Unity Christian Lions Football

Unity Christian - 6
St. Thomas More - 0

It only seems fitting that the longest football game in the history of LSA/UCS ends with one of the lowest scores.

After a 70-hour delay, the Lions traveled back to Champaign to complete the final three quarters of their game that was postponed last Saturday evening due to severe weather. It would make sense that drier, more mild conditions would be conducive to higher offensive production, but that was not the case as the only points scored were on the 4th play from scrimmage during the torrential downpour this past weekend.

The Lions were able to move the ball consistently, getting into the redzone on four possessions, but penalties and poor ball security would wreck what could have been a very solid night for the offense as a whole. Despite the hiccups, Clinton VerHeecke's 25-yard TD scamper was not only the lone score of the game, but was the highlight of 19 carry effort that saw him gain 207 yards and become only the third player in school history to join the 1,000-yard rushing club!

However, it was the defensive side of the ball where the Lions shined brightest during this epic affair. Garrett VerHeecke (16 tackles), Will Marley (4 TFL) and Jackson Pettyjohn (5 tackles/forced fumble) were all over the field and made huge plays when they were needed most.

With the win this evening Unity has an opportunity to sneak into the playoffs with a win this coming Saturday against a very dangerous Milford-Cissna Park team. The Bearcats (6-2) enter the contest as heavy favorites, looking to secure a home playoff game with their 7th victory. The last regular season game will kickoff at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 25th.

A HUGE thanks to our football community for continuing to support this team through what has been a roller coaster of a season. We'll need every ounce of energy you have this Saturday!

Clinton VerHeecke: 19 Rushes/207/1 TD
Austin Kretzinger: 17 Rushes/72 Yards/17 Yards Passing/6 Tackles
Garrett VerHeecke: 16 Tackles/5 TFL
Will Marley: 6 Tackles/4 TFL
Jackson Pettyjohn: 5 Tackles/2 TFL/Forced Fumble