Union cruises into second half of schedule

Union will attempt to stay at the top of the Class 4A Greater St. Helens League standings with a matchup Friday against Battle Ground.

Titans are 4-1 overall heading into Friday’s matchup with Battle Ground

Union Titans (4-1, 1-0 4A GSHL)

Week 1: Union 35, Hermiston 21 Week 2: Union 26, Mountain View 21 Week 3: Eastside Catholic 35, Union 0 Week 4: Union 33, Tumwater 29 Week 5: Union 56, Heritage 6 Next: vs. Battle Ground, 4:30 p.m. Friday at McKenzie Stadium

Whoa, how’d that happen:

Game was tied at 7, and Heritage had the ball. Then Heritage didn’t have the ball. Just like that, Braedon Ensley was going the other way, a 21-yard fumble return for a defensive touchdown. It happened so quick, in fact, the ball never touched the ground. Union linebacker Tyler Summers was in position to make a tackle-for-loss, then figured why not go for the ball instead. He stripped the ball, the ball popped up in the air, and Ensley caught it and headed to the end zone.

Fancy footwork:

Ensley scored on offense, too. This one should have come with style points. He reached high to catch a pass from Carter Sutton, then noticed a defender coming his way. He jumped as he moved to his right, trying to get thinner, if you will, as the defender slipped past him. Then Ensley started running again and made a hard cut to the left to leave another defender in his tracks. In all, it was a 41-yard touchdown for a 21-7 lead.

Jojo and the line:

The rest of the game was a Jojo Siofele showcase. The junior running back rushed for well more than 200 yards. He had touchdown runs of 60 and 31 yards. Credit David MacDonald and I believe it was No. 55, Devon Wilson, who opened the huge hole on one of those long scores.  

  (By the way, I watch as many games as I can, all classifications, and I really wish the players could wear computer chips in their helmets to identify themselves. Because some of the numbers are impossible to read from these camera angles. My point? Sorry if I did not get the ID correct on some of these plays!)

Coach Speak:

What did Rory Rosenbach learn about his team in Week 5? “Got to see a lot of guys get an opportunity to compete. We learned that when given the opportunity, we have some young guys who will fly around and get after it. Offensive line is continuing to improve, and the defensive line played with good discipline as well.” MVP on offense: Jojo Siofele. The Titans had him for more than 250 yards. MVP on defense: Tyler Summers. Sophomore got his first start. He had six tackles, plus that forced fumble that led to the defensive touchdown. Thoughts on Week 6 vs. Battle Ground: “Love what Coach Kes is doing over there,” Rosenbach said, referring to former Union assistant coach Mike Kesler, now the head coach of the Tigers. “They get better every week. We know they will be well prepared and will compete for four quarters.”