De’Andre McAllister, shown earlier, had a TD pass at Union Pines.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)

County rivals Harnett Central and Western Harnett opened Tri-County Six 3-A Conference play with competitive losses on Friday night.

The Trojans fell 10-6 at Union Pines and Western was topped, 31-16, at home by Southern Lee after leading, 16-10, at the half.

Both teams are 0-3 as the Eagles visit Central in a matchup scheduled for Friday night.

Each club relied primarily on its passing game in their league opener.

De’Andre McAllister of the Trojans completed 11 of 26 for 151 yards with a touchdown. Jaden Bryant had six catches for 101 yards. Devin Perry ran for 93 yards.

Western’s Tristin Ung was 17 for 39 for 224 yards with his school record 18th career touchdown pass. Seven players had receptions for the Eagles. Ian Bristow had four catches for 77 yards. Sebastian Tyson had four catches for 41 yards with a score and a 2-point conversion grab. Ung found Jeremiah Steele twice for 55 yards.

Elijah Bass had 10 carries for 42 yards with a touchdown and a 2-point conversion to lead Western’s ground game.

Ung was part of a Senior Night celebration for the Eagles that recognized upper class members of the band, cheerleaders, boys basketball team and football team.

Tristin Ung of Western looks to throw on the run Friday night.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)

Elijah Bass scores on a 2-point conversion for an 8-0 Eagles lead.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)

Tristin Ung hands off to fellow senior Xavier Jackson.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)

Ian Bristow runs after a catch for a 28-yard gain for the Eagles.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)

Tristin Ung keeps for Western against Southern Lee.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)