Union AcademyUnion Academy (2-9, 1-4)
The Cardinals will look to get better after a two-win season in 2022 season. The QB position will start with senior Parker St. Clair. St. Clair transferred over from Piedmont in the summer. He played 2 games as a Panther and only threw the ball 4 times. That will change in 2023 at UA. Sophomore CJ Hartley was a bright spot for the Cardinals in 2022 with 21 receptions for 388 receiving yards and 2 TDs. Hartley had 160 yards receiving on 8 catches and a TD in the loss to N. Stanly. The Cardinal rushing attack suffered a loss with the graduation of Patrick Miller (441 yds) and Connor Griffin (413 yds). The Cardinals will need someone to step up and run the ball.
The Cardinal defense will be led by senior strong safety Nick Henry. Henry returns as the leading tackler from 2022 with 60 stops and has been named a UCHSF Defensive POY Candidate. Defensive end junior Joey Shearin returns to the defensive line after putting up 5 sacks and 48 tackles in 2022. Junior Heath Lunford 38 tackles and 3 sacks. The Cardinals will be at Wake Prep Academy on Aug. 19th to open the 2023 season.