TOLONO — Getting off to a good start is key in high school football playoff games.
Especially ones that are so close to the state championship games.
Unity achieved that objective and more on Saturday afternoon, easily defeating Nashville 47-24 in a Class 3A state quarterfinal game at Hicks Field.
The Rockets led 21-0 at the end of the first quarter, 35-6 at halftime and were able to rest their starters in the second half when they went ahead 47-6 in the third quarter to set a running clock in motion.
“We were able to hold them down early,” Unity coach Scott Hamilton said, “and it kind of took off from there.”
Dane Eisenmenger completed 14 of 17 passes for 260 yards and threw four touchdowns to four different Rockets. Tre Hoggard had nine catches for 128 yards and a touchdown, while Garrett Richardson had two catches for 99 yards and a touchdown, Mason O’Neill had a 21-yard touchdown catch and Brady Parr had two catches for 12 yards and a touchdown.
Richardson made sure the Rockets had a balanced offense with 15 carries for 103 yards and three touchdowns.
“I think it starts up front with us, and our offensive line played well,” Hamilton said. “We gave Dane a lot of time to throw. He made some great throws. Our receivers got open and made some great plays.”
Unity (9-3) turns its attention to Monticello (10-2) in a 3A state semifinal game at 2 p.m. next Saturday in Monticello. The two Illini Prairie Conference teams met in Week 9 this season, with Unity earning a 42-28 home win against the Sages.
This time, the winner moves on to the 3A state championship game against either Montini (10-2) or Wilmington (12-0) at 4 p.m. on Nov. 29.
“Our kids will be ready,” Hamilton said. “They’ve answered the bell and done a great job the second half of the season. We just look forward to another opportunity to play and practice next week.”
