UNION CITY, MI (WTVB) – The Springport Spartans ended the Union City Chargers bid for a fourth straight Big 8 Conference championship in dramatic fashion on Friday night as they rallied for two touchdowns in the final 4:37 to defeat the Chargers 35-34.
The victory gave the undefeated Spartans the outright Big 8 crown for 2025 as they improved to 8-0 overall and finished 6-0 in the conference. The title comes after Springport went 0-9 just three years ago.
Union City’s ground game accounted for 325 yards and allowed the Chargers to control most of the game. Trey McDonald’s second touchdown of the night from 18 yards out with 5:35 left gave the Chargers a seemingly safe 34-21 lead.
But the ensuing kickoff went out of bounds and Springport took advantage of the short field to strike quickly. Gibson Overweg’s 40-yard touchdown pass to Dallas Higelmire with 4:37 left cut the Chargers lead to 34-28.
Union City recovered the onside kick and just needed a first down to secure the victory. But Springport’s defense got a three-and-out which gave their offense one last chance.
After converting a fourth-and-five at their 25, the Spartans were able to matriculate the ball down the field thanks to their passing attack. Overweg found Tucker Wiginton for a 10-yard touchdown pass with 37 seconds left to tie the game. Gavin Lightner then booted the game winning extra point.
Union City had a 364 to 348 edge in total yards. Dalton Hawk rushed for 146 yards while McDonald had 129 yards.
Braxton Miller ran for two touchdowns and threw a 31-yard TD pass to Liam Payne.
The Chargers defense could not stop Overweg as he was 17-of-22 in the air for 267 yards and three touchdowns.
Union City left points on the field on their conversion attempts which proved to be costly. They went for two points after all five touchdowns and were only successful twice.
Union City is now 5-3 overall and finish 4-2 in the Big 8 Conference.
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