Published: September 03, 2008 03:05 pm            

Union blanks Choctaw in defensive masterpiece

NEWTON — The Union Yellowjackets got a strong effort from their defense en route to a 28-0 victory at Choctaw Central in the season opener for both teams Friday night.

The ‘Jackets stifled the Warriors in their own stadium, allowing just 27 total yards. Choctaw Central gained 47 yards through the air, but was held to negative-20 yards rushing.

“I was real pleased,” Union head coach Brad Breland said. “We didn’t know what to expect because of the weather and not playing a jamboree. I know they were in the same boat there, but I was real pleased. We played hard and we played pretty well.

“Defensively, we played real well. We’re going to have to keep that going.

“Offensively, we’re going to have to get better. We’re going to have to run the ball better and keep getting better up front.”

Union’s defense led directly to two of its four touchdowns. Shunadrick Landfair set up one score with a 57-yard interception return deep into Warrior territory just before halftime, while Kenneth Harris returned a pick 25 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter.

After a scoreless first quarter, the ‘Jackets covered 60 yards in seven plays to take a 6-0 lead in the second period. On the drive, Landfair teamed with Octavius Wallace for receptions of seven and 24 yards. The touchdown came on a 15-yard run by Roderick Hawkins. A two-point attempt by Hawkins was stopped short.

Landfair gave the ‘Jackets the chance for a cushion going into halftime as he picked off a Christopher Willis pass and returned it 57 yards to the Warrior 3. Hawkins picked up two yards on first down and Landfair scored on a quarterback keeper on third down. Landfair then threw a two-point pass to Michael Holley as the ‘Jackets took a 14-0 lead into intermission.

Union upped its lead to 21-0 with a seven-play, 52-yard scoring march in the third quarter. Cos Denham had back-to-back runs of 10 and 13 yards and Landfair connected with Holley for a 26-yard gain to the 1. Landfair ran it in and Hawkins’ extra point gave the ‘Jackets a 21-point advantage.

Harris got the final touchdown when he picked off a Willis pass and returned it 25 yards in the final period. Hawkins added the PAT.

Hawkins led Union’s ground game with 60 yards on 13 carries. Landfair completed 9-of-14 passes for 123 yards. Wallace had three catches for 38 yards, while Holley caught five passes for 33 yards.

Freshman Demantreo Johnson led the ‘Jacket defense with seven tackles and a pair of sacks.

“We put three guys up front — Adam Moore, Forzetra Ealy, and Demantreo Johnson — to move around and give us a little extra energy and help those big guys rest a little bit and they did real well. Two of them are freshmen and one is a 10th grader and all three of them had a big night and played well. They gave us a big boost by being able to rest those big offensive linemen. If we can get away with that, that’s going to make us a lot better team.”

Union, 1-0, hosts Clarkdale, 0-1, Friday night. The Bulldogs fell 25-7 to Scott Central in their season opener.

“They were in the ballgame,” Breland said. “It was 12-0 at halftime and Clarkdale got to the 1-yard line and fumbled. They dropped a sure touchdown pass in the third quarter and could have been ahead.”

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.