South Tama’s Justin Suchanek stops Union’s Ryan Miller during the first quarter of the Class 2A District 6 matchup on Friday, September 18. Chronicle Photo/Allison Graham

A year ago the STC Trojans walked off the field in La Porte City looking rather downtrodden after falling to the Union Knights 35-30 in a close fought battle. The Knights captured the Class 2A District 6 title in 2014 after going undefeated.

Though some of the faces and names remain from last year, 2015 has been another story all together. STC came into this year’s District 6 showdown with much more fanfare as they are undefeated and ranked within the top five teams in Class 2A by several state publications. The Knights have had a more difficult path in the opening third of the season as they took losses against Gladbrook-Reinbeck and Center Point-Urbana in weeks one and two. However, STC was well aware of what the Knights were capable of and knew that the road to the District 6 title and a deep run into the playoffs would have to go through Union. In front of their home crowd and under terrible weather conditions, the Trojans pulled out an incredible 19-0 shutout over the Knights and captured some sweet redemption in the process.

After South Tama deferred to start the game, the Trojans made a strong defensive stand that showed the Knights that this year is the year of the Black and Blue.

“(Union) was one of the two team that beat us last year. It’s a team that has lost three games but to three really good teams and we beat them worse than anybody. But to hold them to zero points again goes to our great defense. It was kind of a screwy night that limited each of us in the first half. We had a little bit more of a power running game and were able to get in a couple of scores early in the night. It’s kind of been our MO. We play really tough defense, we get a couple scores, we get up on people and we don’t get stupid,” said Jay Hoskey.

Last year the Trojans struggled to put a stop to Union’s top-notch running back Isaiah Vaughn. But what a difference a year makes. Vaughn still seems to possess a lot of his same skills but this year he had little help to back him up.

“I can’t say enough about how well our defense is preparing. Coach Doran puts his heart and soul into it and he’s done a great job and so have our kids. We play fast. That’s a really really good running back, probably one of the best in the state of Iowa,” said Hoskey.

The closest the Knights came to scoring was with 2:16 remaining in the third quarter. Vaughn took a punt by Darius Lasley-Shields downfield for a 40-yard return. The Knights continued to move the ball to the one-yard line. But an impressive defensive stand by the Trojans shut down any hopes of the Knights landing on the board.

The Trojans defensive line lead by Kordell Schrock, Shaquille Carrillo, and Mitch Thede continued to put the hurt on the Knights all night long while holding Union to just 67 yards on the ground.

“Those guys have been so solid all the time, Bailey Chyma has just been so steady, and Justin Suchanek had a great game as well. They play within the concept. We’ve got kids that are smart enough and understand and take the teaching we give them. You don’t play the game by yourself you play the game with what a team concept is,” said Hoskey.

On the other side of the ball the Trojans continued to look to running back Jerry Lowe to get the job done. Lowe racked up 188 yards in 23 carries with three touchdowns.

“Jerry is playing with an injury that most wouldn’t play with. They may have Vaughn but I’ll take the guy we’ve got,” said Hoskey.

The Trojans had a setback in the second quarter when team captain Peyton Rutledge was injured on a play.

“I hope Bubba (Peyton Rutledge) is going to be all right. We hope it’s just a knee strain because he’s a leader and he does so many things. I hope I didn’t jinx myself because I said he would be the last guy I want to loose. He doesn’t just physically do the stuff but he brings a will. I think anything he can do to recoup he’ll do it if he’s able,” said Hoskey.

As the Trojans move forward undefeated at 4-0, Hoskey is still taking it one game at a time. “This is one game. I know everyone wants to look ahead. We are going to take them one game at a time. I know a lot of people will be pointing at Williamsburg. We’ve got to keep that mindset and keep trying to get better. Obviously these guys have goals and are starting to believe in them,” said Hoskey.

The Trojans will be on the road this coming Friday at Eldora where they will take on South Hardin (1-3) in District play.

STATS

Rushing Garcia 1-4, Lowe 23-188, Rosenberger 8-11, Rutledge 3-20 Receiving Chyma 1-4, Lasley-Shields 2-38 Scoring Lowe 18, Weiss 1 Tackles Brown 1, Carrillo 7, Chavarria 1, Chyma 2, Clark 2, Frakes 4, Garcia 3, Judge 4, Kellogg 2, Kucera 1, McAdoo 5, Moncada 3, Probasco 4, Rutledge 3, Schrock 8, Suchanek 4, Thede 2 Interceptions Kellogg 2 PAT Kicking Weiss 1 Kickoffs Chavarria 4-134 Punting Lasley-Shields 6-228 Kick off Returns Lasley-Shields 2-30 Punt Returns 1-9