Union not satisfied despite victory
Union (21) vs. Wilkinsburg (0)
Written: Sep 06, 2008
 By JOHN D’ABRUZZO
jdabruzzo@ncnewsonline.com
WILKINSBURG — It was a win, but one that was not totally satisfying for the Union High football team.
The Scotties picked up their first win of the season last night with a 21-0 WPIAL Class A nonconference victory at Wilkinsburg’s Graham Field.
“To get the win was big, but playing-wise we got too high and mighty and shut down,” Union running back Jason Burkes said. “When we score a couple of times, we tend to get a little big-headed, which a lot of teams do. But we're still growing and eventually we'll figure it out.”
The game was called with 4:12 remaining in the fourth quarter following an on-field altercation.
The Scotties (1-1) jumped on the board less than two minutes into the game when junior Matt Moore took a punt return 58 yards.
“I thought they were going to call it back,” said Moore, concerning a Wilkinsburg penalty that was eventually waved off. “It was my first return. But it was a good way to start things for us.”
Moore also scored Union’s last touchdown in the third quarter on a 3-yard run. He rushed for 19 yards on five carries.
“Matt Moore got us going,” Union coach Stacy Robinson said. “He's a fireplug. He has the heart of a Lion and he'll give you an effort every play.”
Burkes supplied the Scotties’ other touchdown on a 25-yard scamper five minutes into the first quarter. Burkes, a senior, finished with a team-high 38 yards on 10 carries.
“He had a nice running performance,” Robinson said. “He got a little banged up in the second half. But that's what we're counting on ... for him to produce for us. We put the ball in his hands and he makes things happen.”
Union collected 112 yards of total offense, compared to the mere 45 yards by the Tigers (0-2).
Wilkinsburg hurt itself most of the time. The Tigers were penalized 15 times for 111 yards. Union wasn’t much better as it was whistled 10 times for 75 yards.
“A lot of flags,” Robinson said. “It was a sloppy game, but it was a clean game until the incident.
“We have to learn to rise above things.”
Robinson hopes his team starts learning quickly, especially since the Scotties open Big Seven Conference action next week at home against perennial WPIAL powerhouse Rochester.
“We were sloppy at times,” Robinson said. “We came out strong and then our production started to lack.
“We need to be sharp on all fronts because we’re going to be hitting the Big Seven (next week against Rochester). There's no mercy in that league. Every week you have to come ready to play.”
UNION WILKINSBURG
7 First downs 4
101 Yards Rushing 69
15 Yards Lost 40
86 Net Rushing 29
10 Passes Attempted 9
3 Passes Completed 2
0 Passes Intercepted 1
26 Yards Passing 16
112 Total Yards 45
2-2 Fumbles-Lost 0-0
4-16.8 Punts-Average 5-30.2
10-75 Penalties-Yards 15-111
UNION 13 0 8 0 — 21
WILKINSBURG 0 0 0 0 — 0
Scoring plays
UNION — Matt Moore, 58-yard punt return (Jordan Izzo kick).
UNION — Jason Burkes, 25-yard run (kick blocked).
UNION — Moore, 3-yard run (Anthony Forletta pass from Mike Pelto).
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