The Union Pines junior varsity football team came out on top in a thriller Thursday at Woodrow Wilhoit Stadium.

In a game that came down to the final seconds, the Vikings mounted a defensive stand to stop the Western Harnett Eagles on three straight plays from the Viking 13-yard line to preserve a hard-fought 19-14 victory.

Moments after his team fell behind 7-0 early in the contest, Vike receiver/defensive back Parris Manning offered a swift response in the form of an 85-yard touchdown return on the ensuing kickoff. A successful try on the extra-point by Seth Breassale knotted the game at 7-all, with 8:12 left in the opening quarter.

Late in the period, sophomore running back Sumari Poulson scored on a 39-yard counter trap to give Union Pines a 13-7 lead.

The Vike defense then went to work as it stopped Western's next two drives by forcing a pair of interceptions, the second of which came at a most advantageous time. With less than two minutes remaining in the first half and the Eagles knocking at the door from the Union Pines' 9-yard line, cornerback Sedarius Quick came down with a pick in the end zone to stop a would-be Western Harnett touchdown.

The Eagles received the kickoff to start the second half and methodically marched 67 yards downfield on 15 plays, eventually taking a 14-13 lead with 3:26 left to play in the third quarter. Union Pines answered right back with its own sustained scoring drive, which culminated in Breassale connecting with freshman Braxton Ross for a 46-yard touchdown toss that proved to be the game-winner.

The win snapped a two-game losing skid for the Vikings, who are now 4-3 overall for the year and 1-2 in Cape Fear Valley Conference action.

Contact F.W. Manning II at 639-5481 or by e-mail at frankwm2@gmail.com