WINONA -- Union Grove got clutch performances from Tristen Thompson and Garrett Gibson to fuel a 34-6 win at Winona on Friday that clinched the Lions' first playoff berth since 1968.

Gibson, a third-year senior starter, ran 17 times for 103 yards and four touchdowns and led the Lions () with 18 tackles, giving him 149 for the season, which ranks him among East Texas' leaders.

Thompson, a junior, completed 7 of 10 passes for 74 yards and ran 15 times for a game-high 153 yards. Junior Cory Sturrock added 14 carries for 85 yards and collected nine tackles on defense.

The win was the second in a row for Union Grove, which improved to 5-4 overall and 3-2 in District 10-2A Division II entering Friday night's regular-season finale against undefeated, district-leading Garrison.

Winona's fourth consecutive loss eliminated the Wildcats (4-5, 1-4) from playoff contention. Winona visits Arp on Friday in its season finale.

 

More From East Texas Sports Network