Union/A-C Valley Football players from left Hayden Armagost, Christian Salizzani and Owen Bish pose for a group photo during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)

Union/A-C Valley football player Owen Bish poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)

Union/A-C Valley football player Hayden Armagost poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)

Union/A-C Valley football player Owen Bish poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)

Union/A-C Valley football player Hayden Armagost poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)

Union/A-C Valley football player Owen Bish poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)

Union/A-C Valley football coach Dan Reed poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)

Union/A-C Valley football player Christian Salizzoni poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)

Union/A-C Valley football player Christian Salizzoni poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)

Union/A-C Valley football player Christian Salizzoni poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)

Union/A-C Valley football players and Coach Dan Reed get interviewed by Butler Public Radio during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)

Union/A-C Valley football player Hayden Armagost poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)

Union/A-C Valley football coach Dan Reed is interviewed by Butler Public Radio during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)

Union/A-C Valley football coach Dan Reed talks with Butler Public Radio during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)

Union/A-C Valley football players Hayden Armagost and Owen Bish hold up Christian Salizzoni for a group photo during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)

Union/A-C Valley football players and Coach Dan Reed are interviewed by Butler Public Radio during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)

Union/A-C Valley football players and Coach Dan Reed get interviewed by Butler Public Radio during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)

Union/A-C Valley football players and Coach Dan Reed are interviewed by Butler Public Radio during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)

Union/A-C Valley football players Hayden Armagost, front, and Christian Salizzoni, back left, Coach Dan Reed and Owen Bish pose for a group photo during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)

The Union/A-C Valley High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)

The Union/A-C Valley High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)

The Union/A-C Valley High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)

The Union/A-C Valley High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)

The Union/A-C Valley High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)

The Union/A-C Valley High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)

The Union/A-C Valley High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)

The Union/A-C Valley High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)

The Union/A-C Valley High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)

The Union/A-C Valley High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)

The Union/A-C Valley High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)

The Union/A-C Valley High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)

Union/A-C Valley wide receiver Christian Salizzoni during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)

Union/A-C Valley quarterback Owen Bish works on throwing during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)

Union/A-C Valley quarterback Owen Bish works on throwing during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)

Union/A-C Valley linebacker Colbin Elliott during special teams practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)

Union/A-C Valley quarterback Owen Bish works on throwing during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)

Union/A-C Valley wide receiver Aidan Fox is passed the ball during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)

Union/A-C Valley running back Max Gallagher runs through drills during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)

Union/A-C Valley quarterback Owen Bish works on throwing during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)

Union/A-C Valley running back Max Gallagher runs through drills during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)

Union/A-C Valley quarterback Owen Bish works on throwing during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)

The Union/A-C Valley High School varsity football team works on a unique way of blocking using a high jump mat on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)

The Union/A-C Valley High School varsity football team works on a unique way of blocking using a high jump mat on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)

The Union/A-C Valley High School varsity football team’s coach Dan Reed watches intensely during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)

Union/A-C Valley wide receiver Aidan Fox runs the ball during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)

The Union/A-C Valley High School varsity football team works on a unique way of blocking using a high jump mat on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)

Union/A-C Valley quarterback Owen Bish is guided by an assistant coach during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)

Union/A-C Valley wide receiver Aidan Fox is guided by an assistant coach during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)

Union/A-C Valley running back Max Gallagher runs through drills during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)

Union/A-C Valley wide receiver Aidan Fox runs the ball during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)

Union/A-C Valley wide receiver Aidan Fox runs the ball during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)

Union/A-C Valley quarterback Owen Bish is guided by an assistant coach during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)

Union/A-C Valley quarterback Owen Bish is guided by an assistant coach during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)

