By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Both anticipation and expectations are high as Union City prepares to open its 2022 high school football season tonight with a trip to Tiptonville to face Lake County.
Third-year head coach Nick Markle returns 18 starters from last season’s 7-4 team with a veteran class of seven seniors expected to provide critical experience and leadership.
“I like a lot of things about this team,” claimed Markle, who has had a winning record in each of his two previous years at the Tornado helm. “They’ve worked extremely hard in the offseason and in the preseason, and they’ve been focused on the little things that can be the difference between winning and losing.
“I believe we have the pieces in place to have a really good football team.”
Two-way standout Gage Smith, who led the team in tackles (103) last season from his linebacker spot and was the No. 3 rusher at fullback, tops the list of returnees. Veteran linemen Hayden Kennedy, Hayden Moon and Carson Collins, along with slot Kolby Craig, also bring quality experience to the table.
Senior newcomer Davian Jeffrey (6-3, 315) has shown signs of great promise, while slot Durrell Littleton returns to the program after sitting out a year and will also be a key contributor in the secondary on defense.
Junior Keaten Brown will run UC’s triple-option offense for the second straight year, while classmate Jacob Arnold was the team’s No. 2 rusher last season.
Good things are also expected from sophomores Tayehari Jones (slot), Kelan Roberson (lineman) and Cohen Simpson (cornerback).
“Obviously, we need to stay healthy,” Markle added when forecasting the coming season. “Our physical brand of football takes its toll on our opponents, but we also must be diligent in taking care of ourselves physically.
“I do believe we’re going to put a product on the field that our school, our town, and the whole community can be proud of.”
UC will play six home games this season – the first next week (Aug. 26) when it hosts University School of Jackson.
2022 Union City High School Football Schedule
Week 1 Aug. 19 Lake County Away
Week 2 Aug. 26 USJ Home
Week 3 Sept. 2 Houston County* Away
Week 4 Sept. 9 Trinity Christian# Home
Week 5 Sept. 16 Gibson County* Home
Week 6 Sept. 23 Ripley Home
Week 7 Sept. 30 Westview* Away
Week 8 Oct. 7 OPEN DATE
Week 9 Oct. 14 Camden* Home
Week 10 Oct. 21 Liberty Tech Away
Week 11 Oct. 28 Huntingdon* Home
- Designates Region 7-2A Games
# Designates Homecoming