By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–Late-arriving Humboldt’s timing didn’t affect Union City one bit.
The Tornadoes dominated H’boldt from start to finish Friday, beating the Vikings five-touchdowns-to-none in both teams’ second preseason scrimmage.
UC forced two turnovers on the visitors’ first four snaps, scored on each of its first four possessions, and allowed the Vikes just three first downs total during the session that began an hour later than its original set time due to Humboldt’s tardiness.
The Purple and Gold were unfazed, controlling both lines of scrimmage while showing across-the-board improvement in all phases from its first time out a week earlier.
“We started off ready, and that was something we’d talked about all week because I thought we were very sluggish in the early-going last week against Dresden,” Union City head coach Nick Markle said. “I was a little concerned because we had a little bit of a lull waiting on them to get here. We came out and stretched, then sat in the shade for a while. Then we had to stretch again before they got ready to go.
“Our guys responded to that challenge, though. And that’s a sign of great senior leadership.”
Linebacker Gage Smith made a leaping interception on H’boldt’s second play and, two plays later rambled 23 yards up the middle for the Tornadoes’ first score. Keaten Brown came up with a fumble recovery early in the Vikings’ second possession, then took a quarterback sneak into the endzone for Union City’s second touchdown.
UC then showcased an efficient passing game with Brown and Kolby Craig hooking up for a 40-yard gain. Later in the session, Brown and Jacob Arnold connected for a 65-yard scoring play. Brown accounted for his second rushing TD earlier on a 65-yard scamper.
Freshman QB Kirben Thompson rounded out the scoring with a keeper to paydirt after marching Union City second-teamers to a score.
Sophomore placekicker Finn Frankum showed marked improvement from his initial time out, making 5-of-5 PATs.
“Our communication was better all around,” Markle added. “We hustled to the football on defense and didn’t give up any big plays. We had six or seven hats around the ball on every play, and our physicality was outstanding. Our linemen hustled downfield to make extra blocks, our safeties filled their allies, and you could really hear the pads popping.
“We cleaned up a lot, and I couldn’t be any prouder of our progress from last week to this week.”
Union City’s final preseason test will come next Friday when they play host Covington in the Purple and Gold Jamboree on the Chargers’ new artificial turf.
The session will also include action between the schools’ two middle school programs, a jayvee session and performances by both bands.
Action is set to begin at 6 p.m.