Garrett Richardson picks up a Unity first down, bouncing off of Nashville's Grady Kirchner. Two plays later, the senior, who finished with 205 all-purpose yards, would score the first of four touchdowns in Saturday's home game.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
TOLONO — Long before the game ended, Unity's first-string was chillin' in the waning November sunlight, singing Sweet Caroline and practicing their Cupid Shuffle steps on the sideline. It took a little more than 28 minutes for them to earn their R&R and from time to time cheer on a big play by fellow JV players. By now, the Rockets punched their ticket to the Illinois Class 3A state semifinals in commanding fashion, overwhelming the Nashville Hornets 47-24 in Saturday's quarterfinal matchup at Hicks Field.
The Rockets (9-3), who have surged since a midseason loss to Bloomington Central Catholic, showcased their dominance on both sides of the ball. Nashville (10-2), riding a nine-game win streak and averaging 40 points per game, managed just six points against Unity's varsity defense before scoring three touchdowns late against the Rockets' junior varsity.
A Unity student fan cheers during the second half after another touchdown.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Unity wasted no time establishing control, scoring on every possession of the first half. Quarterback Dane Eisenmenger led a high-powered Unity offense, throwing four touchdown passes and showcasing precision under playoff pressure.
"I think getting the wind at our backs in the first quarter really helped us," Unity head coach Scott Hamilton said, summarizing the explosive first-quarter barrage of scoring. "Special teams pinned them down early and our defense did a good job. We were able to get on the board early and kept rolling from there. We took them out of what they [Nashville] do."
Garrett Richardson, the team’s workhorse running back, opened the scoring with a 22-yard touchdown run midway through the first quarter. He followed that with a 50-yard touchdown reception, catching a perfect spiral over his shoulder from Eisenmenger and racing into the end zone untouched.
Eisenmenger spread the wealth among his receiving corps, connecting with Mason O’Neill for a leaping touchdown catch in the back of the end zone and hitting Brady Parr for a 10-yard score early in the second quarter. With 6:21 remaining in the half, wide receiver Tre Hoggard added a rushing touchdown, barreling through the Hornets' defense to make it 35-6 at halftime.
Unity’s defense was equally impressive, with Tyler Henry snagging three interceptions, one of which set up O’Neill’s touchdown. Henry, whose father holds the Illinois high school record for career interceptions, came within two yards of a pick-six after a dazzling 55-yard return.
"I was in the right spot," Henry said, still pumped up from the quarterfinal victory and his three interceptions. He had multiple chances earlier in the season to pick off a pass or two but always came up short. Today was different. "I just saw the ball in the air, and I just went and got it.
Tyler Henry is pulled down from behind by Hornets' Brynner Inman after grabbing his second interception against Nashville. The junior finished the day with three picks and has 54 tackles going into the game with Monticello later this week.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Richardson capped Unity’s scoring in the third quarter with a short touchdown run, pushing the lead to 47-6 and activating the running clock. Nashville managed three late touchdowns against Unity’s reserves, but the outcome was never in doubt.
Richardson finished the day with 155 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 17 carries. He also caught a touchdown pass, highlighting his versatility and value to the Rockets’ offense. Eisenmenger, who completed 15 of 18 passes for 217 yards, displayed poise and efficiency, finding four different targets for touchdowns.
Hoggard led all receivers with 10 catches for 109 yards, while Parr and O’Neill made the most of their opportunities, each snagging a touchdown in critical moments.
Caden Hench was a busy bee, collecting 11 tackles in two and half quarters against the Hornets. The heavy hitting done, he other members of the starting defense soak up the moment, knowing they will play another game in seven days.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Unity’s defense was relentless, holding a potent Nashville offense in check for most of the game. Junior linebacker Caden Hensch led the way with 11 tackles, including eight solo stops, while Coleton Langendorf added two sacks. Ryan Rink contributed six tackles in a gritty defensive effort.
"We knew they were a run heavy team. Once we stopped the run, our DB's are all good enough to stop the pass," Henry said. "We all settled in and it was game from there."
Special teams were another key factor, consistently flipping field position in Unity’s favor and containing Nashville’s return game. Bailey’s accurate kicking provided the Rockets with crucial extra points to sustain momentum.
Hamilton said the defensive unit did a thorough job preparing for the Hornets. He was happy with how the Rockets came out ready to play, immediately taking control of the game on their first possession, and keeping their foot on the gas.
"Our defense did a great job putting them in tough field position," he said, complimenting their execution during the 27 minutes they were in the game and adjusting to the different offensive schemes. "We know next week we'll have to adjust to something new again. We will be ready for the challenge."
The Rockets now turn their attention to a semifinal clash with Illini Prairie Conference rival Monticello (10-2) next Saturday at 2 p.m. in Monticello. Unity won the teams’ Week 9 matchup 42-28, but the stakes are much higher this time with a berth in the state championship game on the line.
"I think it will be a good game," Henry said. "They are a good team. We played them earlier in the season and we won. We'll have a long week of practice, and we'll be good."
The winner will face either Montini (10-2) or Wilmington (12-0) for the Class 3A title on Nov. 29 at Redbird Stadium in Normal.
While players on the Nashville sidelines were likely singing the blues, Jaden Dene and three fellow players joined in together during a time out to sing the chorus to "Sweet Caroline" with the student fans behind them. The Rockets are one game away from another state final appearance, the last in November 2021.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Keywords: Unity Rockets football, Nashville Hornets playoff game, Illinois Class 3A state semifinals, Quarterback Dane Eisenmenger leads Unity, Garrett Richardson unstoppable, Unity vs. Monticello rematch
