A loss is always a tough thing to deal with.

But Union County should hold their heads high as they enter the Holiday season. Although they were handed a 17-14 loss by Clinton and had the cord yanked on their championship title dreams, the team has shown they have the heart of a state-title caliber team.

Fighting adversity all year, the Yellow Jackets accomplished things no one expected them to.

No only did Union County win the region championship, the team was a field goal away from playing in the Upper State Championships.

The Yellow Jackets didn’t get this far from being a passing team, or from possessing linebackers the size of college players. Union County found success this year from sticking with its goal of getting better every practice and every game. According to head coach David Lipsey this is exactly what he wanted from his team.

And Lipsey got this from his entire team, not just individual players.

Sure I have used this column to praise the running effort by Michael Mebane and the lack of recognition he gets from the rest of the state, but it has been the tireless efforts by the offensive line and others that have opened up the holes for Mebane to run.

Another highlight this year has been Union County’s relentless defense. The fumble recoveries, interceptions and sacks have made this a fun team to watch.

No individual player deserves to be tied to their success this year because it truly has been a team effort.

The future looks bright for Union County. Although they will lose some key seniors to graduation next season, players such as running backs Dierris Beacham and Michael Johnson, tight end Kendrick Byrd and defensive end Desmond Floyd will compliment a more mature experienced team.

Not to mention the youth coming in from Union County’s freshman and junior varsity teams, which went undefeated this year.

There are plenty of more exciting moments in store for the Yellow Jackets next season.