BLAIRSVILLE, GA – The Panthers continued to pour on the points during a win Friday night at home in the Region 8-AA season opener.

With touchdowns coming on the ground and through the air, Union County High put up more than 50 points for the second time in the first four games, beating Monticello, 53-21, in Blairsville.

“Great job on offense and a great job on defense,” coach Brian Allison said after the game. “We are getting better every week.”

Opening the region schedule with a win is important if the Panthers want to return to the state playoffs a year after being put out in the first round.

“This was a region win with a little adversity at the front of it, which is good for us going forward,” Allison said. While the final score wasn’t close, the visitors did close within two scores early in the third quarter, but the Union County offense proved too potent and too quick for Monticello.

Union County (4-0, 1-0) was led by senior quarterback Pierson Allison, who accounted for six touchdowns in the Panthers’ big win.

Allison was 26-for-32 for 490 yards and four touchdowns in the air, while adding 44 yards and a touchdown on eleven carries.

The offensive line was anchored by senior center Drake Groves. Both the offensive and defensive lines were working at a loss Friday night as they had to operate without senior Wright Hogsed.

Hogsed went out during last week’s victory over Fannin County. He’s set to miss the remainder of the season with a torn ACL ligament.

Friday night, the offensive line gave Allison plenty of time to spread the ball around to six different receivers, including senior Kyle Morlock.

Morlock had six catches for 138 yards and a touchdown, while blocking well on the outside. Morlock leads the team with 356 yards on 14 catches and four touchdowns receiving through the first four games this season.

Fellow senior Sawyer Drake also had a big night with 155 yards and a touchdown on seven catches for the Panthers, who scored on eight of their 10 possessions.

On defense, the Panthers forced six punts on a night in which they dominated for most of the game. The visiting Hurricanes managed to hit a few long plays for scores, but for the most part, the Union County defense was stingy throughout.

Juniors Noah Underwood and Clayton Lester each recorded 11 tackles for the Panthers. Senior John Mancuso added a sack and senior Zion Ross intercepted a late pass to lead the way for the defense.

Junior Jonah Daniel had another big night on the ground, carrying the ball 11 times for 163 yards and two touchdowns. He also caught four passes for 78 yards and a touchdown.

The Union County offense benefitted from big plays, scoring passing touchdowns of 69, 55, 49, and 33 yards, and rushing touchdowns of 70 and 22 yards.

Union County will stay within the region for the remainder of the season. The Panthers hit the road next week, visiting Putnam County with the hope of beginning 2-0 in 8-AA.

The Panthers and the War Eagles are set to kickoff at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 27, in Eatonton.