UNION CITY – The Union City Bears fell to Franklin, 39-33, in a high-scoring football game that featured several lead changes and a late push by the Bears.
Union City opened the scoring when Danny Smith ran for a touchdown, and Chase Whitmeyer added the extra point for a 7-0 lead. Franklin answered with a touchdown run by Luke Marsteller, but the two-point conversion failed, leaving the Bears ahead 7-6.
Jayden Betcher broke free for a 63-yard touchdown run for Union City. Franklin responded with a touchdown reception by Korbyn Sires, although the extra-point attempt was unsuccessful. Sires caught another touchdown pass late in the first half to give Franklin an 18-13 advantage.
The Bears answered before halftime. On fourth down, Betcher connected with Kane Gregor for a touchdown. Union City’s two-point conversion attempt failed, but the Bears took a 19-18 lead into the break.
Franklin regained the lead in the third quarter with a short touchdown run. The two-point conversion attempt failed, leaving Franklin ahead 24-19.
In the fourth quarter, Smith scored another touchdown for Union City. The Bears’ two-point conversion attempt failed, but Union City moved in front, 25-24.
Franklin responded with a long drive that ended with another touchdown pass to Sires. Franklin converted the two-point attempt to take a 32-25 lead.
The next scoring play proved costly for Union City. After a backward pass, Franklin recovered a fumble and returned it for a touchdown. The extra point was good, extending Franklin’s lead to 39-25 with about four and a half minutes remaining.
Union City continued to battle. Betcher scored on a quarterback keeper, and Smith ran for the two-point conversion to cut the deficit to 39-33 with just over three minutes left.
The Bears attempted an onside kick but were unable to recover it. Union City later forced a fumble, with Hunter Price recovering the ball with 1:27 remaining.
Betcher led the Bears downfield, completing a pass to Price as Union City worked to keep its final drive alive. The Bears faced a fourth-down situation late in the game but could not complete the pass. Franklin then took a knee to close out the game.
Individual stats were not provided as of press time.
The Bears return home Friday to face Cochranton. Video coverage will be available on UC Today Sports, with radio coverage on 107.3 The Bear and Sunny 105.7.
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