We tell you everything you need to know about the 2022 Union County football team in this preview. We take a look at roster changes and what fans can expect from the team this season.
2021 Stats
- Overall Record: 12-1
- Points Scored: 527
- Points Allowed: 147
Key Losses
Arguably Union County’s biggest losses from last season come on defense. The duo of Curran Webb and Trevor Holtzendorf, both among the Fightin’ Tigers’ top tacklers a year ago, certainly will be missed. Malcolm Odum and Aidan Newsom are key losses in the Union County secondary, while two-way player Caleb Crawford is another defensive standout who has moved on.
Offensively, the Fightin’ Tigers must replace quarterback Martin Odum, as well as the aforementioned Crawford, who was one of Union County’s top rushers last season. Evan Hall, Webb and Newsom all factored prominently in the receiving game at times.
Who’s Back
The Fightin’ Tigers’ offense, one of the highest-scoring in Class 1A a year ago, bring a number of players back. No two names are bigger than the running back duo of Rayvon Durant and Thomas Williams. Quarterback AJ Cortese returns alongside those two in the backfield, and the Union County offense again features the likes of Daylyn Diston, Dermarius Williams, and Dayviontae Thompson.
Thompson is probably the biggest name returning on the Union County defense after collecting 10 sacks a year ago. Hance Jones is also a top tackler who returns. Rising junior Jacob Jenkins is a key name on the Fightin’ Tigers defensive front, and Connor Bresee, Erich Seager, and Gavin Jenkins are also names to know.
What to Expect
One of Florida’s top teams in Class 1A last season, Union County had the makings of a legit state title contender a year ago, finishing the regular season undefeated. The Fightin’ Tigers ultimately suffered their first loss of the year in a regional final, falling to Chiefland 29-27. Union County should be among the top teams in Class 1R this year, and should return to the playoffs again.
Prediction
Union County wins 10 games and makes a regional final appearance.
Want to get the latest news and opinions in the Florida high school sports world before anyone else? Subscribe to our email newsletter!
