MORRISTOWN — Union Local enjoyed an amazing football season last fall.

The Jets scripted a sparkling 9-3 record including an OHSAA playoff victory (only the second one in school history), before falling to powerhouse Wheelersburg, 28-23, in round two despite a valiant effort by Coach Bernie Thompson’s charges.

Riding the wave of that momentum ignited by the 2024 Jets, combined with some excellent and battle-tested returning talent, optimism is robust again surrounding Union Local’s grid fortunes.

With that said, another banner season appears to be on the runway for the Jets.

Thompson, a former Union Local and Waynesburg University receiving star, had his charges primed for an acid-test opener as the Jets shot down highly-regarded Warren JFK, 42-12, Friday night. The Eagles, who have two state championships on their resume, went 10-3 last season, losing to Cuyahoga Heights, 21-19, in the third round of the OHSAA playoffs.

Union Local parlayed an explosive offensive attack with a swarming and tenacious defense en route to pocketing the impressive win.

In addition, the Jets received another stellar effort from all-Ohio running back Brody Perzanowski. The talented junior rushed for 145 yards and three TDs while also proving a defensive menace at linebacker.

“This is a great way to start the season,” Thompson said. “I have a lot of respect for Warren JFK’s program and their coach. I was nervous all day for the unknown… the unknown about us and the unknown about them.

“I am very proud of our coaches. They did a great job of preparing our guys. We fell behind 6-0 early on but I was pleased with how we responded,” he added. “We moved the ball well both on the ground and in the air while defensively we were really aggressive. We performed very well.”

Union Local rushed for 315 yards in all. Senior Ryder Gainer supported Perzanowski’s efforts nicely with 64 stripes on just five totes. Senior quarterback Colby Carpenter was sharp, completing 7-of-12 throws for 120 yards and two TDs.

After JFK grabbed a 6-0 lead, Union Local responded with two second-quarter touchdowns. Carpenter tossed a perfectly thrown 60-yard scoring bomb to Eli Rogers before Perzanowski rolled in for a five-yard scoring run.

Union local broke it open with three third-quarter scores.

Carpenter and Max Duncan combined on a six-yard scoring strike before Perzanowski rambled in from 23 and 48 yards, respectively.

JFK quarterback Logan Misocky completed 14-of-32 passes for 214 yards and two TDs.

“This was a nice win but we have a long way to go. We have things to clean up,” Thompson said. “We have another tough test next week in Wheeling Central.”

Union Local was guilty of 13 penalties for 95 yards.