UNITED EARNS PROGRAM FIRST PLAYOFF WIN

ROOTSTOWN, OH- As everyone knows, the saying goes “Defense wins championships”. Well, in the Div. VI, Region 21 matchup between United and Rootstown, offense was the way to get to a victory. A wild game that saw United up by 20 at half, to Rootstown nearly coming all the way back with a late push. United’s offense would put up 657 total yards, led by quarterback Luke Courtney to seal the victory, 62-49.

Courtney started the game off for United with back-to-back touchdown runs and a passing touchdown, one from 75 yards and 3 yards out. Then Courtney found Grant Knight for 31 yards. After the consecutive scores from the Golden Eagles, both teams would trade blows up until half to make 41-21 United. Courtney would add more to his amazing game in the second half, finishing with 3 touchdowns through the air and 5 on the ground. United’s defense stood tall towards the late push by Rootstown and capped the game off with one of Courtney’s touchdown runs. 

Courtney finished with 14/21 for 316 yards and 3 TDs through the air, and carried the rock 20 times for 238 yards and 5 TDs. Grant Knight finished with 9 receptions for 156 yards and a TD. Brock Rhodes added 2 receptions for 73 yards and TD, along with a rushing TD.

Looking ahead, United will advance to the second round, but will have a huge task in front of them in undefeated Kirtland who came away with a victory over Independence, 48-6. United will travel to Kirtland next Friday. Don’t miss it on YSN!

*Contributed By YSN’s Brendan Miller