BY CECE THOMAS
Special to the Telegraph-Times-Monitor
The Union County Tigers took an unbeaten record on the road to play a tough, Class 2A Baldwin team, coming away with a 22-0 victory in wet, sloppy conditions on Sept. 13.
Both teams struggled with their footing at times, turning the game into a slugfest that the Tigers (4-0) seemed to control throughout the night.
Both teams were able to get a couple of first downs on their opening possessions. On their second possession, the Tigers put together a 17-play drive, converting on several crucial third- and fourth-down conversions and eating up much of the clock in the second quarter. The Tigers had several good runs on that drive by C.J. Ivey and Drew Simmons. On a third-and-9 in Indians territory, the quarterback Trenton Klein connected with slot back Ashton Newsom to give the Tigers a first-and-goal.
The Indians (2-2) held the Tigers through three downs, but on fourth down, Klein sprinted left on a run-throw option play, keeping the ball and scrambling untouched into the end zone for the first score of the evening. The two-point play failed, but the Tigers were up 6-0 — a lead that would hold all night.
Union’s defense was tough throughout the evening. It continued to pressure the Indians’ quarterback and was able to hold Baldwin scoreless, resulting in the Tigers’ third straight shutout.
“Our defense got after the QB most of the night,” Union Head Coach Andrew Thomas said. “As we took the lead, it made (Baldwin) more one-dimensional, and it allowed us to bring even more pressure. Our defensive front and backfield played well.
“Our goal was to limit their big plays and force them to drive, and they weren’t able to sustain any.”
The second half began with the Tigers receiving the opening kick. After a couple of first downs, the Tigers were forced to attempt a punt for the only time all night, but a high snap over Gavin Jenkins’ head gave the Indians great field position. The Union defense didn’t blink. Baldwin tried to establish the run, but the Tigers’ defensive front and linebacker play was great and once again — even after great field position — prevented the Indians from scoring.
Union’s offense took over and put together a great drive, highlighted by runs by Simmons and Bryan Tyson and a great slant catch by Jenkins. The Tigers moved into Indians territory, but the drive was stopped short inside the 10-yard line, which Thomas said really bothered him.
“Yeah, the long drive in the third quarter hurt, not being able to score there,” he said. “We had a few blown assignments on some blocks and have to score in those situations, especially on the road. I was afraid not scoring there was gonna come back to haunt us.”
It didn’t. The Tigers’ defense made sure of that.
The constant pressure took its toll on the Indians’ offensive line. A bad snap and extreme hustle by Klein at linebacker resulted in one of the best defensive plays of the year. Scrambling for the loose ball, Klein wouldn’t be denied.
The Tigers took over deep in Baldwin territory, and this time made it count. On fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line, a determined offensive line plowed the way for fullback Ivey (11 carries, 40 yards) to walk in for the touchdown. The Tigers went for two, with Klein completing a pass to Jenkins. The Tigers now led 14-0 with approximately eight minutes left in the game. Fans weren’t quite sure how much time remained because the scoreboard clock was down.
During the next Baldwin possession, the Tigers could taste victory and continued pressuring the quarterback. Union forced the Indians to go four-and-out, which gave the ball back to the offense with six minutes left in the game.
The offense imposed its will in just four plays, capping off the drive with a Simmons touchdown run to go up 20-0. Ivey’s run on the two-point conversion gave the visitors a 22-0 lead.
Simmons finished with 121 yards on 19 carries.
Union amassed 193 rushing yards, while Klein completed 5 of 12 passes for 63 yards. Jenkins caught three passes for 44 yards.
Jesse Chaikin led the defense with seven tackles, while Klein had six.
The Tigers now turn their focus to a home game against the rival Fort White Indian on Friday, Sept. 20, at 7:30 p.m. The Indians come into the contest with a 3-1 record, with their only loss occurring in overtime against undefeated Taylor County.
This will be the first of four straight home games for the Tigers.
