Archives
 By  Staff Reports Published 
11:06 pm Saturday, November 9, 2002

Union wears Region 3-1A crown

By By Marty Stamper/EMG sports assistant
November 9, 2002
UNION Union captured its first division or region football championship in school history Friday night as an 18-13 victory over previously-unbeaten Puckett gave the Yellowjackets the Region 3-1A title.
Union, 8-3 overall and 8-1 in 3-1A, will host a Class 1A first-round playoff game next Friday. Puckett, 9-1 and 8-1, will also host a first-round game.
The Wolves outgained Union 128-118 in the first half, but the Jackets held a 183-78 advantage over the second half to finish with a 301-206 edge.
Puckett lost three fumbles and had three passes picked off.
The game was still up for grabs until Derrick Harris picked off a Mario Robinson pass at the Union 24 with 1:12 remaining. Three plays and a 15-yard personal foul penalty on Puckett ran out the clock.
Union went up 6-0 on its second possession, driving 40 yards on eight plays following a 19-yard punt by Matt Edwards. Anthony Johnson scored from four yards out with 4:46 to go in the first quarter. A try for two failed.
Puckett had the ball at the Union 31 early in the second quarter, but Robinson lost a fumble on fourth down with Ray Harper recovering for the Jackets.
Later in the period, the Wolves had second-and-8 at the Union 25 only to come up empty again.
An interception by Zach Robinson enabled Union to run out the first half with a 6-0 lead.
Union marched 67 yards on 11 plays on its second possession of the second half to go up 12-0. Johnson rumbled 12 yards up the middle for the touchdown with 4:52 to go in the third quarter. Another two-point play failed.
Johnson finished with 160 yards on 26 carries.
The Wolves took advantage of a Quincy Patrick fumble at the Union 22 to get their first score. Three plays later, Mario Robinson scored on an 11-yard run. Bill Stevens' extra point attempt hit the left upright and bounced back leaving Union with a 12-6 lead and 1:49 showing in the third quarter.
Union responded with a nine-play, 73-yard drive to go up 18-6 with 10:18 to play. Patrick teamed with Jordan Robinson for a 29-yard pickup to the Puckett 44 and then capped the drive with a 4-yard touchdown toss to a wide open Cordis Thompson. A two-point pass failed.
Union had held the Wolves midway through the fourth quarter, but Marcus Gill's fourth-and-15 interception wound up being a break for Puckett when he fumbled and the Wolves recovered at the Union 6. Terrell Jackson scored on a 2-yard run on third down. Stevens' PAT pulled the Wolves to within 18-13 with 7:33 left.
Following the touchdown, Union drove 62 yards from its 8 to the Puckett 30 where a fumble recovery gave the Wolves one final shot at a win with 1:43 to go.
Harris ended that bid with his interception with 1:12 showing.
Harper finished with 47 yards on 11 carries for Union.

Also on Franklin County Times
County school board adopts $52M budget
Main, News, Russellville, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
September 17, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE Franklin County Schools has adopted a $52 million budget for fiscal year 2026, reflecting a $2.5 million increase over last year. The bud...
Judge denies YO status for Phinizee
Main, News, Z - News Main
Bernie Delinski For the FCT 
September 17, 2025
FLORENCE — Youthful offender status was denied Tuesday for a 17-year-old charged with the death of a 13-yearold during what authorities said was a rob...
RCS passes $43.3M budget
Main, News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
September 17, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE -- The city school board has approved a $43.3 million budget for the 2025-26 school year. Chief Financial Officer Lisa Witt said revenues...
Program tackles stress of caregiver burnout
News, Records, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
September 17, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE -- Many people deal with caregiver burnout. Kids and Kin childcare partner Marquita Wilson presented a program at the Russellville Public...
Flavil Wayne McCaig
Obituaries
September 17, 2025
Flavil Wayne McCaig Sept. 12, 2025   Flavil Wayne McCaig, 82, of Russellville, passed away Sept. 12 at his residence. He was born March 3, 1943, to Au...
Cultura Garden Club begins its year with roses and plans for fall
Columnists, News, Opinion
HERE AND NOW
September 17, 2025
The Cultura Garden Club held its first meeting of the year. President Cheri McCain presided. She provided information on projects and programs for the...
We can’t afford to lose electric vehicle industry
Columnists, Opinion
September 17, 2025
In Alabama, we understand what it means to build things that matter. We’ve long been home to builders and winners – our steel won wars and built the s...
Firefighters, cadets honor 9/11 with stair climbs
News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
September 17, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE – Firefighters and RHS JROTC cadets participated in a stair climb in recognition of the 24th anniversary of 9-11. Sgt. Grant Tarascou and...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *