Union ends Solon's long playoff run

By Andrew Bassman

SOLON - For the first time since the 2006 state finals, Solon is out of the high school football playoffs.

Union of La Porte City's senior running back Wes Burnside shouldered the load. Sophomore quarterback Jay Scheel delivered in the clutch. And Union snapped Solon's eight-game win streak with a 39-24 victory in a second-round, Class 3-A football playoff on Monday.

Burnside tallied 184 yards on 31 attempts. Scheel, defense bearing down and no place to go, threw a touchdown pass the length of the field and broke a huge run late in the fourth quarter to close the deal.

“He's an athlete and makes plays,” Union head coach Joe Hadachek said of Scheel. “Jay's number was called in those key situations and he turned it on.”

Early on, Solon had more trouble holding onto the ball early than moving it. Solon picked up 12 first downs in the first half, but gave away three turnovers in the first quarter. Union made the most of excellent field position.

Solon attempted a pass on the second snap of the game. Union's Brenden Kuhn intercepted it. Union handed off to Burnside on three straight plays, and on the third Burnside swept around right end for a 13-yard touchdown.

Solon fumbled again and Union recovered at the Solon 39-yard line. Union and Solon punted back and forth, the ball never reaching Union territory. Union, starting from the Solon 45-yard line, sent Burnside around right end again for a 33-yard run. Kyle Ansley busted through and scored on a 12-yard run.

Solon bounced back, moving 63 yards on four plays. J.J. Hanus carried twice for 28 yards. Cody Fritz ripped off a 33-yard run and a 5-yard touchdown run.

Solon lost another fumble before the end of the first quarter. But Union, after advancing to the Solon 24-yard line, fumbled away the ball, too. A punt by Solon pinned Union deep. On the first snap, Scheel, under pressure from the back of the end zone, tossed to a streaking Trev Hadachek, who went for a 95-yard score.

Solon mounted a 60-yard, 22-play charge but settled for a 32-yard field goal by Josh Proehl with 4.1 seconds left in the half.

Burnside wasted no time out of the locker room, going 50 yards on three plays, including a 12-yard touchdown, on the first series. On the next series, Scheel found Hadachek again, this time for a 28-yard score.

Solon got back into the end zone at 10:24 mark in the fourth quarter, and scored again at 2:18. Solon trailed 31-24, but on a 3rd-and-9, Scheel faked a pitch then cut the opposite way for a 54-yard touchdown.