BY RICK REED News-Gazette Sports Editor Union City's football team picked up a much-needed first victory on Friday with a 26-12 Tri-Eastern victory over Knightstown on "Senior Night." Led by a host of underclassmen, the Indians were in command from the opening kick, limiting the Panthers to just six points before giving up a meaningless score late. "It's a big confidence-booster for sure," stated Union City coach Keith Maloy. "The kids have worked hard, so its good to see them get rewarded for that hard work." Junior quarterback Alex Spence, thrust into the job after an injury to Jayson Connor, responded by throwing a 53-yard touchdown pass to sophomore Quincy Middaugh in the first quarter and later ran for two more scores to lead the Indians' offensive attack. Felix Cruz send the extra point kick through the uprights as the Tribe took a 7-0 lead and never looked back. In the second quarter, another sophomore, Brayden Huggins, continued his solid play this season with a 22-yard rumble into the end zone, and when Cruz booted another extra point, the Indians led 14-6. On the opening drive of the third quarter, Spence ran in an 8-yard touchdown after the Indians had executed a successful fake punt when Jude Connor completed a first down pass to Jace Connor. It put the Indians in front 20-6. Spence scored on a four year run in the fourth quarter for the Indians final score. Another big performance from the Indians was turned in by sophisticating Bradin Daniels, who shattered a school record with 20 tackles. The team gave Daniels more of an open field by making him a free safety and he was all over the field tackling. "We altered a lot of our offensive schemes and the kids responded," explained Maloy. "Spence has really stepped up well for us. The Indians hope to continue their success on Friday when they host Northeastern for Homecoming. Rick Reed News-Gazette Sports Editor