Another classic gridiron clash between historic rivals in the books. Here's 30 photos from Friday night's game between Unity and St.Joseph-Ogden.
Photos: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
by Clark BrooksSentinel Sports TOLONO - With spectators packed nearly two deep along the end zones and temperatures still in the low 80s after sunset, St. Joseph-Ogden gave the capacity crowd something unusual to watch Friday night: a Spartan offensive campaign that barely needed its potent passing game. SJO scored four touchdowns on the ground and added just one through the air in a 38-23 victory over Unity. Lane McKinney led the Spartans with 16 carries for 110 yards and added 7 receiving yards on a trick play. Kaden Wedig finished with 56 rushing yards, including 49 on SJO's opening series for a touchdown, and led the receiving corps with 47 yards. Brock Franzen had one catch for 15 yards. Logan Umbarger provided the workhorse effort, carrying 17 times for 57 yards. McKinney's only passing touchdown came on a 13-yard completion to Logan Wedig. The Spartans scored three times in the opening quarter, added another touchdown in the second and put the final nail in the coffin with a fourth-quarter score. Unity's offense struggled to keep pace early. The Spartan defense held the Rockets to a field goal in the first half before Unity finally reached the end zone with 1:42 remaining in the third quarter on a 13-yard touchdown pass to Jackson Cheely. The Rockets added two more scores in the fourth quarter, but it was not enough. Michael Hardin led Unity's ground game with 15 carries for 79 yards, while quarterback Carter Schmid ran 11 times for 47 yards.
Next up for both teams
The victory improved SJO to 4-0. The Spartans return home Friday to face Rantoul in the Homecoming weekend game.
Unity dropped to 2-2 and will travel to Pontiac on Sept. 18.
