By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City Middle School’s football team sent its 8th graders out with a bang.
The Tornadoes scored their most points in a game this season and capped a successful 5-3 campaign with a 36-0 blanking of Trinity Christian Academy on 8th Grade Night Tuesday at War Memorial Stadium.
Sixteen 8th graders suited up for the final time in a UCMS uniform and were honored in halftime ceremonies along with classmates from the band and cross country team.
Six running backs combined to rush for more than 300 yards, and the Twister defense manhandled TCA as head coach Josh Keown got everyone into the 2025 finale.
Keown, who directed Union City to an unbeaten season last year in his first season on the job, was just as proud of this year’s group.
“For us to have to replace so many people from last year’s team and to come out this year and have such a solid year, I’m really happy,” the coach said. “It’s a testament to our kids, their work ethic, and their character. They played hard from start to finish, and they don’t quit.”
Isaiah Puckett capped his strong 8th-grade season by running for 152 yards and two touchdowns on just five carries. Brayson Smith rushed for 64 yards and threw a 10-yard TD pass to Gabriel Pocernich. Pocernich also ran for 51 yards.
Hudson Reeves rushed for a pair of scores, and Thomas Harrell, Jondan Muse, and Kason Medley accounted for two-point conversions for the victorious Purple and Gold.
Pocernich had three tackles (one for lost yards) and recovered a fumble to pace the UC defense. Puckett and Khay J Buckley recorded two tackles each, and Harrell had a stop behind the line of scrimmage.
Keown began mixing his younger players into the lineup as early as the second quarter and said he believes the future remains bright for the program.
“Those young guys have worked hard in practice to give us good looks, and they deserve to get some time in the varsity game,” he concluded. “They were excited. And it was nice to see a preview of next season and know we have some good pieces to build with.”
HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL
UC 3, SF 0
The Lady Tornadoes set a program record for most wins in a season with their 19th overall triumph at SF.
Now 19-4 – 12-1 in District 13A play – Union City will close out its regular season on Thursday with a match at Bradford after winning on Tuesday 25-15, 15-14, and 25-17 vs. the Lady Red Devils.
Madie Theobald led the victors in assists (18), saves (4), and service aces (3). Gracie Sims recorded a game-best 13 kills and had a team-high four blocks, while Clare Atwill finished with eight digs.
Crickett Washburn and Addison Carr ended up with five kills apiece – one behind Ca’Lae Ervin, who totaled a half-dozen. Carr added four digs.
Thursday’s regular season finale at Bradford will be a varsity-only match, beginning at 5 p.m.