Blairsville, Georgia- The Union County Panthers football team is under a new head coach and staff for the 2021 season. Michael Perry was hired in March and he has brought a whole new staff with him to Union County. Thomas Nelson is a big name coach that was brought in from Murphy to be the defensive coordinator.  The Panthers won’t look much different offensively but they are looking more and more confident. The Panthers struggled offensively last year under Allison, but didn’t have much experience nor good luck with injuries. The Panthers biggest question mark is the Offensive and Defensive line. The Panthers are capable of having a great year if they dominate in the trenches. Tyler Perry, brother of Head Coach Michael Perry, coaches the offensive line and Justin Byers coaches the defensive line. In the 7v7’s the Panthers have attended, they have looked more confident on offense and are executing better under the new system. Senior Quarterback Logan Helcher looks more comfortable and confident in the pocket and Senior Receiver Keyton Chitwood is playing with more confidence than all of last year. On the defensive side of the ball, Seniors Eli Peugh, Trace Wright and Juniors Wilson Walker, Elijah Helton, and Gage Barnes look to have big years under Nelson after ending on a good note last year. The Panthers lost a lot at the linebacker position but they have the capability to live up to the expectations that Noah Underwood & Clayton Lester left behind. The Panthers look to have big contributions offensively from Senior Caleb John, Sophomore Jenson Goble, and Juniors Sam Page and Griffin Young. The Panthers start the season off with a scrimmage @ Southeast Whitfield on August 13 @ 7:30. Then the Panthers travel to Fannin County on August 20 to start off the 2021 regular season.