Sports : Union teams defeat Oelwein on 'Beat Cancer Night'

"Toro," former Dysart-Geneseo player and long-time friend of Union Coach Joe Hadachek, joined Union captains for Friday's coin toss during 'Beat Cancer Night.' Union had a reason besides football to rally on Friday night, says Coach Joe Hadachek. "All community and family members fighting against cancer were honored as their names scrolled across the video board. The game was dedicated to them," said Hadachek, after the Knights' 62-0 win. "Two champions were honored at the pregame coin flip: Coach Adam Gassman, who has fought lymphoma in his past, and former Dysart-Geneseo quarterback Terry "Toro" Ewoldt, who fights the fight now with cancer." Toro was the quarterback of Hadachek's team 35 years ago. "We ran the shotgun before the shotgun was cool," recalls the coach. "But we did it out of necessity." The Knights defense led the way again. With a shutout endangered by an Oelwein interception that was nearly returned for a touchdown, Michael Ahrendsen and Jordan Schmitz ran the Oelwein player down inside the five. The defense held and from that point on Union dominated, and kept the Huskies (0-4) from entering Union territory for the rest of the game. Oelwein had just four first downs and 66 yards of total offense. The Knights were led in tackles by Brock Hadachek (7) and four others with five each: Daycen Douglass, Jace Glenn, Drew Edwards, Quention Kinsel, and Ryan Miller. Jordan Schmitz had a fumble recovery returned for seven yards while Edwards and Kinsel each had an interception. Dakota Hora had a busy night kicking off for 498 yards in 10 kicks and also 8 of 9 in PATs with one bad snap/hold that was missed. The Knights did not punt on the evening. Hadachek also had a blocked punt that was returned by Oelwein for a first down after controversy whether the ball was behind the LOS or not. Union ball boy Tyler Clapp runs along as JV QB Silver Schmitz runs toward the end zone for another score in the Union JV's 47-0 win over Oelwein on Friday. Offensively nine different ball carriers were used and eight of the ball carriers had at least three attempts. Six different Knights put points on the scoreboard. Sophomore Brit Rolison led the way with 12 carries for 100 yards and four TDs. Sophomore Kaleb Roach carried the ball five times for 58 yards. Other TDs were rushes by Jordan Schmitz, Koby Alpers, and Bryce Parker. Troy Hanus was 9 of 12 for 189 yds, 2 TDs, and one interception. Receiving corps were led by senior Dylan Stech with four receptions for 94 yards and two TDs. Alpers and John Boisen each had two receptions and Rolison one. The undefeated Knights have outscored their first four opponents by a total of 189-6, and each game has been shortened by the "mercy clock" rule. Union travels to Dyersville Beckman (2-2) this Friday and the Knights will return for Homecoming, Sept. 30, vs. Waterloo Columbus. See more photos of the game and other "Beat Cancer Night" activities HERE. See the Union stat page HERE.