Union puts foot on accelerator in 43-18 win over Eastlake

The Union Titans are well on the road to success, even if that road took a long detour last week.

After an arduous and often trying trip to the Bay Area last week, the Titans were glad to be home and played like a team that spent a couple of days on the bus together.

The Titans scored on five of their first seven possessions Friday as they rolled to 43-18 victory over Eastlake of Sammamish.

“I thought the trip last week was great,” Union coach Rory Rosenbach said. “Some parts of it weren’t that great. But on a whole, it was good to see the guys spend time getting to know each other. I think that showed tonight.”

Because of fires in Northern California, a 10-hour bus trip to the Bay Area to play El Cerrito last week turned into a 17-hour ordeal.

The Titans (3-0) were able to endure that and still come a way with a thrilling 34-29 win on Darien Chase’s last-minute kickoff return.

There was no need for late theatrics on Friday against Eastlake, as Chase caught eight passes for 116 yards and three touchdowns, and Nile Jones rushed 18 times for 144 yards and one touchdown to lead the Titans.

“We were already close, but I think that (trip) definitely made us closer,” Chase said.

The Titans got off to a fast start when Aidan Hoyt intercepted an Eastlake pass on the thrid play from scrimmage and returned it 22 yards.

“Turnovers, we got turnovers tonight,” Rosenbach said. “That’s one thing we talked about. Not just stopping the other team, but getting the ball back for our offense.”

The offense converted on Alishawuan Taylor’s 8-yard touchdown catch from Lincoln Victor, putting Union up 8-0 just four minutes into the game.

After a three-and-out, Chase caught his first touchdown pass, a 22-yarder that put Union up 15-0.

Eastlake got on the board with a field goal, but Chase’s second TD catch — on an end-around pass from Jayden Picanco — extended Union’s lead to 22-3.

A blocked field looked to keep Eastlake close going into halftime, but Joshua Joo came up with the Titans’ second interception with 33 seconds left in the half.

“The defense helped out the offense, and the offense helped out the defense,” Rosenbach said. “That’s what you look for.”

Two plays later, Lincoln found Chase for his third touchdown catch, and Union led 29-11 at halftime.

“I think we finally figured out offense, like driving down the field and stuff,” Chase said. “We had both run and pass. We came out striking, and we were playing fast the whole game.”

The Titans will look to keep the pace going, as they back on the road to face Chiawana of Pasco next week.

UNION 43, EASTLAKE 18

Eastlake 0 11 0 7—18

Union 15 14 7 7—43

First quarter

U — Alishawuan Taylor 8 pass from Lincoln Victor (Marvin Barber pass from Ryan Rosumny)

U — Darien Chase 22 pass from Victor (Alex Koga kick)

Second quarter

E — Ryan Curran 28 FG

U — Chase 17 pass from Jayden Picanco (Koga kick)

E — Garret Carney 4 run (Carney run)

U — Chase 12 pass from Victor (Koga kick)

Third quarter

U — Nile Jones 6 run (Koga kick)

Fourth quarter

U — Isaiah Jones 5 run (Koga kick)

E — Matt Brookshier 26 pass from Jackson Proctor (Nate Evans kick)

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

RUSHING — Eastlake, Robison 9-43, Leroy Jackson 9-39, Carney 12-25, Jalen Bright 3-20, Brookshier 5-13, Nick Robbins 1-(-5), Proctor 1-28. Union, N. Jones 18-144, I. Jones 6-37, Victor 3-10, Aiden Olson 1-8, Alex Gonzales 1-5, Rosumny 2-(-11).

PASSING — Eastlake, Robison 6-17-2-73, Carney 0-1-0-0, Proctor 2-2-0-44. Union, Victor 17-26-0-236, Picanco 1-1-0-17, Rosumny 1-1-0-3.

RECEIVING — Nate Sutter 2-33, Brookshier 1-26, Carson Selig 1-18, Ian Baisler 1-17, Vini Monteiro 1-22, Jack Rud 1-14, Robison 1-(-13). Union, Chase 8-116, Taylor 3-28, Picanco 2-44, Lamont Lane 2-17, Alex Vallejo 1-11, Josh Reznick 1-9, Alec Jackson 2-26, Jack Eggleston 1-14.