Union AcademyUnion Academy (2-9, 1-3)
The Cardinals will look to get better after back-to-back two-win seasons in ’22 and ‘23 season. The QB position will start being either sophomore Parker Frazier or senior Miles McGinnis. McGinnis saw action in 6 games last year, throwing for 340 yards and 3TDs. The Cardinal rushing attack returns their leader in rushing yards with Joey Shearin and his 264 yards along with 2 TDs in 2023. Senior Heath Lunsford is the leading receiver back after 14 catches and 213 yards and 1 TD in 2023. Junior Ryan Walker recorded 211 receiving yards and 1 TD last year. Junior kicker Stephen Gonzales was 12-of-12 on PATs and 5-of-6 on field goals for the Cardinals in 2023.
The Cardinal defense will be led by their linebackers. Senior LB Eli Williams. Williams put up 138 stops (93 solo) as a junior and has been named a UCHSF Defensive POY Candidate. Williams is paired with junior LB Michael Hughes. Hughes had 95 tackles in 9 games for the Cards in 2023. Senior Joey Shearin is back after 75 tackles and 5 sacks in 2023. The Cardinals will host South Rowan on Aug. 23rd to open the 2024 season.