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UCMS foe has reason to brag

UCMS foe has reason to brag

Union City’s opponent in the West Tennessee Middle School Sectional championship game Saturday is coming in brimming with confidence.
And Lanier’s record suggests rightfully so.
The Lions boast an unbeaten 11-0 record to-date with at least a half-dozen shutouts among those victories.
An assistant coach with the program, Darrius Mohn, said Lanier is “loaded in the skill positions” and “will bring the pressure” defensively when the team arrives at War Memorial Stadium for a 1 p.m. kickoff against a Tornado squad that will also enter with a perfect slate at 9-0.
UC will be making its second appearance ever in the sectional title game — the top prize in the middle school ranks — while Lanier has never advanced this far.
The speedy Lions boast a high-powered offense that will reportedly showcase multiple formations, including the spread, double-wing and I-set. The Memphians are “very offensive-minded,” according to Britt. Both head coach Willie Knox and Mohn reportedly played quarterback in college, one at Florida A&M and the other at Tennessee Tech.
Defensively, Lanier will show mostly an even-man front and reportedly not overly big.
Among those listed as standouts for the Lions are RB/DB Devin Martin, RB/LBs Vontavious Thacker and Micah McGee, WR/LB Deandre Bobo, WR/DB Caylin Maclin and two-way lineman Hakeem Carothers.
The Tornadoes will counter with a three-running back attack featuring Jeremy Bumpus, Taeshawn Allen and Jaylen Crumble. Quarterback Cooper Hurt directs an offense that has been both explosive and methodical at different times, while Santiago Ruiz has been a head-hunter on defense.
Standout lineman Ashton Webb will reportedly be a game-time decision after blood tests for mono are evaluated.
UC fans are encouraged to tailgate for the game, beginning at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday.

Published in The Messenger 10.26.12