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The Williston Red Devils (0-1) play host to Lake Butler’s Union County Fightin’ Tigers (1-0) in a non-conference showdown on Friday at 7:30 p.m. Both teams enter this week’s matchup having played one game thus far.
Williston Red Devils
Williston enters with a record of 0-1 following a 30 point beatdown last week in a non-conference affair against the Dunnellon Tigers. The final score was 38-8.
A 51-yard run gave Williston its lone touchdown. The Red Devils were out-gained by 181 total yards, while only generating 15 total yards through the air to Dunnellon’s 149 passing yards. On the ground, Williston held its own as they rushed for over 100 yards as a team. In spite of the 100 yards rushed, the Red Devils struggled on the defensive side of the ball in stopping Dunnellon’s run game, which totaled over 150 rushing yards.
Union County Bulldogs
As for Union County, it comes into Williston fresh off a 19-7 non-conference home victory over the Lanier County Bulldogs of Lakeland, GA.
Despite losing the total yards battle by nearly 20 yards, Union County capitalized on the turnover battle. They had three interceptions, while only turning it over to Lanier County once. Furthermore, Union County capitalized on Lanier County’s 83 yards worth of penalties.
The Tigers rushing attack was in full force thanks to senior running back Hosea Robinson’s 118 yards and two touchdowns. Union County’s passing game, however, was stagnant. The Tigers only converted four of 12 pass attempts for a mere 45 yards. Junior wideout, Joseph Szymanski, accounted for 46 receiving yards on his three receptions. On the defensive side of the ball, Union County was stout up front. The Tigers allowed negative rushing yards thanks to a total of nine tackles for loss. Additionally, the Tigers defense generated three quarterback hurries and five sacks for a total of 53 yards. Senior linebacker Allan McClellon led the team with 14 total tackles, while adding a forced and recovered fumble.
Key Matchups
Williston’s ability to compete with Union County this week will depend on a number of factors.
Its offensive line play will be crucial in stopping Fightin’ Tiger’s formidable defensive front. It will be key for the Red Devils vulnerable run defense to limit Union County’s running game led by Hosea Robinson. Perhaps the most intriguing matchup to watch for will be Williston’s effective rushing attack against Union County’s talented and experienced front seven. A win over Union County would sure be a confidence booster for Williston as they head into conference play.
