The Union Yellowjackets will begin division play this week as they travel to winless Newton on Friday.
Newton, 0-6, has struggled this season with losses to Morton (30-14), St. Andrew’s (27-20), North Forrest (24-0), Heidelberg (20-0), Raymond (24-7) and Hazlehurst (51-22) while the Yellowjackets are 4-1 on the season but coming off their first loss of the season to East Webster (27-20) on Friday night.
But Union coach Brad Breland isn’t looking past the Tigers.
“They always play us hard, no matter their record,” Breland said. “We have to bound back and get better this week. We need to get in a better frame of mind and have a better work ethic. We have to get better if we want to achieve what we want to. Every goal we have except for going undefeated is in front of us. Hopefully, that’s what we will focus on and get going.”
Newton coach Zach Grady knows his team has their work cut out for them.
“I know it will be a challenge,” Grady said. “They have a good team. They have a lot of juniors and seniors on the team. They are big up front and have some good running backs. If we can get some kids back this week, it will help us out on defense.”
Last year, Union beat Newton 34-27.
NCA at Amite
The Generals will make the long road trip to Amite, La., this week to take on the Warriors.
Amite is 1-5 on the season with their lone win being a 14-12 win over Hillcrest Christian to open the season. They have losses to Silliman (46-10), Brookhaven (46-7), Bowling Green (50-0), Centreville (38-23) and Glenbrook (35-0).
“They are a lot like us,” NCA coach Rob Roberts said. “They are not doing very well either. They run the same kind of offense that we do. We are hoping we can go down there and get a win and then go get Sylva Bay. We really need a win and need to get some players back healthy.”
Newton County at Mendenhall
The Cougars will try to break a two-game losing streak as they open Division 5-4A play at Mendenhall.
Mendenhall is 1-4 on the season and is coming off a 26-22 win over Jefferson County two weeks ago. They have losses to Columbia (59-6), Magee (54-0), Forest Hill (19-12) and Collins (22-20).
“They are a young team and really athletic,” County coach Bobby Bass said. “You can tell by watching them that they are young. But they have some speed and some talent. They have hurt themselves with some turnovers. We just have to find a way to slow them down. It’s really important for us to go down there and get a win.”
Lake at Pisgah
The Hornets will round out their non-division schedule this week as they travel to Pisgah to take on the unbeaten Dragons.
After a tight 22-20 win over Puckett to open the season, the Dragons have steamrolled opponents, beating Bogue Chitto (50-18), St. Andrew’s (53-13), Loyd Star (41-7), Richland (28-7) and Eupora (40-20).
“They are huge up front,” Lake coach Tate Hanna said. “They will be the biggest team we have seen all year. They have one guy who is like 6-foot-9 and weighs 400 pounds. They may have the biggest offensive line in the state. They run quarterback power and pound the ball right at you. We have to be ready for a tough, physical football game.”
