Knights ride backup QB to win vs. Falcons
RIMERSBURG — Union coach Dave Louder had plenty of reasons to be concerned during the Golden Knights' 28-6 football win over A-C Valley Friday night.
Quarterback Trent Corle was forced to play a lesser role with a separated shoulder and backup Taylor Smith had to make the start.
Smith came through for Union, collecting 218 yards of total offense — 134 rushing yards and 84 passing. He also threw for a touchdown and ran for two more, including his 33-yard run in the first quarter that opened the scoring.
"Taylor and Trent competed hard for the starting quarterback job at camp," Louder said. "With Trent playing with a partially separated shoulder, we were ready to put Taylor in."
Corle played a more limited role due to his injury, but he still played a key role.
He converted a two-point conversion and scored touchdowns on a 2-yard run and a 5-yard reception.
The Knights (3-6) had to stop the Falcons' momentum early, as A-C Valley (1-8) took the opening kickoff and drove to the Knights 7 line before stalling out.
Lee Russell, who also plays on the offensive line, and Alex Ford led the Falcons' rushing attack with 52 and 110 yards, respectively.
"We thought we could come out and play a physical game," Falcons coach Chris McNany said. "But Union came out and played a real physical game and wore us down. It's the most physical I've seen Union play all year."
The Knights' defense helped by intercepting four passes and putting points on the board.
Mike Smith tackled Russell in the end zone for a safety to extend the Knights' lead to 16-0 in the third quarter.
The Falcons scored with 1:07 remaining to prevent a shutout when Kasey McNany found Dakota Page for a 34-yard touchdown pass.
"Our goal at the beginning of the season was to make the playoffs, but to get to three wins is important, too," Louder said. "For 12 years, Union put up a lot of one or no-win seasons.
"We're taking baby steps, but we want to keep progressing to a team that will finish over 500 and make the playoffs."
