Union City was able to capitalize on early turnovers on Friday, in a 38-14 Region 2 win over Youngsville at Youngsville High School.
After a scoreless first, the Eagles fumbled twice in the second quarter, giving the Bears an opportunity to take an early lead.
"That hurt momentum," said Eagles' coach Luke Alex. "Momentum is key in high school football. We did some good things early on, but it snowballed from there."
Article Photos
Times Observer photo by Cody Elms
By Any Means Necessary
Youngsville's Bob Hanes drags down a Union City running back by the ankle with assistance from Jacob Sperry (65).
Once again the Eagles found themselves on their own side of the field on fourth down.Youngsville fumbled for a third time - this time while attempting a punt - but was able to pick up the ball and get off a short kick.
However, the Bears, with short field position, were able to tack on a third touchdown with just 31 seconds left in the half, to lead 18-0.
Union City running back Josh Reinke got into the end zone for the third time of the night early in the third quarter, with a two-yard run. Reinke would later add another touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Bears' quarterback Brody Mangel broke free for a 21-yard score on the following Union City drive to go ahead by 31.
Andy Kerr was able to put the first points on the board for the Eagles, with a 10-yard rushing touchdown, three minutes into the final quarter.
After Reinke's quick 80-yard score, the Eagles were able to pace themselves for a lengthy scoring drive with 3:11 to go in the game.
"When we hold on to the football, we can do good things," Alex said.
With the loss, the Eagles fall to 1-5 overall, and 1-4 in Region 2.
Despite injuries to several key starters, Youngsville will have a chance to improve next week when they face off with winless Seneca. The injuries haven't kept Alex from finding the silver lining.
"It's sad to see our older guys go down," said Alex, "but this will be huge for the future."
Union City-Youngsville Stats
Union City018137-38
Youngsville00014-14
Second Quarter
UC-Josh Reinke 15 pass from Brody Mangel (Kick Failed), 6:13.
UC-Reinke 5 yard run (Conversion Failed), 3:03.
UC-Mangel 4 yard run (Conversion Failed), :31.
Third Quarter
UC-Reinke 2 yard run (Mangel Kick), 7:26
UC-Mangel 21 yard run (Kick Failed), 3:03.
Fourth Quarter
Y-Andy Kerr 10 yard run (Jacob Lauffenburger to Jake Marino 2-pt. pass), 9:02.
UC-Reinke 80 yard run (Mangel Kick), 8:37.
Y-Dan McLaughlin 10 yard run (Conversion Failed), 3:11.
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UCYoOffensive Plays4447
First downs1013
Rushes-yards37-29441-163
Passing746
Total Yard368169
Comp-Att-Int4-7-04-6-1
Fumbles-Lost0-03-2
Penalties-Yards7-400-0
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INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
RUSHING-Union City, Josh Reinke 15-126 (3TD), Jake Kolodziejzak 10-98, Ray Pituch 3-38, Brody Mangel 9-32 (TD). Youngsville, Dan McLaughlin 19-85 (TD), Jacob Lauffenburger 18-66, Andy Kerr 2-7 (TD), Kris Wilcox 2-5.
PASSING-Union City, Mangel 4-of-7 for 74 yards (TD). Youngsville, Lauffenburger 4-of-6 for 6 yards (INT).
RECEIVING-Union City, Reinke 3-68 (TD), Tyler Ebert 1-6. Youngsville, Jake Marino 2-13, McLaughlin 2-7.