Mustangs collect another victory, want to finish season with a flourish

MENDON, Ill. — Make no mistake about it, that victory Thursday night was important for the Unity-Payson football team.

The Mustangs’ 26-12 win over Beardstown before the U’s faithful fans proved doubly important, from the standpoint of both immediate result and potential long-range impact.

Unity’s Western Illinois Valley Conference North victory was its second in a row, helping to both ease the sting of an 0-5 start to the season while beginning to lay the groundwork for 2025. While a fourth consecutive trip to the Class 1A playoffs is no longer a realistic possibility, building momentum heading toward next season has become the chief goal in Mendon.

“We knew the playoffs were out (of the question) after the way we began the season, but we want to show we were better than that 0-5 start,” Unity’s junior quarterback, Sawyer Allen, said after throwing for three touchdowns and 284 yards.

There’s also another element of Unity’s late-season equation that’s spurring the players.

“It’s important to send the seniors off on a good note and start getting ready for next year,” Allen said.

Mustangs coach Matt Woodworth agrees.

“You always want to finish strong,” Woodworth said. “After that fifth loss, we have been playing for pride.”

Unity (2-5, 2-3 WIVC North) outscored Beardstown 14-0 in the fourth quarter to provide the eventual margin of victory. The Mustangs have now won four of the last five meetings against Beardstown (1-6, 1-4).

Unity has scored 64 points in its last two games — which includes a 38-22 win over Triopia — after managing just 40 points across their first five contests.

“It was no secret we were struggling, and it took awhile to get things turned around, but the kids never gave up and now they’re rejuvenated,” Woodworth said. “We took another step forward tonight.”

Woodworth had plenty of praise for Allen, who connected with Kendell Knox, Blake Arnsman and Skylor Goudschaal for scoring passes. Allen also led Unity in rushing with 45 yards, plus 329 yards in total offense.

“Sawyer’s confidence has spread throughout our team,” Woodworth said.

Unity’s two fourth-quarter touchdowns saw Allen connect with Arnsman on a 26-yard touchdown with 11 minutes, 11 seconds remaining, and follow that up with a 5-yard strike to Goudschaal with 10:23 to play. A fumble recovery by Allen, who plays linebacker on defense, immediately after the first touchdown set up his club’s second score of the quarter.

Knox (113) and Goudschaal (105) both topped the century mark in receiving yard.

“It was tough coming back from that 0-5 start … and now we’re going out strong,” Goudschaal said. “There won’t be any playoffs, but we want to help get the young guys ready for next year.”

Unity’s first two touchdowns came via 70-yard pass from Allen to Knox midway through the second period and a 1-yard run by Johnny Keefe1:15 prior to halftime.

Beardstown scored its points by way of a 79-yard run by Carter Davis in the second quarter and a 13-yard pass from quarterback Ethan Heller to Parker McCoy.

Davis led all rushers with 102 yards on just eight totes. Heller passed for 68 yards.