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The Union County Braves have achieved a historic milestone by advancing to the state championship game for the first time in school history. On Friday night, they secured their place in the Class 3A State Final with a victory over the Belfry Pirates at Baker Field, winning 43-21 despite challenging weather conditions.
Union County's offensive effort was led by Abe Fletcher, who scored a touchdown on the second play of their opening drive with a 54-yard run. The team followed up with a successful two-point conversion from Caton Wilson to Keelyn Gobin, putting them ahead 8-0.
Belfry responded with an eight-play drive that ended in a touchdown and extra point, narrowing the score to 8-7. However, Union County quickly regained momentum as Wilson executed a one-yard quarterback keeper for another touchdown. Jerry Sabino's extra point extended their lead to 15-7.
Following a fumble recovery by Koleby Schroeder on Belfry's kickoff return, Jarren Johnson added another touchdown with a 17-yard run. With the extra point, Union County led 22-7. Before halftime, Johnson scored again from one yard out after another successful drive, bringing the score to 29-7.
In the third quarter, Belfry managed a quick response with a long touchdown run but Union countered with Johnson’s seven-yard TD run making it 36-14 at quarter’s end. Although Belfry added another score through Barney's pass to Caudill in the fourth quarter reducing their deficit to 36-21, Johnson sealed Union’s victory with his fourth rushing touchdown of the game—a remarkable 49-yarder—culminating in a final score of 43-21 after Sabino's extra point.
Willem McPeake intercepted Belfry’s last possession attempt which effectively concluded any hopes for their comeback.
The Braves amassed an impressive total of 427 offensive yards during this matchup. Notably, Jarren Johnson ran for an astounding total of 233 yards that evening surpassing his career milestone of over five thousand rushing yards while scoring four touchdowns offensively and securing two interceptions defensively—achievements earning him recognition as potential Mr. Football candidate statewide.
Union County is set to face Christian Academy of Louisville (CAL) next Saturday in Lexington at Kroger Field—the University Of Kentucky Wildcats' home turf—for KHSAA Class Three-A State Championship against reigning champions CAL Centurions scheduled noon EST/11 CST; tickets are available online via GoFan platform link provided: https://gofan.co/event/2204173?schoolId=KHSAA
