Union County Panthers softball blows past Commerce

Sports, Team FYN Sports, TeamFYNSports
UCHS

The Union County Panthers (6-1, 0-0) handled the Commerce High School Tigers (6-4, 5-0) with ease on Thursday night thanks to a stellar fourth inning.

Lexi Sissum, Trinity Queen, and Aubrie Banton powered the big fourth inning for the Panthers as they all knocked in RBI’s.

Trinity Queen was on the mound for Union County. She threw five solid innings, surrendering one run on three hits, while striking out three and walking one batter.

After a little bit of a shaky start in the first inning by the Panthers where the Commerce Tigers scored a run on an error, they really settled in and did not allow the Tigers to touch home-plate again for the rest of the night.

Lexi Sissum had a huge night at the plate, where she went two for three with two doubles and drove in three runs.

The Panthers were also very active on the base paths, stealing a bag four different times.

Union County will play Fannin County again in Blue Ridge this time on the eighth of September before beginning a slate of region games against Banks County at home and Elbert County and Rabun County away.

The Panthers are on pace to have their best season in years thanks to their hot six and one overall start. If they can take this great team mentality that they have been playing with to start the season into region play, then they will be a force to be reckoned with come playoff softball time in Georgia.

 

 

#TeamFYNsports games of the week

Sports, Team FYN Sports

Starting this year, #TeamFYNsports will be bringing you their top football games of the week for our local area football teams. This week, we have some rivalries on the horizon, with four local area teams going head to head.

Team FYN sports director Jake West and Fannin County Rec. Department Athletic Coordinator Tim Towe will also be giving you their picks to win these games of the week and we will be tracking their pick ’em record going forward.

  1. Fannin County Rebels @ Union County Panthers

FCHs

If there was ever a year for Fannin County to be able to break their 6 year losing streak agains the Union County Panthers, it would be this year. Fannin is coming off an impressive 5-6 season last year, and with all the returning upper-classmen they have this year, this is the year that they have to make some moves. Even Coach Chad Cheatham said himself at media day, they are poised to make a run. Union County on the other hand is coming off of a 10-2 record last year, where it looked like they were going to go deep into the playoffs until losing a 7-14 game against Metter High School. Head Coach Brian Allison has turned Union County into a juggernaut over there in Blairsville, losing a combined four games in the past two years. However with the loss of their starting Quarterback Pierson Allison to graduation, we will if the newcomer behind center can handle the pressure of Friday Night Lights.

Jake’s Pick: Union County

Tim’s Pick: Fannin County

2. Gilmer County Bobcats @ Pickens Dragons 

The Pickens Dragons finished 2019 with a 6-5 overall record and tied for third in their division. Their offense was crazy hot last year, putting up an average of 31.6 points. We will see if they have improved any on the defensive side of the ball however, where they managed to give up an average of 26.2 points per Pickensgame in the previous season. When watching Pickens last year however, one of their more impressive games came against then region rival Gilmer, who they will be playing to kickoff this season. This season the anticipated Gilmer-Pickens game will not be a region game due to the realignment that took place in the offseason. Even though this is not going to be a region game this year, you can tell that it still means just as much to the players and coaches as it did when it counted against their region record. Gilmer is coming off of a 4-6 overall record last year in 2019. But, as rebuilds go it looks like Gilmer is on the backend of theirs and should start putting together some winning teams. Also, with Gilmer being bumped down a level, their opponents in their new region should play more to their level. I just think that the speed and power of the Pickens offense will be too much for the Bobcats to handle.

Jake’s Pick: Pickens County 

Tim’s Pick: Gilmer County

 

 

 

Union County Panthers offense gets hot against Lumpkin Co.

Team FYN Sports, TeamFYNSports
panthers

The Union County Panthers (5-1, 0-0) were able to come away with a victory on Monday night in Lumpkin County (5-6, 3-1).

The Union County Panthers got things going early in the first inning as Trinity Queen singled on a fly ball to right field that drove in Emily Byers and  C. Potts.

PanthersIn the second inning, Potts also singled on a fly ball to right that drove in a run for the Panthers. The Lumpkin County Indians tried to fight back in the second, scoring a run on a G. Jones single, but the Indians would not be able to cross the plate for the rest of the game.

