Union Football Shuts Out Rio Grande to End Three-Game Skid

JACKSON, Ohio – Union Commonwealth University's football team (2-4, 1-2 AAC) defeated Rio Grande (0-6, 0-3 AAC) Saturday night at Alumni Stadium, 28-0.

All-time, the Bulldogs are now 3-0 against Rio Grande. The last time these two teams met was in 1940.

Game Recap

First Quarter: Union Commonwealth 8, Rio Grande 0
The Bulldogs received the opening kickoff and began their drive on their own 35-yard line. After taking the ball to Rio Grande's 3-yard line, running back Tajii Jackson found the end zone for a touchdown on a 3-yard run. Quarterback Bryson Grabowski converted the 2-point attempt, and the Bulldogs took an early 8-0 lead.

The drive lasted 7 minutes, 52 seconds and consisted of 13 plays for 70 yards. Running backs Qua Powell and Jackson combined for 52 rushing yards, while quarterback Cooper Wick completed three passes for 19 yards.

Rio Grande punted on its next drive, and Union held possession entering the second quarter on the Rio Grande 29-yard line.

Second Quarter: Union Commonwealth 14, Rio Grande 0
Continuing their drive from the first quarter, the Bulldogs faced a fourth-and-5 situation. From the Rio Grande 29-yard line, Wick connected with Powell for a 9-yard gain and a first down. Powell then carried the ball four more times for 19 yards, bringing it to the Rio Grande 1-yard line. Powell punched it in for a touchdown on the next play. Kicker Jayce Gager's extra-point attempt was no good, making the score 14-0.

The next four drives resulted in punts — two by each team. With 1:55 left in the half, Rio Grande took over on its own 45-yard line. RedStorm quarterback Peyton Molter dropped back on first down and threw an interception to defensive back Syrus Satterwhite, giving Union the ball back at its own 42-yard line.

The Bulldogs drove to the Rio Grande 20-yard line and attempted a field goal with 5 seconds left in the half, but Ben Brenda's kick was no good. Union maintained its 14-0 lead heading into halftime.

Third Quarter: Union Commonwealth 21, Rio Grande 0
Rio Grande received the ball to start the second half but went three-and-out. Both teams traded possessions before Union regained the ball with 7:51 left in the quarter, starting on its own 20-yard line.

Union methodically drove to the Rio Grande 9-yard line. On first-and-goal, Jackson powered into the end zone for his second touchdown of the game. Brenda's extra point was good, extending Union's lead to 21-0 with 3 seconds left in the quarter.

Rio Grande ended the quarter with possession on its own 20-yard line.

Fourth Quarter: Union Commonwealth 28, Rio Grande 0
Rio Grande opened the quarter facing second-and-6 on its own 20-yard line. The RedStorm advanced to the 34 before defensive back DJ Washington intercepted a Molter pass. Both teams then traded punts.

With 9:44 remaining, Rio Grande punted to Union's Selatian Straughter, who returned it 21 yards to the RedStorm 28-yard line. The Bulldogs' offense capitalized on the short field, driving to the 12-yard line, where on third-and-goal, Grabowski connected with wide receiver Brandon Rosado for a 12-yard touchdown. Brenda's extra point was good, pushing the Union lead to 28-0.

Both teams had two more possessions, but neither scored. Rio Grande's final drive ended with another Union interception, this time by linebacker Zayne Hammack.

By The Numbers:

• Total Offense: Union 332 yards, Rio Grande 67 yards

• First Downs: Union 25, Rio Grande 5

• Third Down Efficiency: 56 percent, Rio Grande 27 percent

• Defensive Turnovers: Union 3, Rio Grande 0

• Time of Possession: Union 43:40, Rio Grande 16:20

Up Next

The Bulldogs will head home to Williamson Stadium for their final home game of the season on Saturday, Oct. 25 against Kentucky Christian at 4 p.m.