Union County’s Fightin’ Tigers defied the odds in the Sunshine State Athletic Association Atlantic League North semifinal, securing a 28-21 upset victory over Paxon on Nov. 6. The win marks a significant milestone for head coach Robby Pruitt, who is navigating a unique challenge with a roster dominated by underclassmen. Despite fielding eighth-graders and even seventh-grader Ethan Williams, the team demonstrated resilience and tactical discipline to overcome the higher-seeded opponent. This performance underscores the depth of Pruitt’s coaching acumen, as he continues to extract maximum performance from a squad lacking experienced upperclassmen.
Veteran coach Robby Pruitt guides young roster to 28-21 victory over Paxon
The Tigers’ journey to the next round is fueled by a blend of youthful energy and veteran leadership from the sidelines. With barely a dozen combined juniors and seniors available—some of whom are dealing with injuries—Pruitt has engineered a system that relies on speed and collective effort rather than individual star power. The 28-21 scoreline reflects a tight, competitive contest where Union County (7-5) executed crucial plays in the final minutes to secure the win. This road victory not only eliminates Paxon but also propels the Tigers into round three, where they will face the No. 1 seed West Nassau on Nov. 13.
For Pruitt, this postseason run carries a personal resonance, as he first began his coaching career in Jacksonville in 1984. Now 42 years into his professional journey, the coach is enjoying a triumphant return to the First Coast, having previously achieved the rare feat of 200-win careers in both Florida and Georgia. “I tell you, it’s great winning a game like this with a bunch of young kids,” Pruitt noted, highlighting the emotional reward of mentoring a developing team. As the Tigers prepare for their high-stakes matchup against West Nassau, the focus remains on leveraging their youthful advantage to potentially pull off another historic upset.
Source: Yahoo Sports
