UCHS 9th GRADE FOOTBALL

Union County's freshman football team defeated J.L. Mann 24-12 on Thursday.

Dierrus Beachum scored two touchdowns and Taylan Wallace one for the Jackets, who rallied from a 6-0 halftime deficit.

“They played a great second half,” said coach Will Hickson. “Kudos to the offensive line. They sparked us and gave good running wholes. Kudos to the defense for holding Mann in the first half, keeping us in the ball game until the offense got going.

“The team showed great character and I'm proud of them. They get better every week. Union County football's future is in great hands.”

UCHS (4-4) travels to Greer next Thursday.

JMS WILDCATS FOOTBALL

JONESVILLE - The JMS Wildcats defeated Landrum 20-14 on Thursday.

The Cardinals returned the opening kickoff 65 yards for a touchdown. The conversion was good on a 3-yard run.

The Wildcats drove the field, but the drive stalled on the Landrum 10. Jonesville's defense rose to the challenge and Tyree Eison recovered a Cardinal fumble in the end zone for a touchdown. The conversion failed and the ‘Cats trailed 8-6.

Landrum answered on a pass to the tailback, who took it 60 yards for a score. The conversion failed and the score was 14-6 at the half.

Jonesville opened the half on a short touchdown run by Ross Norris. The Wildcats converted on a run by Quabel Henderson to tie the game.

In overtime, on the Cardinals' first play from scrimmage, the Wildcat defense forced a fumble that was recovered by Eison. Jonesville scored on a 6-yard run by Quabel Henderson to take the victory.

JMS finishes its first season at 5-2.

"It has been a pleasure to coach these guys this year,” said coach Michael Mullinax. “We grew together as a team and it showed on and off the field. We stepped up and played hard-hitting football in the second half. I would like to thank the players, parents and my assistants for all of their dedication and hard work."

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

Offense: Offensive Line: "They stepped up and played their best game of the year. They created lanes to run through and took control of the game in the second half,” said Mullinax.

Defense: Entire defense: "We came out and finally started hitting. We created some excitement that started our comeback. They stepped up and kept Landrum out of the end zone until our offense could get on track," said Mullinax.

SIMS 8th GRADE FOOTBALL

The Sims 8th grade football team battled back from a 6-0 halftime deficit, to take a 14-12 victory in overtime over Florence Chapel.

Quarterback Keiston Smith scored the only points for the Tigers on a 5-yard run in the fourth quarter, an 8-yard run in overtime and a 3-yard run for the 2-point conversion.

The defense - Dalton Murphy, Jamarcus Rice, Josh Simpson, D'extra Goggins, Darrius Rice, Curtis Garrett, James Walton, Chase Austin, Corey Land, Adrian Brown, Devontae Glenn, Devian Davis and Bubba Means - played tough the entire game, as the only points given up in regulation were scored in the first quarter after a roughing the passer call on fourth down gave Florence Chapel the ball inside the 10 and a first and goal.

The offensive line - Simpson, Jacob Painter, Joseph Cannon, Jarrad Fowler, Rice and Heath Walker - played well, as well as the entire offense in the second half and in overtime,” said coach Scott Sherbert.

Receivers Means, Murphy, Rice and Reggie Moorman had big catches and big blocks. Running back Davis had good runs and blocks for the quarterback. Fullback Goggins blocked well. Smith played a good game running, throwing and leading the offense, said Sherbert.

“This was a big win for the Sims 8th grade team,” he said. “I was proud of how the team kept playing and hung in there. The players on the sideline did a great job of cheering their teammates on late in the game and in overtime. It was a tough one, but I'm proud of the guys for pulling out a hard fought victory.”

Sims (4-2) travels to Dawkins next Thursday.

UCHS JV FOOTBALL

J.L. Mann defeated Union County's junior varsity football team 21-14 on Thursday.

Michael Mebane scored one Jacket touchdown on a long run. Dionte Palmer scored on a touchdown catch from Mebane. Alex Tucker kicked both PATs.

UCHS (4-2) travels to Greer next Thursday.