Richard Stanley returned an interception 38 yards for a touchdown to cap a 42-point first half and Union’s defense allowed just 12 net yards rushing in a 42-0 shutout of Ponca City on Friday night in District 6A-4 action at Sullins Stadium.

In posting their 83rd consecutive district victory, the No. 2 Redskins (7-1, 5-0) dominated from the start on both sides of the ball.

Quarterback Chase Boyce tossed touchdown passes to Thomas Roberson and Blake Jones while Colton Dost tallied a pair of TDs on the ground during a breakout first half.

Union’s offense rolled up 282 yards by halftime (135 rushing, 147 passing) while scoring four times.

But the Redskin defense contributed significantly, limiting Ponca City (1-7, 0-5) to just 61 total yards in the opening half.

The Wildcats were held to minus-8 yards rushing on nine attempts in the first quarter as Union bolted to a 14-0 lead after the opening 12 minutes.

Ponca City was directed by senior quarterback Tyler Fenlon, who was making his first career start after taking over for starter Brent Wilson. Wilson suffered a broken collarbone in last week’s game against Owasso.

“We knew they were missing their regular quarterback,” Union head coach Kirk Fridrich said. “We saw a lot of different formations in the first quarter. But our defensive guys remained calm and made the necessary adjustments.”

With Union leading 35-0 in the final minute of the first half, Stanley stepped in front of a Fenlon pass in the right flat and returned it 38 yards for a touchdown.

“I read that it was going to be a screen play,” said Stanley. “I told myself that I needed to be sure to get to the pass. This was my first interception return for a touchdown.”

Eric Franks added an interception in the fourth quarter for the Redskins, who allowed Fenlon to complete just 8 of 18 passes for 43 yards.

Boyce finished 12 of 20 for 147 yards through the air in just one half of action. Roberson had six catches for 59 yards.