Union County notched four runs in the seventh inning. Emily Byers, Caley Davis, and Tori Tracey were able to power the big inning with RBI’s.

Sierra Burnette was credited with the victory for the Union County Panthers. She only surrendered one run on three hits over six and two-thirds innings, while striking out seven and walking zero. Byers threw one-third of an inning in relief out of the bullpen.

Natalie Shubert started the game for the Lumpkin County Indians, as she went all seven inning and giving up eleven runs on twelve hits and striking out two.

Lexi Sisum saw the ball well last night for the Panthers, as she was able to hit a home run in the fifth inning.

The Panthers tallied twelve hits, as Trinity Queen, Hannah Patton each racked up multiple hits. The Panthers also stole six bases in the game as two players stole more than one base.

The Panthers did not commit one single error in the game. Hannah Patton was a perfect seven for seven in the field.

Union County releases football game-day guidelines

Sports, Team FYN Sports, TeamFYNSports

The Union County panthers have released their guidelines for the upcoming football season.

These guidleines are straight from Union County high school and are as follows:

  • Tickets will be $7. All GHSA official passes and press passes will be allowed.
  • There will be no restrictions on stadium seating.
  • There will be designated seating areas for students and the band. This will be approximately half of the stadium which will reduce spectator seating capacity.
  • Social distancing and mask wearing is encouraged. Signs will be posted and announcements will be made periodically throughout the contest to encourage safe health practices.
  • We are working to keep both of our communities safe from the threat of COVID-19. Spectators are encouraged to self screen before arrival to the event. If you have a fever over 100.0 or have any symptoms we ask that you please stay home.
  • Please help us protect our communities by following these safe health practices:
  1. Stay at home if you are sick, have a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing.
  2. Practice social distancing between family groups.
  3. Wear a mask.
  4. Cover your cough or sneeze.
  5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  6. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Thank you for working with Union County Schools to ensure a successful football season.

  • No fans will be allowed to enter the playing field before, after, or during the event. (The only exception is a parent escorting for homecoming or senior night)
  • Under Georgia law, the Union County School District and all agents assume no liability for any injury or death attributed to COVID-19. You are assuming the risk for entering any and all events.

Concessions will be available at the event.

Pre-packed food will be served.

All concessions workers will be wearing gloves and masks.

 

Union County softball seniors shine on senior night, beat Fannin

Lady Panthers, Sports, Team FYN Sports
uchs softball
Senior Trinity Queen

Senior Trinity Queen

The Union County Panthers (4-1, 0-0 region) took on the Fannin County Rebels (0-4, 0-2 region) last night in a non-region game. It just so happened to be the Union County Panthers senior night, and their two seniors really showed up and showed out.

Senior Hannah Patton

Senior Trinity Queen, number 13, started on the mound for the Panthers. She was able to keep the Fannin County Rebels guessing, striking out 7 through 3 innings and not allowing a hit. Sierra Burnette came in in relief, pitching the last inning of the game and striking out one while not giving up a hit either, as the Panthers combined to pitch a no hitter!

The offense was ignited in the first inning by senior Hannah Patton, when she doubled on a hard hit ground ball to left field that scoredChloe Potts, who had also doubled earlier in the inning. Patton would later score on a ground ball hit by Lexi Sissum.

In the second inning, the Panthers would really tack on some runs. Two errors in the inning on balls put in play by Lexi Sissum and Emma Roxbury, a walk by Chloe Potts and a single by Caley Davis and Senior Hannah Patton would help the Panthers score 6 runs and take a 8-0 lead heading into the third.

The Fannin County Rebels just could never figure out Trinity Queens stuff, being unable to answer in the third inning as 3 of the 4 batters that came up to the plate in the third were struck out.

Jayden Bailey was on the mound for Fannin and took the loss, tossing three innings and allowing 13 runs on 11 hits.

The Panthers bats were unstoppable, as Davis, Ansley Collins and Patton all managed multiple hits.

