Bryant Gets First Win as Head Coach as Union Football Defeats Thomas

BARBOURVILLE, Ky. – The Union Commonwealth University football team (1-1) defeated Thomas University (0-2) 24-0 Saturday afternoon at Williamson Stadium, giving head coach Boston Bryant his first win as the Bulldogs' head coach.

The Bulldogs have only played the Night Hawks once before, on Sept. 21, 2024, when Union won 21-3.

Game Recap

First Quarter: Union Commonwealth 6, Thomas 0

After a punt from both sides to start the game, Union had the first opportunity to score. Wide receiver Tyce Hall opened the drive with an 8-yard reception to the UNION28. Running backs Tajii Jackson and Qua Powell combined for 35 yards over five plays, moving the ball to the THOMAS37.

Following a Thomas offside penalty, Jackson rushed for 3 more yards to the THOMAS29. On 1st-and-10, quarterback Cooper Wick rolled out right and found Hall in the end zone near the bottom right pylon, giving Union a 6-0 lead with 3:04 left in the quarter. It was Hall's first touchdown of the year. The Bulldogs went for a two-point conversion, but quarterback Bryson Grabowski was stopped short.

Neither team would score for the remainder of the quarter. Thomas advanced to the UNION46 before the quarter ended, and Union led 6-0.

Second Quarter: Union Commonwealth 6, Thomas 0

Union forced a Thomas punt and began its drive on the UNION22. Powell and Jackson combined for 44 rushing yards and three first downs, bringing the ball to the THOMAS37. The Bulldogs converted a fourth down, but but after failing to convert on three straight downs following it, they were forced to attempt a 22-yard field goal, which was low and wide left, keeping the score 6-0.

Thomas started its next drive at the THOMAS20. Running back Cecil Crawford gained a yard to make it 2nd-and-9. Quarterback Quentavious Hunter then completed a deep 35-yard pass to wide receiver Tre Woodson, moving the ball to the UNION44. Hunter followed with a 14-yard run to the UNION30, but the drive stalled. Thomas punted from the UNION41, and Union took over at its own 11.

Third Quarter: Union Commonwealth 18, Thomas 0

Thomas opened the half with the ball at the THOMAS40 but went three-and-out. Union regained possession at the UNION43 and began a 6:12 drive spanning 11 plays and 57 yards.

The drive started with a 6-yard connection between Wick and Hall to the UNION49. Wick went 4-for-5 for 36 yards, and Jackson added 25 rushing yards on four carries. On 1st-and-goal from the THOMAS07, Grabowski ran it into the end zone for a touchdown. Kicker Dustin Brown missed the extra point, keeping the score at 12-0 with 7:14 remaining in the quarter.

Thomas went three-and-out again, punting to Selatian Straughter, who returned it 12 yards to the UNION44.

From there, Union orchestrated an 8-play, 56-yard drive over 4:01. Jackson opened with back-to-back runs for 9 yards and totaled 29 yards on the drive. Wick added 20 passing yards. On 1st-and-goal from the THOMAS07, Powell ran into the end zone for his first touchdown of the season, putting Union up 18-0 with 1:27 left. The two-point attempt failed again.

Thomas retained possession as the quarter ended.

Fourth Quarter: Union Commonwealth 24, Thomas 0

Thomas opened the quarter with another three-and-out. Union took over at the UNION41 and went on a 7-play, 59-yard drive over 2:58 to extend the lead.

Running back Michael Albin and Grabowski led the way to the THOMAS05. Grabowski capped the drive with his second rushing touchdown of the day, bringing the score to 24-0 with 11:51 remaining. The two-point conversion attempt failed for the third time.

After a series of punts, Union kicked from its own 10, and the low punt was returned to the UNION28. Thomas advanced 8 yards but failed to convert, and a 37-yard field goal attempt missed wide left.

Neither team scored again, and Union secured its first win of the season with a 24-0 shutout.

To check out the Access Health players of the game, click here.

Up Next

Union will host South Carolina Central Christian for an exhibition game on Saturday, Sept. 13, at 4 p.m.