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  Union/A-C Valley Football players from left Hayden Armagost, Christian Salizzani and Owen Bish pose for a group photo during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
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  Union/A-C Valley football player Owen Bish poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
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  Union/A-C Valley football player Hayden Armagost poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
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  Union/A-C Valley football player Owen Bish poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
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  Union/A-C Valley football player Hayden Armagost poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
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  Union/A-C Valley football player Owen Bish poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
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  Union/A-C Valley football coach Dan Reed poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
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  Union/A-C Valley football player Christian Salizzoni poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
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  Union/A-C Valley football player Christian Salizzoni poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
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  Union/A-C Valley football player Christian Salizzoni poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
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  Union/A-C Valley football players and Coach Dan Reed get interviewed by Butler Public Radio during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
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  Union/A-C Valley football player Hayden Armagost poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
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  Union/A-C Valley football coach Dan Reed is interviewed by Butler Public Radio during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
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  Union/A-C Valley football coach Dan Reed talks with Butler Public Radio during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
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  Union/A-C Valley football players Hayden Armagost and Owen Bish hold up Christian Salizzoni for a group photo during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
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  Union/A-C Valley football players and Coach Dan Reed are interviewed by Butler Public Radio during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
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  Union/A-C Valley football players and Coach Dan Reed get interviewed by Butler Public Radio during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
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  Union/A-C Valley football players and Coach Dan Reed are interviewed by Butler Public Radio during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
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  Union/A-C Valley football players Hayden Armagost, front, and Christian Salizzoni, back left, Coach Dan Reed and Owen Bish pose for a group photo during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
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  The Union/A-C Valley High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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  The Union/A-C Valley High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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  The Union/A-C Valley High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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  The Union/A-C Valley High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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  The Union/A-C Valley High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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  The Union/A-C Valley High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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  The Union/A-C Valley High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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  The Union/A-C Valley High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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  The Union/A-C Valley High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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  The Union/A-C Valley High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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  The Union/A-C Valley High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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  The Union/A-C Valley High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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  Union/A-C Valley wide receiver Christian Salizzoni during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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  Union/A-C Valley quarterback Owen Bish works on throwing during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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  Union/A-C Valley quarterback Owen Bish works on throwing during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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  Union/A-C Valley linebacker Colbin Elliott during special teams practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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  Union/A-C Valley quarterback Owen Bish works on throwing during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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  Union/A-C Valley wide receiver Aidan Fox is passed the ball during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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  Union/A-C Valley running back Max Gallagher runs through drills during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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  Union/A-C Valley quarterback Owen Bish works on throwing during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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  Union/A-C Valley running back Max Gallagher runs through drills during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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  Union/A-C Valley quarterback Owen Bish works on throwing during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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  The Union/A-C Valley High School varsity football team works on a unique way of blocking using a high jump mat on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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  The Union/A-C Valley High School varsity football team works on a unique way of blocking using a high jump mat on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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  The Union/A-C Valley High School varsity football team’s coach Dan Reed watches intensely during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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  Union/A-C Valley wide receiver Aidan Fox runs the ball during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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  The Union/A-C Valley High School varsity football team works on a unique way of blocking using a high jump mat on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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  Union/A-C Valley quarterback Owen Bish is guided by an assistant coach during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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  Union/A-C Valley wide receiver Aidan Fox is guided by an assistant coach during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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  Union/A-C Valley running back Max Gallagher runs through drills during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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  Union/A-C Valley wide receiver Aidan Fox runs the ball during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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  Union/A-C Valley wide receiver Aidan Fox runs the ball during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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  Union/A-C Valley quarterback Owen Bish is guided by an assistant coach during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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  Union/A-C Valley quarterback Owen Bish is guided by an assistant coach during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)

Owen Bish will bring his playmaking ability to the most important position on the field.

After a total of 1,086 all-purpose yards and 10 touchdowns last year for Union/A-C Valley football, the senior will take over at quarterback in 2024.

“He showed his athleticism at running back last year, knows the (spread) system we run and knows what we’re trying to accomplish on offense,” Falcon Knights head coach Dan Reed said. “We’re excited to see him progress.”

Bish was in a preseason battle for the quarterback spot last year with Brody Dittman, who graduated in June, but lost. He played running back and slot receiver on offense.

Union/A-C Valley quarterback Owen Bish, left, who had 1,084 total yards and 10 touchdowns last season, is guided by an assistant coach during practice Aug. 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

“I wasn’t disappointed when I didn’t win the job,” Bish said. “I was just excited to get on the field and make an impact, whatever the position.”

Bish, who also stars on defense as a cornerback, entered the offseason knowing he would be the team’s signal caller this year and prepared accordingly.

“I went to a number of 7-on-7 events, including one at Penn State, and that was a great experience,” he said. “I got some good work in with our receivers and came out of it with a lot of confidence.”

The summer work has been critical as Union/A-C Valley returns just 30 of 135 receptions from a year ago when it went 5-6 and lost to Brockway in the District 9 Class 1A quarterfinals.

Bish will benefit from a big and experienced offensive line. He plans to successfully walk the tight rope that comes with being a mobile quarterback.

“Running the ball comes naturally for me,” he said, “but I am also OK with staying in the pocket for an extra second or two. As long as I get the ball out, I’m fine with taking a hit.”

Senior Christian Salizzoni will be one of the receivers working to get open for Bish.

Union/A-C Valley football player Owen Bish poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle

“All the work we’ve put in over the summer has given us a lot of chemistry,” he said. “Owen’s ability is definitely going to help the team. He’s a dual threat as a quarterback, and he grew stronger in the offseason.”

Bish has already left an imprint on Union/A-C Valley’s program, but he knows he can cut it even deeper if his play leads to team success.

Since Union and A-C Valley combined forces to form one football team in 2016, the 2021 season remains the standard to match. The Falcon Knights reached the District 9 Class 1A championship game that year, finishing 9-3.

“I’m eager for the season to start,” Bish said. “We have skill players who can make things happen around me. Hopefully, we can get to the playoffs and make a run at a championship. I will give it my all.”