Union unshakable in season-opening win

“I was a bit nervous, but I felt really confident with the offense,” Henry said.

He appreciated that his first two passes were short routes. He completed both of them to ease into the game.

“That was a big tone-setter,” he said. “Getting those passes down, it really built my confidence.”

Senior linebacker Paul Gladkov is another new face with the Titans. He moved from Missouri this offseason and he, too, made an immediate impact. He sacked the Mountain View quarterback for an 8-yard loss on a fourth-down play in the first half.

“The adrenaline was going,” he said. “Our goal was to execute and don’t let them score.”

The Thunder did get on the board, but late in the contest, long after the game was decided.

This was all but done in the first half when the Titans gained 266 of their 377 yards. Mountain View, meanwhile, was held to 58 yards in the first half and three first downs.

“For the first time out of the chute, we did some good things,” Union coach Cale Piland said. “Most importantly, we played with a real good energy and intensity. In Week 1, that’s what you’re trying to establish. Proud of my kids for doing that tonight.”

Siofele missed much of his 2011 season with an injured knee. He looked fine Friday.

“I wanted to come back this season and make a name for myself and let people know who I was,” Siofele said.

He converted a fourth-down play on Union’s second drive of the night, then cashed in on that drive with a 20-yard touchdown run. He did the same thing on Union’s third touchdown. First, a fourth-down conversion, then a TD — this time on a 1-yard run.

Those drives showcased his power. His third touchdown was all about speed, a 54-yard run with 19 seconds left in the first half.

“I had a feeling he was going to be gone on that one,” Henry said.

As quarterback, Henry got a great view of Siofele’s night.

“That was crazy,” Henry said. “I knew he was going to have a really good year. All fall camp, he’s been outstanding.”

Siofele capped Union’s scoring with a 2-yard touchdown run to make it 35-0 midway through the third quarter.

Union’s Bryce Evans had the other touchdown for the Titans, a 42-yard end-around play to make it 14-0. It was Union’s second TD in 64 seconds, converting off a Mountain View fumble that Evans recovered.

The Thunder found some success in the fourth quarter, with a 15-play, 80-yard drive that included one fourth-down conversion. Eddie Richardson scored on a 3-yard run to make it 35-7 with four minutes left in the game.

Carl Falls led the Thunder with 60 yards rushing on 12 carries.

UNION 35, MOUNTAIN VIEW 7

Mtn. View 0 0 0 7–7

Union 14 14 7 0–35

First quarter

U — Leon Siofele 20 run (Mitch Wheelon kick)

U — Bryce Evans 42 run (Wheelon kick)

Second quarter

U — Siofele 1 run (Wheelon kick)

U — Siofele 54 run (Wheelon kick)

Third quarter

U — Siofele 2 run (Wheelon kick)

Fourth quarter

MV — Eddie Richardson 3 run (Jordan Montenegro kick)

Individual statistics

RUSHING — Mountain View: Carl Falls 12-60, Austin Mace 7-53, Richardson 11-34, Nicholas Wright 5-22, Luke DuChesne 3-(-26); Union: Siofele 13-118, Evans 1-42, James Munson 8-38, Treve’ Ensley 5-24, Alex Berfanger 1-14, Ray Palacio 2-9, Nolan Henry 1-8, Rushawm Pen 1-2.

PASSING — Mountain View: DuChesne 2-6-0-22; Union: Henry 12-18-0-100, Brendin Quinn 2-3-0-22, Siofele 0-1-0-0.

RECEIVING — Mountain View: Anthony Drew 1-23, Jesus Familia 1-(-1); Union: Trent Cowan 6-54, Siofele 2-25, Ensley 3-12, Evans 1-11, Munson 1-11, Micah Merfeld 1-9.