Overweg Overwhelms Chargers with 4 Touchdowns in Week 7 Win

Trey Richmond | JTV Sports

Friday, October 29th

(10-9-2026): On a crisp senior night, the Springport seniors leave the field with back-to-back wins over Union City to take the top spot in the Big 8 conference.

The night started out rough for the Spartans, losing a fumble on the first snap of the game, but the Springport defense snuffed out the momentum the Union City Chargers gained from the turnover. The Chargers ran four plays and turned the ball over on downs. The Spartans took over on the Charger 42 and scored quickly via a 31-yard touchdown pass from Rip Overweg to Jake Kregel, taking the 6-0 lead with 4:57 left in the opening quarter.

Union City looked like they were responding early in the second quarter but got stopped in the red zone. The Spartans drove 87 yards to extend their lead, aided by a 35-yard run from Kregel and finished off with a 10-yard rushing touchdown from Overweg. Tucker Wiginton caught the two-point conversion to extend the lead to 14 with 4:18 remaining in the half. The 14-0 score held to the half. 

Out of the break, the Chargers took charge immediately with two chunk plays of 13 and 15-yards from Kenny Case. Following several more positive plays, Case cashes in on the drive with a three-yard rushing touchdown and runs in the two-point conversion to cut the deficit to six; Chargers trailed the Spartans 14-8.

The halftime break on the brisk October night could not cool off the Spartan offense as they responded to the Charger’s long drive with one of their own. Overweg threw a deep shot to Drew Kregel for 25 yards, and he took a shot as well. The ball was moved to the Charger 14 after a roughing the passer call on the deep ball. Overweg eventually ran in his second touchdown of the night, doubling the Spartan lead; 20-8. 

Charging back again, however, were the Chargers. Union City went 71 yards in 10 plays taking almost eight minutes that resulted in a one-yard rushing score from Trey MacDonald, again cutting the score to 6; 20-14.

The stoic Spartans seemed unfazed by the second half Charger push as they responded once again. This time in a quick 50-yard drive that only took four plays. Overweg found Jake Kregel again for 28 yards and Wiginton for a 19-yard touchdown reception where he mossed the defender in the front corner of the end zone. Spartans swell the advantage to 14 with 10:57 remaining after the successful two-point conversion; 28-14. 

The Chargers had three more possessions in the contest, each having four plays and resulting in turnovers on downs for a total of 10 yards. 

The Springport Spartans tamed the Chargers 28-14 for the second consecutive season and ended Union City’s undefeated season. 

Trey Macdonald ran 20 times for 107 yards and a touchdown. His running mate, Kenny Case, carried the ball 12 times for 65 yards and touchdown as well. 

Rip Overweg went seven of eight passing the ball for 107 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. Rushing, he ran for 17 yards and two touchdowns on 10 attempts. He also caught an interception from a defensive back position.  His receiver, Jake Kregel, caught three passes for 67 yards and a score. He also rushed one time for 35 yards.

The 6-1 Spartans will face 4-3 Quincy at home, while the 6-1 Chargers take on 2-5 Centreville at home. Both games will take place next Friday, October 16th at 7pm.

*All stats are unofficial*