Football is back! The newly renamed Garnet Chargers took to Bailey Field for their third game of the season at home versus Springfield. The game was all Union, starting fast with 21 straight points in the second quarter alone. Quarterback Donovan Pacatte was in complete control, airing it out for over 250 yards and a touchdown while rushing for a touchdown himself. The senior from Cobleskill, NY, was  off to a hot start to the season, racking up over 500 pass yards, and six combined touchdowns rushing and receiving. “Pacatte had his way with the defense, and Springfield never really had a chance,” Alex Lim, ‘27 remarked.

Union fans showed up in large numbers and stuck around for two excellent halftime shows. Union’s Bhangra team, an Indian dance native to the Punjab region, performed some of their latest material. Also performing was a local elementary school’s cheer team. “It was an exhilarating atmosphere,” Arjun Bhatnagar,’27, said. “I can’t wait to come back for Montclair State.”

The crowd was electric when senior Nathan Sullivan had an interception in the second quarter. Union’s defense was excellent all game long, allowing no offensive touchdowns. Springfield returned a punt for a touchdown halfway through the third quarter, but the Garnet Chargers answered quickly with two field goals and the game was all but over. The 2019 Liberty League champions will look to rekindle some of their championship spirit as they play again at home this Saturday, the 23. They’ll look to improve to 4-0 before their homecoming game versus St. Lawrence on September 30.