TRONO — Getting off to a good start is key in the high school football playoffs.
Especially one so close to the state championship game.
On Saturday afternoon, Unity more than accomplished that goal, 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 as time expired leading 47-6 in the third quarter. .
“We were able to hold them off early and things just picked up from there,” Unity coach Scott Hamilton said.
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, Garrett Richardson had two catches for 99 yards and a touchdown, Mason O’Neal had a 21-yard touchdown catch, and Brady Parr had two catches. He had a catch for 12 yards and a touchdown.
Richardson led the Rockets to a balanced offense with 103 yards and three touchdowns on 15 carries.
“I think we start up front and our offense 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) will turn its attention to Monticello (10-2) in a 3A state semifinal game at Monticello next Saturday at 2 p.m. The two Illini Prairie Conference teams met in Week 9 of the season, with Unity defeating the Sages 42-28 at home.
This time, the winner advances to the 3A state championship game against Montini (10-2) or Wilmington (12-0) on Nov. 29 at 4 p.m.
“Our kids are going to be ready,” Hamilton said. “They answered the bell and did a great job late in the season. We’re looking forward to the opportunity to play and practice again next week.”
