Union City runs past Gleason Bulldogs

The Bulldogs had a tough matchup against visiting Union City Friday night. Photo by Alexander Williams/Sports Photographer

By Jim Steele

MVP Sports

Going into Friday night's game, Gleason knew taking on a Union City team would be a formidable exercise.

The Bulldogs were right as the Tornadoes swept through Parks-Edwards Field for a 48-8 victory.

"We knew it would be a monumental task. They are not only bigger, they returned a lot of experience from a good team last year," said Gleason coach Noah Lampkins. "They had a good mix of size and speed."

Things started well for the Bulldogs. They returned the opening kick to the Union City 30 and scored two plays later. Kaiser Crochet connected with Drake Lehmkuhl with a 35-yard touchdown pass and Gleason held the early lead, 6-0.

Bulldog senior Kursin Gustafson looks to pick up some yards against the defending Union City Tornadoes Friday night in Gleason. Photo by Alexander Williams/Sports Photographer

On the ensuring Union City possession, Gleason seemingly had the Tornadoes on their heels. On a third-and-long play, Union City began its scoring binge.

"We got a little rattled in the pass game. They locked down their coverage," said Lampkins. "We couldn't run the ball and we struggled to throw it."

Lampkins wasn't too disappointed in his team's defense.

"We played pretty good defense. We get them into third and fourth down, but they'd get it," he said. "We have to be a better-disciplined team. It was just a long night and we were outgunned."

This Friday, the 3-1 Bulldogs will host Greenfield, also 3-1 on the year. The Yellow Jackets defeated Humboldt 17-6 last week.

"Greenfield will come in with a lot of confidence. We have to be disciplined and do our jobs," the coach said. "Good things will happen for us if we do our job."