2025 will be a season of change for the North Union football team, moving to 8-player football after previously competing at the Class A level.
According to Head Coach Matt Ernster, a multitude of factors went into the decision to make the switch.
Eight man football is nothing new to the area, as there is a long history of eight-player success for the communities that now make up the North Union school district.
Even with the switch to eight-player football, Ernster tried to keep the offseason as normal as possible for North Union.
After making the class A playoffs in 2022 and 2023, it was an injury-riddled season and 2-6 finish in 2024 for the Warriors. Starting quarterback Grady Madden was lost for the season early in the year due to injury, as current junior Greyson Colegrove took over the position. Colegrove passed for 516 yards while rushing for 507 last season, as Ernster says he gained an understanding of what is required from the position.
Colegrove will be able to work behind an offensive line where all three projected starters were also starters on last year’s team. Junior Max Merrill anchors the center position, while seniors Lane Bruhn and Cole Nicoson will man the guard spots.
Running back Draven Keeler went for 645 yards and 7 touchdowns on the ground last season as a junior, and will be one of the key cogs to the Warrior offense.
North Union also returns their leading receiver from last year, as Khael Jones caught 20 passes for 273 yards and 2 scores as a junior.
Meanwhile, on the defensive side of the ball, Ernster feels the versatility for the Warriors will be one of their biggest strengths.
Max Merrill led the Warriors last season with 38 tackles, while Cole Nicoson added 26.5 tackles, including 6 tackles for loss.
Overall, Ernster feels the team’s health plus their ability to adapt to the eight man game will be the biggest keys for the season.
After missing out on the postseason last season, Ernster is focused on extending the season this year.
North Union starts the season at home on Friday, August 29th, with a matchup against Newell-Fonda.
