ABOVE: Warriors' running back Draven Keeler shakes off a defender looking to turn down field in a nondistrict football game Friday night at North Union High School.

ARMSTRONG, IA – The North Union Warriors closed out their season against the Sibley-Ocheyedan Generals in a non-district football game Friday night which ultimately resulted in a 51-7 loss.

“You know, just a tough way to finish the year,” said North Union football head coach Matt Ernster. “I was really happy with the way we played the previous two weeks. I give a lot of credit to [Sibley-Ocheyedan], they played really well tonight. They’re a good team. I think this year is just one of those weird years. Every once in a while you just kind of get one. We had the injury bug hit a little bit. We were up and down at times. Just trying to find our groove with some stuff.

“One thing I’ll say about this team is there was never division. There was never a lack of effort or work or anything. These guys showed up every single day trying to find ways to make it better all the time. For that, I’ll always appreciate that. Trying to keep it as tight as we could and work through our problems that we had.”

Opening the first quarter, the Generals were able to establish the run game and execute effectively against the Warriors’ defense, whether it was the quarterback or one of their running backs. Quarterback Kayne Julius was able to break free for a 28-yard run before setting up another run by Dominic Marco to open the scoring with 6:27 left in the first quarter. The Warriors got their offense going and were able to find the end zone for their first and only score of the night courtesy of a Draven Keeler 21-yard rush that leveled the score 7-7 closing out the quarter.

Two minutes into the second quarter, the Generals’ Dawson Kreykes reeled in a 45-yard catch resulting in a touchdown. The Warriors tried to get things rolling in their favor, but quarterback Greyson Colegrove was picked off by Julius, giving possession back to the Generals. This set up a Marco touchdown reception to bring the score to 21-14.

The Generals continued to score in the third courtesy of another Kreykes touchdown followed up by a Marco rushing touchdown bringing the score to 35-7. The fourth quarter was more of the same, this time opening the scoring with a 35-yard field goal. An interception by the Generals on the following drive found the Warriors back on defense, where Marco broke free for a 90-yard reception to set up a Hunter Kauffman 5-yard rushing touchdown. With 3:21 remaining, an onside kick was recovered by the Generals, who connected with Kauffman again for the final score of the night to secure the victory.