The Yellow Jackets defeated JL Mann 34-7 Friday night and will advance to round three of the state football playoffs.

“This was a great job by all of our defensive players,” coach David Lipsey said. “They are well prepared each week. They do a great job.”

JL Mann scored on their second possession in the game to lead 7-0.

Union County responded with a nice 12-play drive that culminated with a 13-yard touchdown pass from Monroe to Desmond Floyd.

The Yellow Jacket’s defense then dominated with a big sack by Nick Jackson and a blocked punt by Floyd.

Taking over on the JL Mann 23-yard line, Kendrick Byrd ran the ball in to make the score 14-7 with 5:18 remaining in the second quarter.

Union County squeezed in another score off a seven-yard run by Byrd with 54 seconds remaining in the first half.

Michael Mebane opened the second half with a huge 65-yard touchdown run. The extra point was no good.

Mebane scored the Yellow Jacket’s final touchdown with an 8-yard run into the endzone.

Union County will face Clinton 7:30 p.m. Friday at Union County Stadium in round three of the state football playoffs.

“They are a tough foe,” Lipsey said. “They are playing pretty well right now. We look forward to a rematch and playing at home.”