Eagles Claw Out Wildcats For First Win

The Eagles (1-2) defeated Union (0-3) 35-14 in a conference and district victory on Friday, Sept. 13. 

Sullivan was pumped after their first-season victory and breaking a two-game losing skid. Eagles captain Nolan Center told his teammates, “That is how we do it, boys,” in their post-game huddle. He concluded his speech by saying it was time to prepare for St. Clair (1-2). Sullivan will face their rivals at home next Friday at 7 p.m.

After each win, Eagles head coach Eddie Haar awards a player to shake up a Monster Energy can in the huddle. Mark Jennings received the honors on Friday night as Sullivan’s leading rusher. He blazed through the gridiron for a career-high 171 yards on ten carries. The junior scored two of Sullivan’s touchdowns.

Chase Blue was also crucial to Sullivan’s ground game. He moved the chains with 163 yards on 19 rushes, averaging 8.58. The junior sprinted into the endzone for six points during the fourth quarter.

Eagles quarterback Robert York II scrambled out of the pocket eight times for 57 yards. He snuck up the gut for two touchdowns. 

Oliver Borton rushed for 54 yards on three carries.

Parker Montee broke away with 22 yards, and Seth Valley dashed to 11.

Sullivan racked up 478 rushing yards, their highest total in a game in three years.

The Eagles improved their kicking game, completing 5/5 of their extra points. Josiah Tanner executed four of Sullivan’s attempts inside the uprights, and Kaden Smith delivered their final.

Haar praised his team for their improved performance against Union. He stated, “Compared to the first two weeks, we did a much better job controlling the pace of the game, which started with our offensive line. We limited our penalties, did a great job on defense [and] that was the best we’ve done on special teams all year. Juniors Mark Jennings and Chase Blue combined for more than 330 yards rushing; both had great nights!”

Sullivan’s defense brought the boom to the Wildcats on their opening drive. Ethan Cook cooked up a stop on Union’s first play, and Brayden Kisner picked off their following pass.

On Sullivan’s first scoring possession, Jennings broke away for 54 yards, and York used his legs on a pump-fake scramble. Jennings put Sullivan on the board by trampling a Wildcat and crossing the goal line.

At the top of the second quarter, Jennings juked out several Union defenders for a 43-yard gain. Borton went the distance on a reverse play, and York drove two yards up the center for another touchdown.

Union later sent their first strike in the end zone, cutting the deficit to seven points.

Jennings, Blue and Montee took turns with their power runs to move the chains for Sullivan. With 48 seconds left until halftime, York pounded up the middle again for a score.

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