Dyer County Football had to answer the challenge several times Friday night, and each time the Choctaws found a way. In a back-and-forth battle at home, Dyer County held off Union City for a 28-26 victory, improving to 2-0 on the season heading into the start of region play. The Tornadoes struck first on a short field after a Choctaw turnover. The Choctaws responded when Landen White scored on a 2-yard run, with Dillon Rogers adding the extra point to tie the game at 7. Dyer County again had to come from behind after a Tornado touchdown that was followed by a big Dyer County Defensive stop and a Union City missed Field Goal. White connected with Grant West on a 15-yard touchdown pass with around 1 minute remaining in the half to bring the game back within one. Rogers' extra point knotted the game at 14 headed to the break. The back-and-forth battle continued after the break. Union City scored first in the third quarter on the very first play from scrimmage and missed the extra point to take the 20-14, but the lead didn't last long. KeAnthony Barbee returned the ensuing kickoff 87 yards for a touchdown, and Rogers connected on the extra point to put Dyer County back in front, 21-20. Union City answered again, scoring on a 3-yard run to regain the lead. The two-point conversion attempt was unsuccessful, leaving the Golden Tornadoes with a 26-21 advantage. Once again, Dyer County responded. White found West for a 31-yard touchdown, the duo's second scoring connection of the night. Rogers added his fourth extra point to put the Choctaws back on top, 28-26. This time, the lead held. Dyer County's defense kept Union City off the scoreboard the rest of the way, allowing the Choctaws to close out the two-point victory. White finished 8-of-14 passing for 91 yards and two touchdowns and added 44 yards and a touchdown on the ground. West caught four passes for 50 yards, with two of his receptions going for touchdowns. Korey Taylor led the Choctaws on the ground with 49 yards on 11 carries, while Barbee added 34 rushing yards to go along with his game-changing kickoff return. Dyer County finished the night with 225 yards of total offense, including 134 rushing and 91 passing. One of the biggest differences came on third down, where the Choctaws converted five of their six opportunities. The Dyer County defense also played an important role in protecting the lead. Marquisse Jones led the Choctaws with 5.5 tackles, while River Johnson and Channing Myers each recorded five. Montrale Smith finished with 4.5 tackles, and Oakley Joiner added four. Myers made his presence felt in the Union City backfield, finishing with 1.5 tackles for loss, one sack and a forced fumble. Grant West and Brock Stanley each recorded a tackle for loss, while Landon Hendrix had a tackle for loss and Ethan Sweatt and Smith each contributed a half tackle for loss. Special teams proved to be another key piece of the victory. Barbee's 87-yard kickoff return touchdown provided an immediate answer after Union City had taken the lead in the third quarter, while Rogers was a perfect 4-for-4 on extra points in a game ultimately decided by two. Through two weeks, the Choctaws have found two different ways to win. After opening the season with a 42-20 victory over Dyersburg, Dyer County showed it could respond in a tight game Friday night and make the plays necessary down the stretch to remain unbeaten. Now the Choctaws turn their attention to their first road test of the season and the beginning of the region schedule. Dyer County will travel to Hardin County on Friday, September 4, to open region play.