Big-play Union rolls past Evergreen

The Evergreen Plainsmen opened up their offense on Friday and opened up the game against Union with a nice looking drive.

They held the ball for more than five minutes, moving 56 yards on 11 plays. But the drive stalled 10 yards from the end zone. After a missed field goal attempt, it took Union one play to go 80 yards to the other end zone.

Zak Browning dashed the distance untouched on the first offensive snap for the Titans, and Union fought off a valiant early effort from Evergreen to stay unbeaten in the Class 4A Greater St. Helens League heading into a Week 9 showdown with Skyview for the league title.

The 48-0 victory at McKenzie Stadium featured another commanding performance by the Union defense, and more big plays by the Titan attack and running back Browning.

Browning went over 1,000 rushing yards for the season. On Friday, Browning ran for 169 yards and two touchdowns. He also took a screen pass 45 yards for the second first-quarter touchdown.

Union quarterback Kaben Humphrey-Butler threw for 167 yards and two touchdowns.

The Titans outgained the Plainsmen 411-148, and the Union defense denied the Plainsmen any good scoring chances after the first drive of the game.

Evergreen scrapped the double-wing offense it has used since Charles Anthony took over as coach last season, using some spread and some I-formation looks. The Plainsmen moved the ball effectively on the first drive and made positive plays during the game. But they couldn’t produce big plays or sustain drives.

Chase Lawrence ran for 88 yards on 16 carries to lead the Evergreen offense, and sophomore quarterback Anthony Thomas ran for 24 yards but left with what appeared to be an arm injury on the first play of the fourth quarter.

The Plainsmen close the regular season against Heritage next Friday, needing a win to reach the postseason.

Union’s defense also got into the scoring act on Friday, producing the final points of the night on a fumble return by Brock Sparks following a quarterback sack.

UNION 42, EVERGREEN 0

Union 14 14 7 13—42

Evergreen 0 0 0 0— 0

First quarter

Uni — Zak Browning 80 run (Hudson Poissant kick)

Uni — Browning 45 pass from Kaben Humphrey-Butler (Poissant kick)

Second quarter

Uni — Browning 5 run (Poissant kick)

Uni — Humphrey-Butler 1 run (Poissant kick)

Third quarter

Uni — Ray Burney 23 pass from Humphrey-Butler (Poissant kick)

Fourth quarter

Uni — Ryan Stanford 41 run (Poissant kick)

Uni — Brock Sparks 21 fumble return (kick failed)

Leaders

Rushing — Evergreen: Chase Lawrence 16-88, Anthony Thomas 10-24, Richie Townsend 6-21, Korbin Kuhn 1-2. Union: Zak Browning 18-169, Kaben Humphrey-Butler 3-4, Ryan Stanford 3-39, Brandon Brody-Heim 5-29.

Passing — Evergreen: Thomas 3-9-1-9, Townsend 0-1-0-0. Union: Humphrey-Butler 11-17-0-167.

Receiving — Evergreen: Townsend 2-3, Nemo Beavers 1-6. Union: Browning 3-52, Gabe Rego 2-28, T.J. Boatright 1-10, Ray Burney 2-24, Trey Christensen 1-23, Brody-Heim 2-30.