The Unity Christian Crusaders are one the the top line favorites to win the D4 state title this season after a dominant 9-0 march through eh regular season, and the ‘Saders playoff push opened with maybe their most impressive game yet. A 41-0 second quarter powered UC to a 50 point lead over Hamilton at the break, before going on to earn a 63-20 second half running clock win.

UC would open the game by forcing a 3-and-out before senior RB Isaac Steinstra would run 54 yards almost untouched on a misdirection. handoff for a 54 yard TD to open the scoring in the 1st – 8-0 after 2 point conversion from Nolan Vis.The Hawkeyes would add some early intrigue with an over six minute long scoring drive ending in a QB Grant Petroelje 1 yd QB sneak TD, 8-6 after failed Hawkeye two point try.

Steinstra would score again before the half from 35 yards out to make it 15-6 at the 1st quarter break.

Then UC would pour it on as Max VanKoevering led the way with 2 TD runs plus 2 INTs (One of which going for a pick 6 right before the end of the half) in the quarter. Additionally, the ‘Saders found pay dirt once with Nolan Vis, once with QB Jackson DeHoop and once with backup RB Ryder DeVree all before the half’s end – Adding up to a stunning 56-6 halftime edge.

The Hawkeyes with the running clock on would find the end zone twice in the 3rd quarter, first on another Petroejle run, then the senior QB would find senior WR Logan O’Connor from 28 yards out on a jump ball grab for another score – with a successful onside kick in between the TD scoring drives.

The ‘Saders would be the only team to find the end zone in the 4th, as backup Jr QB Justin Febus added a 3 yard run and kicker Cody Walters added on another XP for a 63-20 final score.

The Crusaders stay unbeaten and will advance to take on South Christian next week – a game that will be LIVE on MSR. The Hawkeyes will finish their season at 5-5.

 

KEY STAT LEADERS

 

UNITY CHRISTIAN – 63

RB – Sr – Isaac Steinstra: 10 Carries, 154 yards – 2 TD

FB – Sr – Max VanKoevering: 3 Carries, 63 Yards – 2 TD | 2 INT (1 Pick 6)

RB – Sr – Nolan Vis: 4 Carries, 69 Yards – 1 TD

 

HAMILTON – 20

QB – Sr – Grant Petroelje: 10-19 Passing, 78 yards – 1 TD / 3 INT | 3 Carries, 12 yards – 2 TD

RB – Jr – Brooks Hawkins: 8 Carries, 53 yards

WR – Sr – Logan O’Connor: 4 Receptions, 49 Yards – 1 Rec.TD