Sports : Undefeated Union, Burnside set new school records in win over Vikings

Union linemen celebrate Wes Burnside's record-setting season by putting him on their shoulders.

Every defense playing Union this year had the challenge of trying to catch Wes Burnside.

Burnside also plays defense for Union; here he tackles Viking Gunner Tranel.

Union defenders surround Viking running back Logan Williams.

For the first time in school history, the Union football team is undefeated, 9-0 at the end of the regular season.

And for the first time in school history, a Knight running back has carried the ball for more than 2,000 yards.

The Knights celebrated both milestones after defeating the Vinton-Shellsburg Vikings, 9-0 Friday in La Porte City.

Wes Burnside entered the game with 1,916 yards gained this year, needing 84 to break the 2,000 mark. He had already set the Union school record for rushing yards in a season.

The Viking defense held Burnside to 61 yards in the first half.

But the junior broke free for runs of 26, 24 and 63 yards in the third quarter, passing the 2,000-yard milestone giving the Knights a two-touchdown lead. Unofficial totals indicate that Burnside has rushed for 2,150 yards this season, well over a 200-yard per game average.

Coach Joe Hadachek congratulated his players on their accomplishment after the game. The players and their families gathered on the new football field for photos and to savor the victory and the undefeated season.

The Knights will play Clear Creek-Amana in the first round of the playoffs. Coach Hadachek said it will be a challenge to play a team Union has not played before, as well as a team from the district that includes Solon and Williamsburg, two of the top teams in the state.