Walter Ford

Coming into the season Nevada Union’s boys basketball team had just three returning players from last year’s playoff team. The way NU head coach Mark Casey put it, “we had to grow up in a hurry.” The Miners would do just that as they opened the season with six wins in their first seven games. “It’s a really connected group,” said Casey. “They are a pleasure to coach. There is a lot of good chemistry, and these guys will compete. These guys are dogs.

Behind a balanced offensive attack and a gritty defensive effort, the Nevada Union 14U Jr. Miners earned an extra week of football after a hard fought, 22-16, first round playoff victory over a formidable Bear River Jr. Bruins squad on Saturday. Bear River, the No. 4 seed, responded in the second quarter, reaching the end zone on a 16-yard run to knot the game, 8-8. The Jr. Miners jumped back ahead a short time later when Hunter Lampe barreled into the end zone from 3-yards out.

Sacramento Youth Football’s postseason kicks off Saturday, and all four Nevada Union Jr. Miners teams are ready to dig in. “We have an incredible group of kids this year on and off the field,” NUJM Board President Jason Tipton said. “They are hardworking and dedicated.