Union County’s JV team picked up its second consecutive win to remain undefeated in region play this year.

The Yellow Jackets held off a pesky Chapin Eagles team for a 21-14 win Thursday in JV football action.

After cutting the Jacket lead, 21-14, in the fourth quarter Chapin recovered an onside kick at the Jackets’ 48-yard line. The Eagles appeared to be destined to upset the Yellow Jackets but when the ball sailed over the Chapin quarterback’s head, Union County’s Dalton Murphy secured the loose ball and the Yellow Jackets’ win.

Union County scored 21 first-half points to take a 21-7 lead at halftime.

The Jackets scored on its opening possession when quarterback Nathan Williford took it in from one yard out. Leontay Jeter’s 31-yard run set up the Jackets’ touchdown. Brandon Shetley’s point after was good and the Jackets took an early 7-0 lead.

Williford had a strong performance Thursday by throwing for two touchdowns and rushing for another with no interceptions or fumbles.

The Eagles bounced back to score on their ensuing drive and tied the Jackets, 7-7 with 9:55 remaining in the first half.

Williford led the Jackets on a 5-play, 63-yard scoring drive. Wide receiver DaMarcus Stewart’s 28-yard touchdown reception gave the Jackets a 13-7 advantage. Jillian Schultz’s kick gave the Jackets a 14-7 lead.

Union County’s defense led by Brandon Parker and D-Extra Goggins forced a turnover on downs and the Jackets took over at their own 21.

Williford threw his second touchdown of the half when he connected with Michael Edwards from 13 yards out. Shetley’s PAT put the Jackets up 21-7.

Chapin opened the second half with a kickoff to the Yellow Jackets. Union County managed to drive down to the Chapin 5 on a 14-play second-half opening drive but their field goal attempt was blocked and the Jackets could not manage any points.

Chapin rode the momentum from the Jackets’ failed field goal and converted on two fourth-down conversions en route to a 6-yard fourth-quarter touchdown run.

After Murphy’s fumble recovery in the fourth quarter, the Jackets ran out the clock on the way to their third victory of the season.

The JV team travels to Chapman Thursday for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff.

Ninth-grade football

The Jackets ninth-grade football team took their first lead of the season but could not maintain it as the York Cougars won 28-26 Thursday.

Union County scored first on a double reverse pass from quarterback Matthew Barnett to Charles Johnson.

York answered with 2:20 remaining in the first quarter to take an 8-6 lead over the Jackets.

On the Jackets’ first play of the second quarter, Barnett found Triston Armstrong for a 34-yard touchdown reception. Union County’s two-point conversion run added to their lead, 14-8.

York tied the game at 14-14 before Union County pulled another trick play from the book.

Barnett threw the ball to Johnson who flipped it to Jordan Spencer for a 60-yard touchdown on the old hook and ladder play. Union County led 20-14.

York opened the second half with a six-minute scoring drive to tie the game, 20-20.

Jackets’ running back Jermaine Lindsay broke the tie with a 65-yard touchdown run for a 26-20 advantage.

York would answer with a 15-play, 66-yard scoring drive capped off by a one-yard quarterback sneak for the game-tying touchdown. The Cougar’s two-point conversion pass was good and York gained the 28-26 advantage.

The Jackets play at Chapman Thursday at 6 p.m.