 

 

The Seniors for Union really stole the spotlight last night, and not just because it was senior night. Trinity Queen was able to throw a combined no hitter and drove in a run while Hannah Patton was able to go 2-3 at the plate and drive in 3 RBI’s while going 7-7 in the field.

 

Fannin County will take on Chestatee in their next game on Monday, August 31st at 5:30 at home. Union County will take on Lumpkin County in Lumpkin on August 31st.

TeamFYNSports Writer’s Player of the Week – No. 9 John Mancuso

Player of the Week, TeamFYNSports, UCHS Football
Mancuso
Mancuso

Senior John Mancuso celebrates his 47-yard touchdown catch for the Union County Panthers against Banks County on Friday night.

With the starting quarterback and two starting wide receivers out, someone had to step up and be the difference for Union County last night in a huge region game at Banks County.

That person proved to be senior John Mancuso, who was also celebrating his 18th birthday.

While the defensive back played with his normal fire and energy, making plays all over the field for a defense that held the home team to just seven points, Mancuso made a big impact on offense for the first time this season.

Mancuso caught two touchdown passes on the night, one for 47 yards and one for 3 yards. Those two scores were the only points scored by the Panthers on Friday, but they proved to be just enough for Union County to get the 14-7 win.

For his efforts on both sides of the ball, John Mancuso is the TeamFYNSports Writer’s Player of the Week!

Union County Player of the Week

New Field House Back on Track After Initial Setback

Panther's Corner, Union County High School
field house

Blairsville, Ga – Administration’s hiring a new architect to design the new field house after initial plans came in exponentially over the initial budget.

New field house project once again moving forward after the original architect provided a $2M site plan.

The board advised the project returned to square one and find out where expenses could be cut to better serve the school as a whole.

“We are in the process of hiring an architect,” stated Assistant Superintendent David Murphy, “We think that we can save more money and have a better product by doing a design-build. This is where the architect designs it. We went with the number two finalist in our prior commitment. We were very impressed with their presentation.”

The contract’s currently with the school system’s attorneys for review and to guarantee that they can back out if the architect is negligent in any way.

“How is that any different from the first time? Didn’t we use an architect company for the plan, and then bid out based on that? It sounds like the same thing?” questioned board member Janna Akins.

“This one’s going to have a lot tighter specifications,” stated Murphy, “They’re going in with a cap – that allows us to see the product being built more inclusively.”

Once the hiring is finalized, the board and administration will set specifications and budget cap.

“The architect plans we paid for the first time are they going to be used at all the second time?” asked Akins.

“No, ma’am,” responded Murphy, “That is a very expensive building.”

Expenses spent on the field house original plan also won’t be recouped by the school system due to terms of the previous contract.

The board rejected the flooring bid presented in July meeting after an initial review from a flooring engineer, and new bids expected in September.

State of Schools Reports

With school back in session, four of the five principals delivered their quarterly reports. Woody Gap Principal Carol Knight was absent due to family obligations.

UCPS Principal Millie Owenby stated that the new car rider and pick-up lines were running pretty smoothly with the school currently five minutes off their intended 2:40 p.m. pick-up time. UCPS total enrollment is 700 students.  They are no longer doubling up pick-up lines due to the potential danger of children running between cars to reach their parents. MAP testing has started for the school and will continue for the next two weeks. Owenby plans on hosted a school-wide fundraiser for playground equipment and ESPLOST currently has $65,000 allocated to the primary school for new equipment.

UCES Principal Jerry Bavero reported that the elementary currently has 600 students, which is 30 more than expected, but teachers and administration are adapting. One teacher came forward to host a New Kids on the Block program to partner new students with older and established ones to help them feel at home. The morning pep-rallies continue to be a big hit with students.

UCMS Principal Gwen Stafford said the middle school is at 686 students for the start of the year. Clubs will begin on Friday, August 23. The school is also in the middle of MAP testing to gather information on students’ strengths and weaknesses. Fall sports are up and running – football, cross country, and softball. Traffic also continues to run smoothly.

