A dream season came to an end at MetLife Stadium for Union City High School on Friday afternoon, as the Soaring Eagles battled hard, but were no match for a superior Toms River North Mariners football squad.
The Mariners won their third consecutive Group 5 championship. This was Union City’s first trip to the Group Finals, having won Sectional titles both this season and last.
Union City got a touchdown from star running back Mark Boyd to open the second half,
but overall, the Soaring Eagles’ running game was stifled by the Toms River North defensive line, while Union City’s passing game was not overly effective, except for a tremendous touchdown reception by wide receiver Khalil Sutton in the 4th quarter, but at that point Union City trailed big time, and on the ensuing kickoff, Toms River North ran the ball back 60 yards to set up another touchdown.
You knew Union City was in trouble at the half, as they trailed 20-0. This was easily the toughest opponent the team had faced all season, with several players being recruited by Division 1 power houses.
But Coach Wilber Valdez was extremely proud of his squad, telling Hudson TV they battled all season long, including during this championship game, never giving up and fighting until the final whistle.
Union City finishes the season 11-2, with a second consecutive state Sectional championship.