Homecoming win for Patriots

The Upton-Sundance Patriots snapped their losing streak during their homecoming game at Croell Field, against the Burns Broncs this past week, taking a 36-16 victory. It was a game of back and forth across the field with both teams finding movement on offense but unable to get to the end zone throughout the first quarter.

As the first 12 minutes drew to a close, however, the Patriot offense was making a big push down the field. Facing a fourth and ten to start the second quarter, senior quarterback Keaton Mills found fellow senior Chase Mills for a 23-yard gain and a fresh set of downs.

Two plays later, and the US Patriots were in scoring position with a first and goal. A handoff to Eli Gill brought the Patriots into the endzone and onto the scoreboard, taking a 6-0 lead.

The Burns offense then took to the field as the quarterback found an open receiver, who zigged and zagged around the Patriot defense and into the endzone. A successful two-point conversion put the Broncs on top of the scoreboard, 8-6 with 9:26 remaining in the first half.

It was a rollercoaster of emotions for the Homecoming crowd as the Patriots and Broncs matched each other touchdown for touchdown throughout the rest of the second quarter. Going into the halftime break, the Burns Broncs had secured a 16-14 lead over the US Patriots. 

The Patriots, however, refused to back down. The team rallied in the second half as Keaton Mills found cousin Chase Mills once again for a 60-yard touchdown, upping the Patriot score. A successful two-point conversion put the team in the lead, 22-16 with one quarter left to play.

The fourth quarter left the Broncs offense plagued with high snaps and incomplete passes. Unable to string their downs together, the Broncs would not score for the remainder of the game.

The Patriots, on the other hand, were able to rally one more time as the Mills boys connected once again, this time for a 25-yard touchdown play. One more successful two-point conversion brought the final score of the game to 36-16, in favor of the Upton-Sundance Patriots. 

With this win, the Patriots moved to a 2-2 record for the season. The team's next challenge will be the Newcastle Dogies on Friday, September 29, in Upton.

This will be Upton's Homecoming game. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. 

Junior High

Junior high football played the Newell Irrigators for their homecoming game and won 45-19.

Stats

Offense Rushing:

J. Schommer 1/0 

J. Keller 9/65

K. Mills 17/94

E. Gill 8/36 2TD

Offense Passing:

K. Mills 14/28/200 3TD

Offense Receiving:

J. Schommer 2/14

L. Halverson 1/3

J. Keller 2/7

C. Mills 5/153 3TD

E. Gill 4/23

Defense Leaders:

K Mills: 15, 2 AT, 4 UT, 1 interception

E. Gill: 14.5, 4 AT, 3 UT, 1.5 Sacks, 1 pass breakup

C. Mills: 13.5, 3 AT, 2 UT, .5 tackle for loss, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble

J. Keller: 8.5 - 4 AT, 2 UT, .5 tackle for loss