By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Isaiah Puckett ran for 141 yards and a touchdown and also racked up 10 tackles on defense to help the Union City Middle School football team beat McKenzie 14-6 Thursday night in its season opener.
Puckett, who additionally had a long TD run negated by a penalty, also tacked on a two-point conversion in the second half for the Tornadoes, who scored all their points after trailing 6-0 at the intermission.
Quarterback Brayson Smith had 80 yards rushing on six carries with a touchdown run for UC.
Linebacker Sam Kissell led a hustling Twister defensive unit with 11 tackles. Jordan Muse was in on six stops, while Jorge Escobar and Dexter Graham were credited with five tackles apiece.
UCMS will next participate in the fourth annual Purple and Gold Jamboree along with the Union City High School team next Friday (Aug. 15).
HIGH SCHOOL GOLF
Grant McGuire fired a match-best 35 to help the Union City boys’ golf team edge McKenzie and also beat host Milan and West Carroll Thursday afternoon.
Brody Riley carded a 37, Coop Frankum shot 38, and Paul Martin Tohn came in with a 49 to finish out a 159 team total for the Tornadoes. McKenzie shot 160, Milan came in with a 194, and West Carroll completed the field with a 227.
The UC girls finished at 124 to trail McKenzie (98) and Milan (111).
Annie Beth Cruce and Stella Turner each shot 62 for the Lady Twisters.
On Monday, both the UC girls’ and boys’ teams dropped a close one-stroke decision to Westview at Poplar Meadows Country Club.
McGuire was the match medalist with a 38 for the Tornadoes, who shot 170 as a team. Riley came in with a 39, Tohn shot 44, and Frankum finished with a 49.
Jake Lattus registered a 53, while both Stephen Herrell and Garrison Bunch carded 56s for the Purple and Gold.
The Union City girls finished with a team total of 125, to the Lady Chargers’ 124.
Turner had the best score of any player with a 58, while Cruce shot 67.
UC’s teams will square off against Dyer County on Tuesday at The Farms in Dyersburg.