Union County High School will start its football season with a preseason kickoff classic at Branford on Friday, Aug. 7, at 7:30 p.m.
The Tigers’ original schedule didn’t include a preseason game, but Union now gets to experience game action prior to opening the season in earnest on Friday, Aug. 14, with a 7:30 p.m. home game against Lafayette.
Branford, which is coming off a 7-4 season, is coached by Will Dettor, who is a former UCHS assistant. This is Dettor’s first year following the resignation of Tim Clark, who coached the Buccaneers for nine seasons.
Union is entering its first season under Head Coach Robby Pruitt, who returns to the school for a second stint after coaching the Tigers from 1993 through 1999 and winning three straight state championships (1994-96) in the process. He’ll be looking to help Union bounce back from a 2-8 season in 2025.
The Tigers played a preseason game prior to last season, finishing in a 7-7 tie against Port St. Joe. Union’s defense, which had four interceptions, held Port St. Joe scoreless until 7:05 remained in the third quarter. Port St. Joe finished with 122 yards (68 rushing, 54 passing).
The Union offense finished with 168 yards, but could put only one score on the board, which occurred on a Jeffrey Brugh touchdown pass to running back Drew Simmons in the second quarter. Brugh kicked the extra point.
Simmons, who would eventually transfer to Columbia during the season, had a good night on the ground, gaining 117 yards on 26 carries.
View the Tigers’ 2026 schedule via this link: 2026 UCHS Schedule
