Union County gave Eastern Hancock more than they bargained for until late in the second half when EH took care of business to win the IHSAA Class 2A Sectional game at Union County, 27-13.

It isn’t whether you win or lose – it’s how you play the game. Unfortunately the score is not a true indicator of what a good game it was. 

The Royals are led by senior running back Kain Sotelo (262 total yards) and freshman quarterback Elijah Edon (8-for-18 passing and 80 rushing yards). 

The Patriots are led by a dozen seniors who will be missed next season.

Both teams scored early touchdowns led by senior running backs Sotelo (EH) and Evan Wolf (UC). The  Royals added a 2-point PAT and UC a 1-pointer, 7-8. 

After EH lost a fumble to UC at the 15-yard line, Patriot running back Wolf found the end zone three plays later giving UC a 13-8 edge. 

The Patriot defense kept the Royals’ offense on the field for 12 plays before junior Aaron Redmon put a 23-yard field goal through the uprights to catch up, 13-11, at halftime. 

UC (Evan Snyder) and EH (Dylan Bowman) swapped  pass interceptions in the third quarter and the Royals took advantage with a 60-yard passing TD and Sotelo topped it all off with a 65-yard TD as the clock ran down.

The 5-5 Royals advanced to host Lapel on Friday, Oct. 28. 
         
Quarter scores
Union County     7   6    0    0 - 13
E. Hancock        8   3    8    8 - 27

First quarter 
EH - Sotelo 10-yd. Run, 8:21. PAT-Sotelo run.                              8-0
UC - Eversole 1-yd. Run, 4:28. PAT-Hollen kick.                             7-8
Second quarter
UC - Wolf 3-yd. Run, 10:34. PAT-Run failed.                            13-8
EH - Redmon 23-yd. Field goal, 5:26.                                 13-11
Third quarter 
EH - Bowman 60-yd. Edon pass, 1:03. PAT-Sotelo run.              13-19
Fourth quarter
EH - Sotelo 65-yd. run, 2:31. PAT-Edon pass to Tincher.            13-27