Panthers Defeat Gilmer 56-14! FRIDAY Night FOOTBALL is back!

Union County Panthers vs Gilmer County Bobcats

Varsity Football

August 25, 2017

Location: Ellijay, GA

PANTHER FOOTBALL IS BACK!  Yes, you read that correctly!  They kicked off their season opener last night on the road against the Gilmer County Bobcats. The Panthers ‘Let Purple Reign,’ a motto the boys have been using to fuel their hunger for success, all over the Bobcats last night!  With a 56-14 victory, the Panthers are off to a great start!

The Panthers struck first, scoring on a 5 yd run by Senior QB Cole Wright (#8) with 10:15 left in the first quarter.  The extra point was good thanks to kicker Brian Smith (#36) who put it high through the posts.  7-0 Panthers!

With possession now in the hands of the Bobcats, they struggled to advance upfield.  With three carries and an advantage of zero yardage gains, they were forced to punt from the end zone.  

Panthers received the ball at the 40 yard line and with a series of 1st & 10s were quickly able to drive up field for another touchdown!  On the carry this time for the Panthers with a 5 yd rush was Junior Chad Buzzard (#24).  Brian Smith (#36) put up another clean kick for a 14-0 lead over the Bobcats with 6:07 remaining in the first.

Kickoff to the Bobcats appeared messy as the ball bounced around in the backfield.  2 & 9 for the Bobcats resulted in a fumble with a UC recovery.

1st and Goal for the Panthers, a quick snap to Wright (#8), a short toss to Cole Dockery (#15) and his run up the middle results in another Touchdown for the Panthers!  Brian Smith (#36) with another consistent kick makes it 21-0 Panthers with 5:15 left in the first!

Pictured: Cole Dockery (#15)

Bobcats still unable to advance against the Panthers thru their downs are forced to punt from the 20 yd line.  Panthers regain control at the 40.

A quick snap to Wright (#8) and he is off down the left side!  Unstoppable, Wright rushes for a 63 YARD TOUCHDOWN!  Smith with the kick & it is good!  28-0 Panthers!

Pictured: Cole Wright (#8)

Unable to score within the last two minutes, the Panthers recover control of the ball and press on into the 2nd quarter.

Within 41 seconds of play, the Panthers score again!  A 6 yd pass from Wright (#8) to Junior Kanon Hemphill (#4) and a good kick from Brian Smith (#36) increases the score to 35-0!

Smith (#36) attempted a 37-yard field goal but missed to the left as the 2nd quarter ended.

Cole Wright (#8) was replaced in the 3rd with Sophomore Pierson Allison (#17).  Wright finished with 68 rushing yards & 229 passing yards for 4 TDs.  Allison recovered a fumble to regain Panther ball control in the 3rd.  Allison found Austin Pattee (#22) open in the end zone and threw a 7 yd pass for another Panthers TD!  42-0 Panthers with 6:49 left in the third.

The Bobcats didn’t respond well to that and in retaliation scored on a 87 yard rush making it 42-6 Panthers.  Bobcats 2-point conversion was no good.

Panthers Buzzard (#24) scored again on an 11 yd rush at the end of the 3rd quarter.  Smith (#36) kicks between the posts again making it 49-6 Panthers!

The final touchdown for the Panthers was a 12 ydpass from Allison (#17) to Junior Chayton Schafer (#2).  The kick was good making it 56-6 Panthers!

The Bobcats were able to put up some late points against the Panthers, making the final score 56-14.

Some Player Stats:

Chad Buzzard (#24): 111 Rushing Yds & 2 TDs

Logan Dyer (#18): 82 Rec. Yds & 4 Receptions

Sawyer Drake (#21): 55 Rec. Yds & 4 Receptions

Austin Pattee (#22): 36 Rec. Yds, 1 TD & 4 Receptions

Support your Panthers!!

JV: Thursday, August 31, 2017 @ 5:30PM vs Gilmer (Home)

Varsity: Friday, September 1, 2017 @ 7:30PM vs Hayesville (Away)