Photo courtesy of Mike Hutchens, Union City Schools Communications Director
By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Disappointed, yet proud.
Those two adjectives best summed up the feelings of everyone wearing Purple and Gold Tuesday night as the Union City Middle School football team closed its season with a heartbreaking 20-18 loss to Crockett County in an NWMSAA bowl game at South Gibson County High School.
The Tornadoes won every statistical category except the final score against a bigger opponent – beaten by a last-second touchdown pass for the second time this season by CC.
“Obviously, the loss stings a lot, but how could I not be proud of our kids’ effort and the grit they showed?” UC head coach Cole Clanton rhetorically asked after his team ended their year with a 3-5 mark. “We were physical, we played with a great deal of energy, and our guys left everything they had on the field.
“I’m happy to call them my team.”
Union City accumulated more total yards (236-169), had more first downs (16-7), and dominated time of possession (56 offensive plays to 20 for Crockett County).
Running back Jacob Rose was a true workhorse with 214 yards and three touchdowns on a whopping 45 carries as UC consistently moved the ball behind the stellar line play of Jaxson Jones, Foster Rodgers, John Matt Morgan, Jaxon Busby and Alijah Simpson.
Though on the field for a limited time, the Twister defense also came up with a handful of big plays as Simpson had a sack and another stop behind the line, while Grant Sinclair registered a couple of takedowns and had a pass breakup. Jack Theobald came up with an interception, and Zac Summers recovered an onside kick.
But the Cavs threw a TD pass on the last snap of the first half and another with just 19 seconds to play to almost duplicate their earlier 28-22 victory over Union City.
Rose, Jones and Sinclair were all named to the all-conference team in postgame ceremonies.
The Tornado squad of nearly 80 players included 27 eighth graders.
HIGH SCHOOL CROSS COUNTRY
Wagoner earns more hardware
Junior Bailey Wagoner posted another top-quality effort by finishing 13th overall and earning a medal among a large field of 165 runners in the Trinity Christian Academy Invitational.
Wagoner, who has medaled at all events but one this fall for the Lady Tornadoes, crossed the finish line at 22:41.
Kennedi Robinson had a good showing, placing 37th with a time of 24:53.
Rushdon Howell was 80th for the UC boys in a field of 236 participants, clocked at 20:52.
“I’m extremely proud of these athletes,” Tornado coach Ashley Martin said. “They dig deep each race and give their all. That mental toughness is no small feat, especially when you don’t have a team score to push you.
“I look forward to the postseason with these hard workers.”
Union City will participate in the Best of the West at Obion County Central next Tuesday.
HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL
South Fulton 3, UC 1
A loss to the Red Devils put a small damper on Senior Night for Union City.
The Lady Tornadoes won Game 1, 25-15. SF then took three straight (25-18, 25-23 and 27-25) to claim the match and drop UC to 6-12 heading into tonight’s regular-season finale at Ripley.
Sadie Crawford had 15 kills and Emma Powell recorded 13 to pace the Twister girls. Powell and Madie Theobald finished as No. 1 and No. 2 on the assist list.
Following the match, four seniors were honored for their contributions to the program. They included Lainey Barker, Rose Lopez, Morgan Palmer and Emma Powell.
Each player was given personalized gifts by head coach Jodi Powell and acknowledged for their career accomplishments – on and off the court.
Barker plans a professional career in the public health field after college, Lopez intends to study interior architecture at the University of Tennessee, and Palmer plans to pursue a nursing degree. Powell intends to gain a degree in communications and public speaking, then pursue a career in the ministry.
Union City did win Tuesday’s jayvee match, taking a deciding Game 3, 15-6.
Brittany Murphy had Mattie Smith each had 15 kills. Theobald had a big match in the assist department.
UC will play in the District 13A Tournament next week.
