Union begins playoff run

By By Marty Stamper / staff writer
November 12, 2004
Union launches what the Yellowjackets and head football coach Brad Breland hope is a four-week journey tonight when the Salem Wildcats come to town for a first-round Class 1A playoff game.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. with a $7 admission per person.
Union (9-1) had an open date last week, while Salem (7-4) was taking a 31-20 win at Stringer. The 'Jackets finished second in Region 3-1A behind Scott Central. Salem placed third in Region 4-1A behind Mize and Mount Olive.
Thanks to the open date, Breland was able to scout the Wildcats against Stringer.
Michael Ellzey leads Salem with seven touchdowns five rushing and two by receptions. He had 16 carries for 159 yards at Stringer. Quarterback Teddy Martin has thrown 11 touchdown passes and rushed for four more. Jeffrey White also has four touchdowns. Justin Brumfield has four field goals, including a 37-yarder last week.
The open date also gave Union a chance to recuperate a bit after two tough games with Scott Central and Puckett.
Anthony Johnson leads Union with 21 touchdowns. The senior tailback has 68 career touchdowns. Fullback Jess Brantley has five touchdowns this year, while backup tailback Derrick Holliday and quarterback Jacob Casey both have four. Casey has also thrown six touchdown passes.
Defensively, Johnson leads Union in tackles with 78. Brantley has 59, Nickos Harris 53, Lorenzo Wells 50, Jaquarius Talley 47, Jamelle Blalock 39, Demond McDonald and Jordan Robinson both have 34 and Richard Ripley has 31.
Being back in the playoffs after a one-year absence has Breland excited.