The Union Wildcats used a relentless rushing attack and a stifling defense to shut down the Affton Cougars 43-0 on Oct. 30 in the opening round of the Class 4 District 2 playoffs.
The Wildcats (6-4), winners of four straight, advance to face conference rival Sullivan on Nov. 7. Sullivan handed Union a 35-14 loss back in Week 3, setting the stage for a much-anticipated Four Rivers Conference rematch with a spot in the district finals on the line.
For Affton (3-7), the loss marked the end of a rebuilding season that saw several young players gain valuable experience. It was also the first season under the guidance of coach Max Buck. The program improved from just one win a year ago to three wins this season.
Union wasted little time asserting control. Alonzo Gregory got things rolling in the first quarter with a 19-yard touchdown run, and Avery Young added the extra point for a 7-0 lead. Moments later, Sam Calkins powered in from a yard out to make it 14-0.
The Wildcats’ defense added to the damage early in the second quarter when Carter Schell intercepted an Affton pass and returned it 30 yards for a touchdown. With just over two minutes left before halftime, Union’s Warren Duffer broke loose for a 38-yard score to extend the lead to 27-0 after a missed extra point.
Thiago Dawson capped Union’s dominant first half with a 13-yard touchdown run. The Wildcats led 33-0 at the break.
In the third quarter, Young connected on a 22-yard field goal to make it 36-0, and Braiden Hebert tacked on a 10-yard touchdown run in the fourth to close out the scoring.
Union head coach Justin Grahl praised his team’s effort but reminded them that the work is far from over.
“I know the guys are extremely excited for the game next week,” Grahl said. “But there’s going to be a lot of hard work that goes into between now and Friday night.”
Despite the tough loss, Affton showed fight throughout the night against one of the hottest teams in the district.
Quarterback Corey Recht completed 14 of 23 passes for 69 yards and one interception. Harlan Weider led the Cougars’ receiving corps with four catches for 21 yards. On the ground, Brendan Mitchell carried seven times for 22 yards, while Tristan Akes added six carries for 10 yards. Defensively, Daniel Stolarski led Affton with six total tackles.
Affton will now turn its attention toward the offseason, looking to build on its growth and experience from the 2025 campaign. There is plenty to build toward, as the Cougars return a number of key pieces, including Recht, who completed 57% of his passes during his freshman season as quarterback.
The Cougars’ leading rusher on the season, Mitchell, will also return. He finished with 646 yards and three touchdowns on the season. Those two offensive weapons alone give Max Buck’s squad reason to look forward to 2026.
