Woodruff Looks to Rebound Against Rival Union County
WOODRUFF VS. UNION COUNTY
By: Garrett Mitchell, Staff Writer
garrett@thewoodrufftimes.com
The Woodruff Wolverines enter this week’s contest looking to rebound from their first loss of the season, a 52-31 defeat against Emerald.
Waiting for them at W.L. Varner Stadium will be the Union County Yellow Jackets, a program that has fallen on hard times in recent years and is struggling to begin the 2026 season.
The game renews a longstanding rivalry dating back to the days of Union High School, before its consolidation with Lockhart and Jonesville. Meetings between the Wolverines and Yellow Jackets are traditionally entertaining, and this year’s matchup between the two old rivals should be no different.
THE MATCHUP
Woodruff head coach: Brett Sloan, fourth season
Union County head coach: Bryan Robinson, first season
2026 RECORDS
Woodruff: 2-1
Union County: 0-3
LAST WEEK
Woodruff: Lost to Emerald, 52-31
Union County: Lost to Chester, 22-6
BY THE NUMBERS
Points scored
| Team | Total | Per game |
|---|---|---|
| Woodruff | 114 | 38.0 |
| Union County | 6 | 2.0 |
Points allowed
| Team | Total | Per game |
|---|---|---|
| Woodruff | 92 | 30.7 |
| Union County | 101 | 33.7 |
SERIES HISTORY
First meeting: Union defeated Woodruff, 7-0, in 1921
Last meeting: Woodruff defeated Union County, 43-6, in 2025
All-time series: Union/Union County leads, 25-24-1
This will be the 51st meeting between Woodruff and Union or Union County.
ABOUT THE WOLVERINES
Woodruff left last week’s contest against Emerald a little banged up. Multiple key starters suffered injuries as the Vikings pulled away for a 52-31 victory over the Class 2A No. 3-ranked Wolverines.
Woodruff hopes to have several key players back this week. One constant has been quarterback Connor Davis, who has passed for 847 yards and nine touchdowns through the season’s first three games.
Curtis Bell has been electric at wide receiver, averaging 118 receiving yards per game. Tee Glenn and Mason Satterfield are also emerging as weapons in the passing game.
The Wolverines will look to get their rushing attack back on track behind Jaylen Lyles. Junior Julian Sullivan has also scored twice through three games.
Defensively, Woodruff is searching for a bounce-back performance after surrendering 52 points to Emerald’s high-powered offense.
The secondary, led by Malachi Thompson, Jay Glenn and Aidan Lanford, has been a bright spot. Linebackers Kelan Hunter and Brycen Davis, along with defensive lineman Jayden Hunter, have also established themselves as playmakers.
The Wolverines will be looking for a strong performance at all three levels of the defense.
ABOUT THE YELLOW JACKETS
To say Union County has struggled to begin the season would be an understatement. The Yellow Jackets have scored only six points through three games, while their opponents have combined for 101.
Depth is a concern for Union County, as is the status of starting quarterback Shiro Crosby, who is dealing with an injury. If Crosby is unable to play, freshman Adorion Bishop is expected to take over under center.
Union County operates a run-heavy offense led by running backs Noah Tucker and Kam Fincher. Talented sophomore offensive lineman Lodon Veal helps pave the way for the rushing attack. Tucker scored the Yellow Jackets’ only touchdown of the season.
Ben Hale has been a Swiss Army knife for Union County, starting at wide receiver and safety while also handling the kicking duties.
Many of the Yellow Jackets’ key offensive players also start on defense, making depth an even greater concern. Jamyri Rice is another important contributor along the defensive line.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
WOODRUFF
- No. 14 Connor Davis — Senior quarterback, 6-foot-2, 210 pounds
- No. 22 Julian Sullivan — Junior running back, 5-foot-7, 165 pounds
- No. 15 Mason Satterfield — Senior wide receiver, 5-foot-9, 160 pounds
- No. 31 Brycen Davis — Senior linebacker/punter, 5-foot-9, 200 pounds
- No. 6 Jay Glenn — Junior defensive back, 5-foot-6, 160 pounds
- No. 10 Damien Lee — Sophomore defensive back/wide receiver, 5-foot-11, 170 pounds
UNION COUNTY
- No. 7 Shiro Crosby — Junior quarterback, 5-foot-9, 220 pounds
- No. 10 Noah Tucker — Junior running back, 5-foot-6, 150 pounds
- No. 0 Kam Fincher — Senior running back/safety, 5-foot-6, 140 pounds
- No. 14 Ben Hale — Junior wide receiver/safety/kicker, 5-foot-3, 135 pounds
- No. 70 Lodon Veal — Sophomore offensive lineman, 6-foot-4, 280 pounds
- No. 56 Jamyri Rice — Senior defensive lineman, 6-foot-2, 235 pounds
COACH’S CORNER
Woodruff head coach Brett Sloan said the Wolverines responded positively following the loss to Emerald.
“I think the players have responded well,” Sloan said. “We had a very spirited practice on Monday. They are resilient and are ready to get back out there and right some wrongs.”
Sloan said execution will be important as the Wolverines work to reestablish their rushing attack.
“We just need to execute better,” he said. “Right now, we are always one block away from an explosive run.”
The coach also emphasized the importance of disciplined defense against Union County.
“Union County is always athletic,” Sloan said. “We will need to tackle better. We need to be more gap-sound. We can’t give them explosive plays in the run game.”
