Orange City Iowa — Unity Christian used a big play offense and great team defense to open the football playoffs with a 34-16 home win over Sheldon. The Knights advance to the second round at Central Lyon George Little Rock on Friday the 23rd. The Lions had earned a first round bye.
Unity scored on their first possession as Clayton Bosma hit Tyrell Hulshof for an 11 yard score. Sam Eppinga added the extra point and Unity led 7-0 with 4:53 left in the first quarter.
Sheldon took the lead with 11:18 left in the half as Caleb Ackerman hit Tyrel Lindeman up the left sideline for a 44 yard score. Ackerman added the 2-point conversion and Sheldon led 8-7.
A pair of Unity scores before halftime turned the tide in the Knights favor. The first was a 13 yard Logan Franken run that capped a 62 yard drive. The kick was no good but the lead was 13-8 with 5:24 to go in the half. A second score with just :27 seconds left in the half put Unity firmly in control. A 30 yard pass from Bosma to Hulshof and a 2-point play from Bosma to Jacob Van Donge gave the Knights a 21-8 halftime advantage.
Unity would add a pair of scores in the second half before Sheldon closed out the scoring. Bosma found Van Donge for a 37 yard score. The kick was no good and the lead was 28-8 with 9:21 left in the third quarter. The second came with 6:37 left in the third as Bosma found Tanner Schouten for a 63 yard strike. The kick was no good but the Knights were in control 34-8.
Sheldon wrapped up the scoring as Ackerman found Lindeman for a second time with 4:35 left in the game. Brian Bernal ran in for 2 and the final score would be 34-16 Knights.
Sheldon ends the year at 2-6. Unity improves to 5-3 and will be in the round of 32 next Friday at Central Lyon George Little Rock.
