By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City will open its 2025 high school football season at home Friday night when Jackson Christian School pays a visit to War Memorial Stadium.
The Golden Tornadoes will begin their sixth season under the direction of head coach Nick Markle, who has directed UC to three straight state quarterfinal appearances.
A handful of experienced seniors will lead the Purple and Gold as they move back into Class 2A and compete in rugged Region 7 with past former state champions Milan, Huntingdon, and Peabody, along with always-talented Jackson Central-Merry.
The Twisters will be headlined by running backs Andre Small and Kirben Thompson, veteran linemen Deyton Buckley and Cohn Wood, and the versatile athletic talents of Adrian Crawford.
Christian Jones and Ethan Rogers are also part of a group of solid trenchmen who will be expected to pave the way in UC’s ground-oriented offense. Sophomore Jack Theobald has won the starting quarterback position and also should be a playmaker on the defensive side at safety.
A demanding schedule awaits the Tornadoes as all four of Union City’s non-region opponents made the playoffs a year ago, with nine of the 10 foes on this year’s slate having qualified for the postseason in 2024.
JCS is coming off three consecutive 10-win campaigns and is expected to be among the challengers for the Division 2 Class A championship this year.
Friday’s game and all other Union City football, basketball, and select spring sports contests will be livestreamed on various Forever Communications platforms, including on YouTube @nwtnucsports.