The Program: Unity football in 2023, Week 11
Nov. 2—Each week, we catch up with Unity coach Scott Hamilton to look back at how the Rockets fared and look at what's next:
Week 10
Unity 35, Williamsville 21
Unity never trailed, but never felt comfortable it would win the Class 3A first-round playoff road game until the fourth quarter. Tied at 21 entering the final 12 minutes, an 18-yard touchdown run by Garrett Richardson and a 59-yard touchdown run by Eric Miebach allowed the Rockets to win their 13th consecutive first-round playoff game. Jay Saunders also had a big game, catching four passes for 117 yards, with three of those receptions resulting in touchdowns. The Rockets gave up 402 yards to the Bullets, but linebacker Brock Suding had an absurd game, making 32 tackles — with 19 solo stops and 13 assists.
"Just a great high school football game," Hamilton said. "We got a big defensive stop in the fourth quarter at midfield and we were able to go down and score before getting an interception to make it look a little more comfortable. I thought our kids battled in all three areas."
Week 11
DuQuoin (10-0) at Unity (8-2), 2 p.m., Saturday
The two tradition-rich programs meet for the second time in the playoffs and first since a 47-7 win by Unity in the second round of the 2009 playoffs. DuQuoin needed a fourth-quarter comeback to beat Monticello 28-21 last Saturday on its home field, a week after Unity ended its regular season with a 47-23 win at Monticello.
"DuQuoin is pretty similar to Williamsville in a lot of ways," Hamilton said. "They're big up front. They've got running backs who can get downhill, and they can throw the ball if they need to."
Hamilton is happy the Rockets don't have to make the trip to southern Illinois on Saturday, though.
"DuQuoin is bringing up its marching band and dang near everybody," Hamilton said. "We're definitely glad we're at home at Hicks Field with our fans there to support us."
