By By Marty Stamper / staff writer
Nov. 13, 2004
UNION Union had its hands full for a half before beating Salem 27-7 in the first round of the Class 1A playoffs Friday night.
Union (10-1) advanced to a second-round road game, while Salem finished 7-5.
The Yellowjackets were their own worst enemy in the first half, losing three fumbles and throwing one interception. Union still managed to outgain the Wildcats 182-75 in the first half.
Despite the inability to hang on to the ball, Union trailed the Wildcats by only a 7-6 margin going into halftime.
Salem scored on its first possession of the game after recovering a Union fumble at the Wildcat 45. Twelve plays later, James Ratliff scored from two yards out. Justin Brumfield's extra point put Salem up 7-0 with 6:28 remaining in the first quarter.
Union reached the Salem 19 on its next possession before losing another fumble.
The 'Jackets closed to within 7-6 when Anthony Johnson raced 26 yards around right end with 5:55 left in the second period. Demond McDonald's PAT was no good.
Brumfield was well short on a 47-yard field goal try with 2:18 left in the half.
It didn't take Union long to grab the lead in the second half as Johnson went 65 yards on a Statue of Liberty less than two minutes into the third quarter. Johnson then added a two-point run for a 14-7 lead.
Union extended its lead to 20-7 when Jacob Casey hit a wide open Jaquarius Talley for a four-yard touchdown toss with 9:36 to go in the game. The pass capped an 11-play, 57-yard drive. A two-point attempt failed.
Union was knocking on the door on its next possession before the turnover bug bit again. The 'Jackets had first-and-goal at the 9, but Casey's pass was picked off and returned 28 yards by Aarion Gaines.
Having Johnson out of the game with an injury at the time didn't help in the play calling.
The 'Jacket defense held, and Jess Brantley sacked Teddy Martin for a 13-yard loss on fourth-and-10. Union fullback Nickos Harris ran 17 yards for a touchdown on the next play. McDonald's PAT gave the 'Jackets a 27-7 lead.
Union held Salem to five total yards in the fourth quarter.
Union finished with 387 total yards, with 342 coming on 46 rushes.
Johnson had 12 carries for 152 yards. Brantley had 73 yards on 12 carries, while Harris added 70 yards on eight carries.
Salem had 126 total yards. Martin was 8-of-26 passing for 100 yards. The Wildcats had 31 rushes for 26 yards.