The Red Foxes have been faced with adversity since the death of lineman Ronald Rouse who collapsed on the field during a game in October yet managed to keep their undefeated record intact, finishing the season 15-0.
Union County's Shrine Bowl quarterback Keiston Smith threw for 264 yards and rushed for 102 more. The senior scored two touchdowns from the ground and two from the air before a crowd of more that 15,000 fans.
Hartsville quickly jumped out to a 14-0 lead before Union County hit paydirt with an 11-yard Smith keeper and Brandon Shetley's point-after kick made it a 14-7 ballgame.
On the ensuing possession the Red Foxes marched 70 yards to the endzone, then struck again when an interception put them on their own 15 yard line. North-South running back Trey Rogers took it the rest of the way and at the end of the first quarter Union County found itself down by three touchdowns.
Smith scampered into the endzone from five yards out to open the second quarter and Union County put six points on the board with a 23-yard pass to Victor Ruth midway through the frame. The senior wide-receiver brought a sea of Jacket fans to their feet with a diving catch in the endzone. It appeared that the offense had found it's rhythm. However, Hartsville's ground game overwhelmed the Jackets defense and the Red Foxes scored on its next three possessions, carrying a 48-20 lead into intermission.
After a scoreless third quarter Hartsville struck again and Union County returned the favor with a 37-yard touchdown pass to North-South receiver, Chris Booker.
Rogers found his way into the endzone one last time for the 62-27 final score. He finished the night with 110 rushing yards. Trey Samuel led the way with 274 yards on the ground and two touchdowns.
Union County and Hartsville's combined 89 points tied the record for the most points in a championship game matching the scoring in the 2002 3A title game between Camden and Union.
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