Larry Kerr took on Union County Patriots Football as a challenge a few years ago. With blood, sweat, tears and good old fashioned hard work, the Patriots are once again a team to be proud of, thanks to Kerr and his coaches. He has completed one of his first main goals that he set when coming on board in Union County, to make the boys feel proud and important. Along with the school and community, this is certainly the feeling he has created among comradery.

During the 2018 season, the UCHS Patriots tackled six wins and with four losses, landing them a spot in the playoffs for the first time in fourteen years. This resulted in an uplifting celebration among players, coaches and students and a support from the entire student body and community. A joy from the crowd could be felt at the team’s win against Grainger County securing the spot at the playoffs at the end of the 2018 season.

Recently, on February 24, the Union County Patriots Football Team celebrated their successes by holding a Football Banquet honoring the 2018 season. The event was held in the UCHS Commons and was catered by Pete’s Place.

Coaches were introduced, Head Coach Larry Kerr, Assistant Coach Josh Kerr, Offensive Coach Steve Smith, Defensive Coach Derek Marlow, Coaches David Pierce, Vincent Alonzo, Gino Alonzo, and Lukas Kidwell, followed by an outstanding recognition ceremony.

Special Awards were received by seniors: Tyler Spencer, Joey Chamberlain, Max Ellis, Jacob Newton, Dalton Truan, and Colby Dawson. These players were presented with framed jerseys, letterman's patches and a team shirt. An Academic Award was earned by junior, Wyatt Hall.

Second Team All-Region awards went to juniors: Kristian Britt, Anthony Schneider, Trey Harrison, Alonzo Creech and Alex Padgett, recognizing their hard work and dedication to the team. First Team All-Region awards were received by: seniors- Joey Chamberlain, Tyler Spencer, Dalton Truan and Colby Dawson and junior- Zach Pierce.

Coach Kerr says that the upcoming freshman class has some talent forthcoming, and if they work hard, they will go far. Kerr is also looking for leadership from some of the up and coming seniors for the 2019 season. The players and coaches are putting in work now for what will be another exciting season this fall.

Throughout the year, when not on the field, the team still acts as a family, volunteering together at events such as Union County Children’s Charities and attending family night where the team gathers together after practice, share a devotion shortly followed by pizza and a movie. Bonding experiences like these mold the boys into leaders and part of the football family that Kerr has created.

The team along with coaches and parents put in endless hours of hard work towards success. Currently, the teammates are working on their Third Annual Lift-A-Thon, working hard to achieve their goals for the 2019 season. Each player has a goal to raise $150-200. If you would like to be a sponsor simply see a team member.

The banner program, a large fundraiser that supports the teams extra expenses, is quickly upcoming. The way it works is individuals and businesses make a donation to have their entity advertised on a banner alongside the football field as well as announced by the announcers during some of the home games. All funds go directly to the team.

There are a variety of ways to show these adolescents community support, such as cash donations, attending games, and pumping them up in the community. Some of the local churches feed the boys before games which really helps. Congratulations on an outstanding 2018 season with well wishes in the upcoming games.