UNION — After taking care of Broome last week, 51-37, Union County (4-3, 1-1) is set to face region foe Clinton (1-6, 0-2) on the road tonight at 7:30 p.m.

The Red Devils are coming off a 21-14 loss to Chapman and will be looking for their first region win of the season.

However, they’ll have their hands full with a Union County team whose offense has been dynamic and whose defense made tremendous strides last week.

“They’ve had a little different step about them this week,” said Union County Head Coach Steve Taneyhill. “It’s been a positive atmosphere around here, a different attitude with the guys for sure. They’re feeling pretty good after a hard fought win.”

Union County defensive end Jamarcus Henderson dominated his area last week with 10 tackles, two tackles for loss and a sack while Braylon Brown was named the Defensive Player of the Week with 15 tackles, two for loss.

This week, the Jackets can expect to see a smash-mouth Clinton team that resembles Broome both offensively and defensively.

“They’re gonna run the ball but not so much of the Wing T that Broome runs,” said Taneyhill. “Clinton’s is more of a power run, basically ‘Our guys are better than yours and here it comes.’ They might’ve seen us on film give up a couple passes against Broome and decide they want to throw it a little bit more but they’re gonna really try and control the clock.”

The Jackets are establishing more of a ground game of their own, getting running backs Trayvon Davis and Adrian Brown involved.

Davis, who was named Offensive Player of the Week had 12 touches for 127 yards against Broome.

“That’s the key and it’s gonna be vital here down the stretch,” said Taneyhill. “Everybody knows we can throw it around a little bit and we’ve gotta get to where our running backs are able to make some plays. It’s a good time of the year to get the running game cranked up.”

The Union County offensive line has been strong in recent weeks and Taneyhill said Octavious Thompson is a huge asset in the trenches. “He played center, left guard and right guard last week and graded out very high,” he remarked. “For him to be a 10th-grader, he’s very versatile. He’s coming along and can help us out some.”

The Jackets will basically see the same defensive package that Broome showed last week. Taneyhill expects Clinton to try and eliminate the big one-play drives and force Union County to feed the clock with eight to 10 play drives.

“They’ll kind of play soft and make us work,” said Taneyhill.

Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m. at Clinton High School.

Sports Editor Tiffany Grady-Hudgins can be reached by e-mail at thudgins@heartlandpublications.com or by cell at (864) 251-4330.