Union Pines High School’s football team continued its hot start to the season with a 35-0 shutout victory over Northwood.

The Vikings, who are now led by former Richmond coach Bryan Till, are off to their first 2-0 start since 2015. The team has outscored its first two opponents by a combined margin of 77-0.

In tonight’s game, Union Pines’ defense recorded the second most interceptions in a game in N.C. High School Athletic Association history. The seven picks the Vikings recorded are tied with equal performances by 1989 Hunt, 1996 Reidsville, 1983 Northeastern, 1980 Goldsboro, 2007 Nash Central, and 2016 Wake Forest for second most all-time. 1929 Hickory, 1997 Bandys, and 2022 Trask all had games with eight team interceptions.

Two of Union Pines’ interceptions were returned for touchdowns: one was a 65-yard return by Jonah Thienel and the other was a 52-yard return by Damarie Johnson.

Thienel and Johnson both recorded two interceptions each. Harley Moyer also had two picks. Josiah Sandler had the seventh of the takeaways.

On offense, Jeremiah Carraway led the way with 161 rushing yards and three touchdowns.

Union Pines (2-0 overall, 0-0 Sandhills 3A/4A) will host winless Western Harnett next week. Northwood (0-2 overall, 0-0 Mid-Carolina 3A/4A) is set to host North Moore in its first conference contest of the season on Sept. 6.

Scoring

First Quarter

• 6:28 – Jeremiah Carraway 2-yard rushing touchdown. Vikings 7, Chargers 0

Second Quarter

• 0:13 – Jonah Thienel 65-yard interception return for a touchdown. Vikings 14, Chargers 0

Third Quarter

• 9:43 – Jeremiah Carraway 17-yard rushing touchdown. Vikings 21, Chargers 0
• 3:58 – Jeremiah Carraway 69-yard rushing touchdown. Vikings 28, Chargers 0

Fourth Quarter

• 1:56 – Damarie Johnson 52-yard interception return for a touchdown. Vikings 35, Chargers 0

Source: highschoolot.com