Union County’s defensive front (right) will be key Friday night vs. Broome. Broome is ranked eighth in the state and travel to Union County Stadium for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff.
After falling behind early in last week‘s game against Spartanburg, the Jackets showed poise and determination fighting back like a true champion.
Spartanburg won the game 27-19, but the near win over the rival Vikings did something for the Jackets that is immeasurable.
The Jackets walked away with pride even in defeat.
The Yellow Jackets will come out with something to prove when Broome (1-0) comes to town this week for the Jackets first regular season home game.
Broome is coming off a 21-13 victory last week against York. The win boosted the Centurions to eighth spot in 2A state rankings.
The Centurions had two good drives and one long run play for their scores. Broome running back Chris Corry led the team with over 200 all-purpose yards.
On offense, Broome looks to run the ball first and pass second. Broome’s offense had 227 rushing yards to 87 yards passing vs. York last week.
Quarterback Chase Henry returns as the starter and runs the spread option for the Centurions. Henry threw for over 2,000 yards last year and will test the Jackets defense with his arm and speed.
“Henry makes good decisions, and that’s what you want from a senior quarterback. He also has a quick release and strong arm,” Union County head coach David Lipsey said.
Henry’s favorite targets are senior wide receivers Bryant Foster and Bobby Mitchell.
Broome’s Nick Crocker adds experience and athleticism to the offensive backfield.
Broome’s offensive line has size and returns four starters. Junior left tackle Aaron Mosier (6-2, 230) and junior guard Josh Self (6-3, 290) bring size and experience to the line.
“I would say they (offensive line) are more about technique and not smash mouth, but they do bring a lot of beef with them and are the biggest line all together we’ve had since I’ve been here,” Broome head coach Todd Staley said.
Union County understands execution up front equals success.
“We have to have good defensive line play and we got to squeeze on the blocks. We must do a good job containing their quarterback,” coach Lipsey added.
Union County’s defensive front will look to swallow the run and dare the Centurions to pass.
“On film, the defensive front is unbelievable and they have speed linebacker,” coach Staley said.
Although a lot of attention will be on the defensive front, the Yellow Jackets need big play from its linebackers and secondary.
Union County’s secondary and linebackers will look to slow down Broome’s run game and force Henry to throw more.
Last week vs. Spartanburg, the Jackets defense was strong and forced key turnovers. Josh Armstrong, Rickey Rice and Robert Littlejohn all had interceptions against Spartanburg.
Broome’s base defense is a 3-5. The defense has a strong, returning group of linebackers. Crocker is a four-year starter and all-area performer at linebacker.
“Nick is a captain and a vocal leader,” Staley said.
Crocker will also get help from Cam Lipscomb and Jeremy Woodward. All three have started for three years.
The Jackets will show some of the same looks as Broome on offense with power and zone runs out of the spread. However, the Jackets carry more of a passing threat than the Centurions.
The Jackets will need to utilize its speed at wide out and strengthen its pass protection for the win vs. Broome.
Last week, Union County quarterback Keiston Smith grew a lot in his first varsity start throwing for two touchdowns. He connected on a 62-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Victor Ruth and on a 12-yard touchdown pass to Desmond Floyd.
Union County running back Michael Johnson added a 58-yard touchdown run for the Jackets.
The Jackets will need to improve its kicking game this week. Union County converted only one PAT attempt in the season opener.
Union County will need total domination from the offensive and defensive lines and must stop Broome from gaining any momentum with the big play.
If the Jackets hold Broome to 130 yards rushing, Union County could win big. If not, expect this one to come down to the fourth quarter for a second straight week.
“We cannot give up the big plays,” coach Lipsey said.
Union County 33
Broome 14
Key players to watch
UCHS: Entire defensive line, RB Michael Johnson, DB Robert Littlejohn, WR/KR Victor Ruth
Broome: QB Chase Henry, HB/LB Nick Crocker, RB Chris Corry, OL Aaron Mosier
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