Union beats Mount Vernon in 2A semifinals behind Isaiah Vaughn’s 406 rushing yards, 5 TDs

CEDAR FALLS — Union Coach Joe Hadachek wanted to avoid a shootout with Mount Vernon.

The Knights turned it into a track meet instead, thanks to senior running back Isaiah Vaughn.

Vaughn ran wild, rushing for 406 yards and five touchdowns, leading fourth-ranked Union to a 49-28 victory over No. 3 Mount Vernon in the Class 2A state semifinals Saturday night at the UNI-Dome. The Knights (11-1) advance to face No. 2 Boyden-Hull/Rock Valley (11-1) in the championship Friday at 2:06 p.m.

'He rose to the occasion,' Hadachek said. 'No doubt about it.

'The offensive line got it done and allowed him to crease it. A couple of those were outside plays, those wideouts get it done, too, as far as blocking. It was a total team effort.'

Vaughn rushed 35 times with nine runs for double-digit gains. He was quick to praise his blockers, calling them the best in the state.

'It's awesome,' Vaughn said. 'They just let me pop holes.'

He said he wasn't expecting such a big workload or the production.

'I just do what coach calls,' Vaughn said. 'He wanted me to carry the ball and linemen got that done for me.'