UCHS Principal C.T. Hussion has 835 students with 62 new teenagers, who need to learn the culture. Overall, the high school’s had a smooth start. The chorus sang the national anthem at a Gwinnett Stingers game. The drama departments conducting an 80s show. Hussion wants to improve homeroom and soft skills using Georgia Best. Student fees program continues to be an asset for the school making $20,000 thus far with $4,000 carrying over from last year. Another $2,000 expected to come in after homecoming and everything left over goes to student council to improve the school how they see fit.

UCHS’ Williams Named District Teacher of the Year

Community, Education
Teacher of the Year

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – 18-year Union County High School (UCHS) educator, Kim Williams, received the Union County Schools District Teacher of the Year Award during the Nov. Board of Education Meeting.

At last month’s meeting, the five schools presented each system’s respect teacher of the year for 2019-2020. Union County High’s Kim Williams, Union County Middle’s Danya Nichols, Union County Elementary’s Jordan Rogers, Union County Primary’s Nicole Schuknecht, and Woody Gap’s Althea Cantrell were each named 2019-2020 Teachers of the Year.

Out of those five, a group of retired teachers came together to choose the educator who truly went above and beyond for their students. After reviewing the paperwork and speaking with each one, the committee selected Williams as UCS Teacher of the Year.

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Paula Davenport spoke on behalf of the selection committee as to why Williams impressed the group.

“One thing that stood out to [the retired teachers] was the why and the integration of real-world events as to why [they’re] learning this. She’s combining chemistry with food. This is what vinegar does and PH,” explained Davenport.

High School Principal C.T. Hussion also spoke highly of Williams’ ability, “For me, it means a lot for you receive this award. She teaches all day long. She never takes a break. It’s a huge accomplishment, and [Williams] is way above average, easy-going, and cares about people.”

Williams thanked the UCS board for deciding to hire her 18 years ago and expressed her appreciation toward everyone in the school district.

“I’ve loved every minute, and I enjoy my kids. I have a passion for teaching. Those kids mean the world to me, and I get up every day; I’m happy to go to work,” stated Williams.
Williams teaches food science and future educators at UCHS.

Blue Ridge Mountain EMC (BRMEMC) Representative Jeremy Nelms was in attendance to give BRMEMC to honor Williams.

“EMC concern for community is one of our core principals, and obviously with all the educators in the community, we certainly share in that commitment, so on behalf of the board and the staff, congratulations,” said Nelms.

Boys and Girls Soccer Triumphs Honored for Exceptional Seasons

Panther's Corner
Soccer

Blairsville, Ga – Union County High School (UCHS) Boys and Girls Soccer Teams honored for outstanding 2019 season.

Union County School Board of Education presented awards to both teams for their great season and showing in the state tournament.

UCHS Principal CT Hussion presented the awards to the soccer coaching staff: Girls Head Coach Tim Hunter, Assistant Girls Coach, Boys Head Coach Leland Sarrell, Boys Assistant Coaches Jon Krieger and Chris Robbins.

Soccer

UCHS Girls went undefeated in the region.

Starting with the UCHS Girls Soccer Team, Hussion noted that Hunter 259 career wins and commended the players and coaches for a stellar season.

“Girls Soccer team went undefeated in the region,” said Hussion, “What a year, just watching this team go, we had some stellar player moments throughout the year and leading up to the final game against St. Vincent’s. They won state, and I think we gave them the hardest game of the entire tournament.”
St. Vincent’s went on to win state for the 2019 season after beating Union County in the elite eight or third round of the tournament.

Hussion also presented Senior Madison Yost with a special award for setting a career goal and school record with 103 goals. She’s also a top-ten scorer in state history.

Ellie Garrison, who couldn’t attend the ceremony was the Region Eight AA player of the year.

Next, the UCHS Boys Soccer Team received their awards for reaching the state championships in 2019.

Soccer

Yost earned a school and state record with 103 goals.

“You had a core of players returning, a group of very talented freshmen, some move-ins and it kinda created this team that took a little bit of time to gel, but when they did they never looked back. They didn’t lose. It was amazing to see,” Hussion beamed, “They gelled and beat everybody. They went all the way, all the way to state finals.”

UCHS Boys played Thomasville in the final and left it all on the field. UCHS Boys lost during overtime PK kicks and logged over 11,000 miles during the tournament.

