The word ‘perfect’ has its fitting place in the tale of Union City’s middle school football season.
The Golden Tornadoes wrapped up an unbeaten campaign on Thursday night, blanking Huntingdon 36-0 to cap an unblemished 7-0 season at Randy Barnes Field.
Sixteen players were among three dozen 8th graders honored at halftime ceremonies that also recognized band and cross country team members.
By then, the Twisters – who outscored their opposition 202-67 this year – already held a commanding 30-0 lead.
Union City beat Paris Inman, Dyersburg, Martin, Hayti (Mo.), Trinity Christian Academy and Gibson County before capping its unblemished season with a shutout of the Mustangs Thursday.
“This was an excellent group of young men,” ” said first-year head coach Josh Keown, who’d previously served as a program assistant with both the middle and high school. “They are a high character, hardworking bunch, and our 8th graders demonstrated leadership on a daily basis through their words and actions.
“We are thankful and blessed to have gotten to coach such a special group that has left us with many lasting memories.”
B.J. Boyd put an exclamation point on the stellar season with another outstanding rushing effort, racking up 166 yards and three touchdowns on just six carries for the Tornadoes. Quarterback Brayden Marshall threw a 30-yard scoring pass to Amar McCoy, and Ayden Puckett ran twice for 59 yards and a TD.
Caden LeCornu, Kinydee Taylor, and Marshall all tacked on PAT runs.
Defensively, Boyd (7 tackles) and LeCornu (6 with three for lost yardage) were the ringleaders for a unit that posted its second shutout of the year. Taylor was in on a half-dozen stops, as was Jayce Mitchell, with three of Mitchell’s tackles for minus yards. Camron Beeler, Jorge Escobar, Taylor, and Boyd each had two takedowns for losses.
Marshall picked off a Huntingdon pass, and Asa Reid recovered a fumble.
Reserves saw extensive playing time in the second half for the Purple and Gold.
(photos: Mike Hutchens – School Communications Director)
