Nobody can say that Union coach Jordan Wren likes to schedule a weak non-division schedule.
The second-year coach even admits that “it’s really tough.”
“Our week two through five opponents were 42-6 last year,” Wren said. “We scheduled like that because we are going to 3A and figured we needed to play some tougher opponents. We scheduled a hard non-district to prepare for what we have later in the year.
The Yellowjackets will get tested early as they travel to West Lauderdale on Aug. 20 for a pre-season jamboree with the Class 4A Knights.
The Yellowjackets will then open the season on Aug. 27 at home against Class 4A Choctaw Central.
“They are really big up front,” Wren said. “They are returning a lot of guys up front and are fairly large humans and like to lean on folks. Their quarterback is back and will be a three-year starters. Pepper (Posey) has done a good job of making them respectable again.”
In week two, the Yellowjackets will host former division rival Scott Central, a team the Yellowjackets lost to 38-33 after leading 33-8 at one point in the second half.
“They hired a new coach and I don’t know much about who they hired or what they will be transitioning to,” Wren said. “But you better be ready for a fast, physical football game when you play Scott Central.”
On Sept. 10, Union will make the short trip to Madden to play Leake Academy, the defending MAIS Class 5A state champion, who went 13-0 last year.
“They are a very disciplined football team who is very simple but really good at what they do and that’s how most good football teams are,” Wren said. “I think it will be a good game for both schools. It’s already a rivalry and the two teams have never played. I think it will be a really big money game for both of us and they went 13-0 last year. I think it will be a quality opponent for us.”
After facing Leake, Union will then host rival Newton County a team that beat them 28-7 last year.
“We both lost some good football players and have some good players coming back,” Wren said. “We have to be able to control the line I think that’s the biggest thing for us. Athletes are athletes but inside the box is where the bigger schools have an advantage. Last year they were really good inside the box and very physical.”
Union will round out its non-division on Sept. 24 at Choctaw County.
“I think they will be in contention to win 2A this year,” Wren said. “They dropped down from 3A last year. That’s Weir and Ackerman and together you have one big monster. From what I understand, they are probably he favorite to win the North in 2A.”
The Yellowjackets will then open division 5-3A play as they host Southeast Lauderdale.
“I don’t think the district will be any tougher than what we played last year and that speaks volumes to the district last year,” Wren said. “Southeast will be very athletic and have a new coach this year. I have always said that I thought Southeast was a sleeping giant over there. They have loads of talent and I thought coach Hampton had the program going in the right direction.”
On Oct. 8, the Yellowjackets will travel to Enterprise to take on the traditionally strong Bulldogs.
“I think anytime you see the double wing or wing T, it can be tough,” Wren said. “They are very fast and physical. They competed in the South 2A finals last year and will be another quality opponent.”
Union will then travel to Forest to take on the Bearcats.
“They also have another new head coach and I don’t know a lot about them,” Wren said. “Forest is always loaded with athletes. You always have to worry when you play athletic teams like that.”
On Oct. 22, Union will host Clarkdale.
“I think they are going to be very similar to Enterprise,” Wren said. “It’s a similar offense and similar kids. They are going to scrap for everything and you can’t overlook them. They beat a good Kemper County team last year. It’s a game we will have to be prepared for.”
The Yellowjackets will then finish out the regular season at Morton, a team that went 8-3 last year and lost in the second round of the playoffs to eventual 3A champion Magee.
“I saw them on film last year and they are big up front and very physical,” Wren said. “They will probably be the most athletic team that we will play this year.”