“You couldn’t go any further than they could possibly go. It was amazing,” commented Hussion.

One player couldn’t attend was graduating Senior Brian Smith who just began basic training.

Soccer

Boys Team lost to Thomasville in State finals.

“He led the way in goal scoring for us this year, and he showed us how to win when we weren’t necessarily sure how it could be done,” said Robbins, “He was a heck of a leader both on the field and off the field. The last two weeks of the season he was voted the United Soccer Coaches Max Prep’s player of the week for the entire state of Georgia.”

Director of Custodial Services Hughes recognized Emma Nichols for donating part of her summer to help clean up the schools.

“She just loves to do this custodial work. She’s just a regular kid, but she loves to do cleaning and housekeeping stuff, and I thought now would be a really good time to recognize her for the hard work that she has done,” said Hughes.

Emma Nichols donates her time to assist custodians in cleaning up the school.

Assistant Superintendent David Murphy commented,” Work-force readiness, soft skills those are the things that we’re hoping to teach, this little lady is doing it on her own, and I want to thank her parents for giving her the opportunity.”

Pre-season football interview with Panthers head coach Brian Allison

Sports, TeamFYNSports, Union County High School
Brian Allison

The Union County Panthers lost twelve seniors in last year’s graduating class, but according to head coach Brian Allison, returning players are ready to step up.

“I feel good about the direction we’re headed, and we’ll just see how we perform on the field,” said Allison.

The Panthers have been busy at work this off season between regular summer workouts, passing camps and 7v7 camps.

“Our participation has been good, we’re probably hitting 82-84% of our kids on a daily basis that are in voluntary workouts…it’s been a really good summer and we’re excited about the fall,” said Allison.

Team FYN Sports is excited about the fall as well! Watch the rest of the interview below!

https://youtu.be/61wVDkyPeBs

Pipe bust forces basketball schedule changes

Union County High School

A hyrdonic pipe burst in the sprinkler system outside of the Union County High School gymnasium caused administrators to make a quick decision with regard for the safety of students, spectators and school administration.  The East Hall High School basketball teams were scheduled to play at UCHS, but with water leaking and likely to freeze on the sidewalk outside the entrance of the facility; the decision to reschedule was an obvious choice.

“The pipe broke before East Hall got there,” UCHS athletic director Bryan Allison told TeamFYNSports Wednesday afternoon.  The good news:  It’s already been fixed.

The bad news?  Not necessarily bad – but the games have been rescheduled for tonight (Wed) at East Hall High School in Gainesville.  The varsity girls tip-off at 5pm, with the boys game following at 6:30pm.  TeamFYNSports will provide courtside coverage and a full story about the game will be up tomorrow.

Union County hosts annual football banquet

UCHS Football

By Isaiah Garrett, TeamFYNSports Reporter

On Tuesday, Dec 5, the Union County Panthers held their annual banquet and award ceremony. This event was hosted at Antioch Baptist Church in Blairsville, and it was the first time Antioch had ever hosted the banquet. Organized by the Union County Quarterback Club, the event proved to be another success thanks to the hard work and participation by everyone involved.

The night got kicked off as players and families were fed steak and spaghetti dinners.

Head coach Brian Allison followed up the meal by starting the awards ceremony and introducing all of the coaches on his staff.  The awards, which are  selected by the coaches, are each given to the hardest working player at that position (and to whom contributed the most on and off the field to the team).   The receivers “caught” their awards first – no pun intended.

Outside receiver coach Paul McBride presented his award to Sawyer Drake. Drake had 38 receptions for a team-high 63 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Inside receiver coach James Avery selected senior Austin Pattee for his reward.  Pattee led the team with 43 catches.

Quarterbacks and running backs coach (and offensive coordinator) Howard Mccombs was the next to present his award, and everyone in the room knew exactly where it was going. Senior quarterback Cole Wright had an outstanding season.  Wright will continue his playing career at the United States Military Academy, also known as Army or West Point, where he plans to enroll next fall.  Wright finished the year with 3,081 total yards of offensive and a combined 36 touchdowns.

