, but had trouble scoring in the second half. Head Coach Joe Hadachek gave credit to Osage.

“Osage always gives us fits. Last year we had to pull away in the second half to get a victory. This year, the script was flipped; we built a lead early and were able to hang on.”

The Knights face a tough test Friday night for Homecoming. Cascade 3-1 (2-0 2A D4) comes to La Porte City for a crossover district matchup. Despite having no common opponents, Hadachek has a pretty good idea of what to expect.

“They run a spread offense and are very well-coached. They’ll get after you defensively, and we expect a good challenge Friday night.”

Offensive Back of Week:  Noah Garwood

Offensive Lineman of Week:  Nathan Harting, Tate Renaud

Hilights and write up to be here soon!

Scheel, Knights set multiple records

By Cheyne Reiter

The No. 4 Union Knights made easy work of Central Springs Friday night with a 61-6 victory.

Union moved to 3-0 on the season while also picking up their first win in district play.

Putting up 61 points is no easy task, especially with the continuous clock rule in effect after half when a team is up by 35 or more points.

However, Union had the game in hand before the break, mainly because of Iowa Hawkeyes’ commit and Union QB Jay Scheel delivering a near-perfect aerial performance.

The electrifying Scheel threw five TDs in the first half, scored another with his legs, and led the Knights to the locker room with a 47-0 lead at halftime.

Union scored two touchdowns in the first quarter on multiple TD passes, one apiece to Brady Driscol and Kolten Bader.

Union put up a whopping 34 points on five touchdowns in the second quarter, ultimately burying Central Springs. Scheel unleashed three more TD strikes, two to Dylan Bear and one more to Bader. He and Jacob Holschlag also had TD runs both from two yards out.

Scheel’s all-around, record-setting performance had his head coach Joe Hadachek in awe.

“He’s got the complete package. He can throw darts on the perimeter, and we all know he runs like a deer. Throw in his short and intermediate passing game and it’s a pretty special talent,” said Coach Hadachek.

The Knights added two more scores in the third quarter, the first being a 43-yard missile to Bader – his third receiving TD of the night – and the second coming on a 9-yard TD carry by Noah Garwood.

When the game ended, Scheel’s numbers looked like those from a video game. He completed 12-of-14 passes for 225 yards and six TD’s. He also carried five times for 46 yards and a score. His seven total touchdowns and six passing TD’s both are Union records.

Holschlag again led all ball carriers with 13 carries for 85 yards and a TD. Garwood added 31 yards on eight rushes. Bader led the receiving corps with five catches for 111 yards and three scores. In total, the offense racked up 396 yards and punted only twice.

While the offense was wheeling and dealing, the Knights’ defense was equally as impressive. They limited Central Springs to just 70 yards of total offense, 64 of them coming on the ground. The secondary intercepted five passes – another Union record – led by Driscol who had two. The junior standout now has four interceptions in just three games.

Central Springs completed just 1-of-15 passing attempts.

Despite the impressive 55-point victory, Hadachek knows there’s more to come.

“We can be better as crazy as that sounds. We want to be playing our best ball towards the end of the regular season.”

With district game No. 2 and Osage lurking, Hadachek continued to emphasize the mental mistakes, in addition to his team not becoming complacent. The Knights accumulated eight penalties.

“We have to cut down on penalties. The aggressive ones are fine, but it’s the illegal procedure(s) and the 12 men on the field type of miscues that hurt us. We can’t become bored with the routine.”

http://www.kwwl.com/story/23430020/2013/09/13/union-rolls-to-61-6-win-over-central-springs

LA PORTE CITY (KWWL) -

Fourth-ranked Union ran its record to 3-0 Friday night with an impressive 61-6 home victory against Central Springs.

The Knights handed Central Springs their second loss of the season on the strength of Jay Scheel's arm and a talented group of receivers.

The Knights defense also came through with three 1st-half interceptions.

The Knights rolled to a 47-0 halftime lead.

UNION PLAYS AT OSAGE NEXT FRIDAY IN DISTRICT GAME #2 for the KNIGHTS.

Balanced offense key to Knights’ success

By Cheyne Reiter

The 2A No. 6 (AP) ranked Union Knights welcomed traditional 1A powerhouse and No. 3 ranked Aplington-Parkersburg Falcons to La Porte City Friday night and moved to 2-0 after a resounding 37-13 blowout.

Thanks to Jay Scheel and Dylan Bear, the Knights opened a commanding 31-7 halftime lead.

Union opened the scoring in the first quarter – on Scheel’s first of three TD connections to Bear – from seven yards out.

The Knights extended their lead with a dominant second quarter. Union senior kicker Eskild Ericksen nailed a 30-yard field goal prior to an A-P 9-yard touchdown run by QB Cody Ryan to make it a 10-7 game, but the Knights scored 21 unanswered points to close the half.

Scheel’s second TD throw was again to Bear who toe-tapped his feet in the back of the end zone.

The Knights defense forced the Falcons to punt on the following possession. Bear was again involved in the score, blocking the punt, allowing Nathan Harting to scoop-and-score from 11 yards out, making it a 24-7 Union advantage. Scheel then connected with Bear one more time before the break. Bear caught the ball in stride, shrugged off two would-be tacklers and sprinted 54 yards for his third touchdown of the half.

Up 31-7, the Knights were able to cruise in the second half. Brady Driscol was on the receiving end of Scheel’s fourth TD pass – a 14-yard strike in the third quarter.

A-P scored a touchdown late to finish out the scoring.

The Union defense forced A-P to grind out 274 yards on 63 carries. The Falcons threw just seven times, were intercepted twice – one each by Driscol and Tate Hadachek – and totaled eight yards through the air.

Union’s offense was well-balanced, totaling 147 yards on the ground and 176 yards passing.

Jacob Holschlag led all Knight defenders with 13 tackles and one sack. He also led the Union rushing attack with 76 yards on 16 carries.

Union Head Coach Joe Hadachek was pleased with the improvements he saw from week one to week two. “Our offensive line and special teams stepped up in a big-time game against a tough foe like A-P. To get a special teams touchdown is a huge boost in momentum.”

As for his star quarterback Scheel, the coach saw maturity in his game. “Jay had a super game. His decision-making ability improved, and he showed he can be an excellent pocket-passer.”

The Knights did not turn the ball over despite fumbling three separate occasions. A-P played mistake-free football for penalties, while Union racked up nine penalties for 65 yards.

Heading into district play, the Knights sit a perfect 2-0 and take on Central Springs (1-1) in their district opener. Central Springs’ Blake Blickenderfer is the leading rusher in the district, averaging 9.5 yards per carry through two games, along with four touchdowns.

Coach Hadachek expects another grind-it-out approach for the second consecutive week. “They like to pound the ball and chew up the clock. We have to slow him (Blickenderfer) down and avoid big plays.”

Offensive Back of Week:  Jay Scheel

Offensive Lineman of Week:  Alex Barz