|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
UNION COUNTY VS SANTA FE
Tigers come ready to win on Homecoming
UNION COUNTY VS SANTA FETigers come ready to win on HomecomingBy ADRIAN WILLIAMS CHAPMAN
The Tiger Homecoming game started with a ceremony that honored one of UC's great players. Gerard Warren, currently with the Oakland Raiders, was honored with the retiring of his #61 high school jersey. He was accompanied on the field by his mother and father as he was presented with his framed jersey by the high school principal and the school's superintendent. Having Gerard on the sidelines had to give the Tigers that extra "umph" they needed to come out and avenge their loss to Newberry last week. The Tigers kicked off to Santa Fe with the Tiger defense starting what would be a great game for them as the Raider offense went 3 and out. Union’s first possession started on their 41 and four plays later Deven Perry carried the handoff for the first Tiger touchdown of the game. Alvin Jernigan, #12 kicked the extra point making it 7-0. Santa Fe started a long drive that would lead them into the Tiger red zone. The Tiger defense held once again allowing the Tigers to take over on downs. The Tigers could not get momentum
Both teams scored twice in the second quarter. Go to guy, Deven Perry got the handoff and carried the rock to the house for another Tiger touchdown. On the Raiders next possession, they were able to make it count and put 6 on the board with a pass from QB Royce Givins #17 to receiver Josh Banks #2. The Tigers answered quickly on a handoff to Najeeb Smith at the 15 who took the ball 84 yards for pay dirt. A botched extra point that followed wound up being run in for 2 points by the holder, Simmons. A score by the Raiders on their next possession would end the first half of play with the Tigers on top, 22-14. The opening drive of the second half ended with another Tiger touchdown by Perry. The Raiders were up and down and their punt was returned 60 plus yards by Adam Cason #7 for a UC score. Justin "Twin" Tyson #20, added the next score 63 yards for a Tiger style TD. PAT by Jernigan was good. On the Tigers' next drive, they turned the ball over on downs early in the 4th. The Raiders take full advantage of regaining the ball and they drive it down to score. The Raiders attempt of an onside kickoff is stymied by #16, Nevin Johns who covers the ball for the Tiger special team. The Tigers' final score of the night comes with a handoff to Smith who takes it in for 6 making the final score 49-22, Union County. GAME NOTES: When addressing the team afterward, Coach Zow said, "Our defense kept the team in a great situation and I am proud of them. They came here and thought they had a chance, but if we keep playing like we did tonight, no one will have a chance. We've gotta play tough for a whole game, stay positive, and stay after them. You defensive guys really got after them tonight; guys up front, you did a heck of a job, and the coaching staff did a great job. Congratulations." Running Back coach, Adrian Tucker gave credit to the Offensive Line and coaching staff for the blocking they gave his running backs that allowed all 3 of them to rush for over 100 yards each in the game. From the player's perspective…Player of the game, Najeeb Smith said, "It felt good to have the two touchdown runs. I had to depend on my blockers and they led me to the end zone." He added, "The special teams coach pushed us during the week and made us get after it; and that's what it is, it's dedication that's all." As for next week, he seemed sure that they would work even harder and be prepared for Trinity Catholic.
|
      |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