To close the Offensive awards out, junior lineman Coleson Daniel was presented with the Offensive Line award, presented by coach Neil Setzer and Parker Daniel.  Without the effort and consistent blocking up front, the offense would not have performed as well as it did this year.  Coleson Daniel was a huge part of that effort.

Defensive Coordinator and defensive backs coach Robby Roxbury was first to kick off the defensive awards, and senior cornerback Sean Dobbins was presented with the defensive backs award.  Dobbins finished the season with 50 total tackles.

Senior lineman Matthew Beise was awarded the defensive line award by coach Gabe Miller.  Beise finished the season with 48 total tackles.

Inside linebackers coach Greg Chambers awarded senior RJ Banton, who led the team in total tackles with 108 tackles.

Outside Linebackers coach Wade Hodges awarded senior and 3-year varsity starter Cole Dockrey with the Iron Panther award.  This award is given to the player who contributes on both sides of the ball, displays the highest work ethic on and off the field, and is a leader in more ways than one. Dockery finished the season with 50 total tackles, 372 yards of offense, and a touchdown.

It was a night of celebration as players, coaches and family members gathered to reflect on the performance by the Union County Panthers varsity football team one last time this year.

$2M UCS Field House Under Reevaluation

News, Panther's Corner

Blairsville, Ga – New field house being reassessed after bids come in $1M over the initial budget.

Board of Education elected to reevaluate the scope of the field house project after bids for came back around $2M.

“I had anticipated a million. This is way more than I anticipated,” stated Chair Cynthia Odom.

Board asked for options on the new field house.

“When we started out the architects the number was a lot lower, but it seems like it has grown and grown with its costs and we actually value engineered practically everything,” explained Assistant Superintendent David Murphy.

Superintendent John Hill offered to go back and reevaluate the specifications, including the architectural drawings and RFP to find a reasonable solution.

Odom suggested looking at the current fieldhouse and trying to modify it before proceeding with this project.

“We’re a pay as we go,” said Odom, “It’s going to delay other items.”

Board Member Keith Potts added another approach to the field house project, “Maybe the footprint of it can be what you’re looking at, but downsize the building so you can expand maybe in five years to get that number down.”

These bids for the project came in last week, and due to architecture fees, the school system’s already paid over $50,000 into it. The bidding was very tight among the lowest three within $50,000.

“It’s a terrible time to build,” stated Hill.

“It’s hard to justify the costs of double, $2M on a non-academic building, used by a finite number of students,” said Board Member Janna Akins.

“We need to provide a facility, but we can reevaluate exactly what that is,” stated Hill.

Odom the discussion closed with, “We appreciate all the time, effort, and energy. I know this is not an easy thing to do.”

Safety access doors for all the schools are proceeding and should be installed by the new school year. All teacher IDs have been updated, and the switch should begin soon.

Paving for the primary and elementary pick-up line, two parking lots, as well as primary and elementary bus drop-off/pick-up areas. The paving project will cost the school system $511,775.88.

Privacy fencing for the primary school also received approval to move forward with a bid of $76,867.20. It will include a six-foot chain link fence with privacy slating around the pick-up lane. This fence will allow traffic to start earlier in the day and hopefully speed up the process.

“Those were the areas we identified with the most potholes and issues for parents, but also they drop off the most children there. It will really benefit a lot of our students,” said Hill.

“We never let them back before 2:30 because we still have children on the playground,” explained Murphy, “The privacy slating will allow us to have them out.”

Union County Primary School Principal Millie Owenby agreed that the fencing should improve the pick-up process in the next school year.

After 10-0 start, Panthers season comes to disappointing end

Union County High School

The Panthers tipped off against North Hall @ 4:30 in the region tournament. The Panthers were looking to secure a playoff spot which a win would do. A loss would be the Panthers would not make the playoffs.

Both teams got off to a slow Q1 as the Panthers led 8-7 after Q1. Baggett led UC scorers with 3 in the first quarter.

The first half was one of the lowest scoring half’s UC had seen all season as they trailed 17-13. The Panthers were led by Drake with 4.

The Panthers grabbed a lead late in Q3 but couldn’t keep it as they trailed 31-30 at the end of the quarter. The Panthers were led by Baggett with 10.

