Union opens season with win over Noxapater
By By Marty Stamper / staff writer
Aug. 27, 2004
NOXAPATER Brad Breland's billiard skills are unknown, but for the first time in his four years as Union head football coach, he won't be facing an entire football season from behind the 8 ball.
The Yellowjackets opened their 2004 campaign with a 21-18 Region 3-1A win over Noxapater Thursday night.
Union turned a blocked punt into a quick lead. Jaquarius Talley blocked a DeAngelo Carter punt to put the Jackets in business at the Noxapater 25. Six plays later, Anthony Johnson scored from six yards out. The first of three Demond McDonald extra points gave Union a 7-0 lead with 6:38 left in the first quarter.
The Jackets covered 53 yards in eight plays to take a 14-0 lead with 1:04 remaining in the opening quarter. Johnson had seven carries for 51 yards on the drive and scored on another 6-yard run.
What looked like a blowout turned into a slugfest, however, as Union's offense shut down in the second quarter, managing just four plays from scrimmage.
Noxapater closed to within 14-6 on a 7-yard keeper by Carter with 5:30 left in the first half. The Tiger drive covered 62 yards in 15 plays and was aided by a 15-yard late hit penalty on a receiver following a third-down incompletion.
Noxapater drove 44 yards in eight plays to close to within 14-12 with seven seconds left in the third quarter. Desmond Graham had five carries for 37 yards on the drive and scored on a 3-yard run.
Union's Lorenzo Wells stuffed Carter for a 10-yard loss on the two-point try to leave the Jackets with a two-point lead heading into the fourth quarter.
Derrick Holliday had five carries for 28 yards in the fourth quarter, while Johnson was sidelined with cramps. After Holliday carried three straight times for 25 yards to the Tiger 4, Johnson returned in time to get the touchdown. McDonald's PAT gave Union a nine-point cushion at 21-12 with 9:16 to play.
Noxapater took advantage of a low snap on a punt to sack Jacob Casey for a 12-yard loss to the Jackets 16 with 4:48 showing. Thirty-five seconds later, Carter connected with Janero Lynch on a 9-yard touchdown toss. The PAT snap was bobbled resulting in no kick.
Union then turned to Johnson to close out the win and he responded with four carries for 36 yards and a pair of key first downs.
Johnson finished with 134 yards and three touchdowns on 20 carries. Graham had 23 carries for 86 yards for Noxapater.
