Some notes on Union’s win at McKenzie Stadium.
The Union Titans ended up pulling away from Evergreen to pick up their fourth consecutive win, and the Evergreen Plainsmen might have gained some confidence as well.
A win-win perhaps?
Bryan Levesque went to McKenzie Stadium and relayed some stats and quotes from Union’s victory.
Union scored first in this game, but Evergreen bounced back and took a brief 7-6 lead.
The Titans would get the next two touchdowns to take a 20-7 lead at the half.
Then it got really interesting. Evergreen surprised the Titans with an onside kick to open the second half. The Plainsmen recovered it, and would go on to score to make it 20-13.
The Plainsmen weren’t done. The defense slowed Union. The Titans punted.
So, yes, in the third quarter, there was Evergreen with the ball and a chance to tie.
“They’re a great team, probably one of the best 4A schools in the state, honestly,” said Evergreen’s Kyle Norton, who rushed for 99 yards and two touchdowns. “To be that close … to have a shot to tie the game, I think that’s the biggest accomplishment of them all. The score may be 47-27, but it was (better) than that. We fought. We did what we could do. We played one of the best games yet. It just shows that when we put our stuff together … what we can do. It will boost us into league play.”
Don’t throw it toward Tobias
That chance to tie, though? It went where no team should dare try. That opportunity was gone when Evergreen tested Union’s Tobias Merriweather.
“I’m 6-4, long, lanky, and tall and fast. I just made a play. I do what I do,” Merriweather said. “That’s what I do, make plays. Came out with the interception. Big-time play at a big-time moment.”
Union scored just a few plays later for a big swing in momentum and in points.
Evergreen kept battling, though. The Plainsmen got it back to a one-possession game, but there was no stopping Union’s offense by then.
Getting ready for league play
Liam Boyce had two interceptions for the Union defense. He credited his teammate for putting him in position to succeed.
He also said that the Titans are ready for 4A Greater St. Helens League play. Union will have its three league games in the final four weeks of the regular season.
“We’re excited. We’re just excited,” Boyce said. “Play as a team each week. At practice, going 100 percent and not taking anything for granted. Every team wants to beat us. We’re ready for some heat, and we want all the smoke.”
Merriweather said the Titans are feeling good about themselves as they prepare for the stretch run.
“Our team has an element of potential right now,” he said. “We’re gonna come out with smashmouth football the rest of the year.”
Numbers
Mitch Ratigan threw for 165 yards and two touchdowns for the Titans. Merriweather had six receptions for 94 yards and a score. Jaydon Jones rushed for 87 yards on 11 carries and scored three touchdowns.
Jayden Crace threw for 125 yards and two touchdowns for Evergreen.