Can. Colwell fouled out with a little over 4:00 left to play in Q4. The Panthers fell to the Trojans 50-42. UC was led by Baggett and Drake whom both had 15.

The Panthers fall to 16-9. The Panthers season is now over. This is only the second team in school history to ever start 10-0. Both teams that started 10-0 lost to Murphy in the 11th game and neither made the playoffs.

Sophomores Drake and Allison were both selected to the 7-AAA all region team which is voted on by the coaches. Cra. Colwell and Baggett were honorable mentions.

Drake led the Panthers with 13.0 points per game followed by Allison with 12.1. Drake did this despite missing 4 games with a knee injury.

Craw. Colwell and Drake both averaged 6 rebounds a game. Followed by Allison with 4.5.

Can. Colwell led the Panthers with assists per game averaging 2.8, followed by Allison with 2.4.

Drake also led the Panthers in steals per game with 2.9 followed by Allison with 2.4

Drake averaged 1.0 block per game followed by Waller with .5.

Panthers Wrestling: Tritt making history

Union County High School

Isaac Tritt made history last week.  With his 4th-place finish at the AAA Sectional wrestling tournament last weekend, Tritt became first person in Union County history to ever advance beyond Area competition.  He now has an opportunity to be the first Union County High School student to place at the state tournament.

Tritt started playing soccer when he was only four years old.  In the 7th grade, he began wrestling.  By his freshman year, he decided to dedicate 100% of his attention to the mat; and as a junior, his commitment is paying off.

 

Tritt wrestled in the 138-lb class his freshman year, before moving up to the 145-lb class last year.  The 7-lb weight gain has given him more strength in the clinch without sacrificing speed in scrambles or shots from outside.

TeamFYNSports asked Tritt how he’s handling the reality that he’s making history, and he said, “It feels great knowing I was able to pave the road to state. The hard work was definitely worth it.”

Tritt said the sport of wrestling has taught him more than just how to throw or pin someone – it’s built character.

“When life gets hard you just have to keep pushing forward, this is something the coaches have instilled in this program,”  Tritt told TeamFYNSports in a recent interview.

He said that he’s looking to push the pace of each match at the state tournament, and he is looking to dominate his opponents.  Recognizing that the Panthers wrestle in one of the toughest regions/areas in the state of Georgia, Tritt may see some familiar faces as he advances through the tournament this weekend.

TeamFYNSports would like to congratulate the Union County wrestling program and we wish Isaac Tritt all the best this weekend.

 

Ruff leads Panthers over Bobcats

UCHS Baseball

The Panthers faced off against the Gilmer County Bobcats in a non-conference matchup. The Panthers entered the contest with a 1-1 record.

Davis took the mound for the Panthers for the second time this season. Davis pitched well as he allowed one earned run during 4 innings of work.

Davis got info some trouble to start the game allowing a hit and a walk as the Bobcats pounced onto an early lead 1-0.

UCHS senior RJ Banton warms up on the mound during Tuesday night’s game against Gilmer High. Photo by Isaiah Garrett, TeamFYNSports.

Banton stepped in to relive Davis after 4 innings of work. Davis finished with 1 K and 2 BB’s over the course of 4 innings. Davis allowed one earned run.

Can Colwell helped the Panthers grab a lead in the bottom of the 4th with a 2-out, 2-run, single.

The Panthers got into some trouble early in the 6th inning after an error at 3rd base let the Bobcats gain some momentum as they went on to score 3 runs. The Panthers trailed 4-2.

After allowing 3 runs, 2 of which were earned, Banton returned to pitch in the 7th. Banton struck out a batter to start the 7th and finished with 2 groundouts.

Trialing by 2 the Panthers looked to regain the lead and a win. Allison and Ruff walked. Banton got on base with a single. Junior Kelley hit a 2-out, bases clearing, double in walkoff fashion to win the game.

The Panthers were led by, Ruff with 3 HBP BB’s 1RBI and Can. Colwell 1-3 with 2 RBI’s.

The Panthers improve to 2-1. The Panthers will host the Rabun County Wildcats Monday, Feb. 26th in a non-conference matchup.

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