Senior Night Success! Panthers Defeat Rebels 37-14
UCHS Football October 30, 2017
Union County Panthers vs Fannin County Rebels
Varsity Football
October 27, 2017
Location: Blairsville, GA
Cheers echoed across the field as the Panthers 2017 Seniors marched down the field with their proud families and a plaque in hand. The players’ names and jersey numbers were called from the announcer’s booth igniting a beaming smile from the seniors as they made their way down the field for the last time.
To emphasize the special occasion, Head Coach Brian Allison chose the entire Senior class to represent the Panthers as captains; however, only 2 of them participated in the coin toss (#8 Cole Wright and #11 RJ Banton).
With the home field advantage and also receiving at kickoff, the Panthers scored first. In an unsuccessful attempt for a pass into the end zone, the Panthers were forced to score first using their kicker #36 Brian Smith. The 17-yd field goal was good and that made the score 3-0 Panthers in the first quarter.
Forced to punt due to their lack of gained yardage, the Rebels were shorty back on defense.
5 rushing plays and 1 pass passing play later the Panthers scored again! After fighting his way upfield for an impressive rush and then digging his way into the end zone on 2 additional plays, Senior #15 Cole Dockery scored off a 1-yd rush. 10-0 Panthers with 4:16 left in the first quarter.
Both teams were forced to punt on their last possessions of the first quarter.
Rebels stuck at the 44-yd line, finally put it in gear and rush upfield to the 9-yd line where they then try for a touchdown and succeed. A Rebels receiver rushes on the left hand side and flies sideways into the end zone increasing the score to 10-7 Panthers with 10:46 left in the second quarter.
A series of passing, rushing, and a 15-yd penalty later put the Panthers in scoring position once more. Senior #8 Cole Wright zig zagged his way through the pack of Rebels and found his way into the end zone being pulled by his jersey. The kick was good once more, increasing the score 17-7 Panthers with 8:28 left in the half.
Rebels unable to get passed the Panthers defense and their quarterback being tackled in the backfield, gave up possession at the 38-yd line.
Panthers passed their way upfield this time and put Senior #24 Chad Buzzard in scoring position! Buzzard rushed up the gut and into the end zone over a pack of Rebels for a touchdown! 24-7 Panthers with 1:22 left in the half.
Possession changed hands a few times before the next touchdown was scored .. then #8 Cole Wright found #4 Kanon Hemphill wide open, hit him with a beautiful spiral, and Hemphill took off upfield for a 60-yd touchdown! 31-7 Panthers with 11:50 left in the third quarter.
Rebels, unhappy with the outcome of the game, dug in and after 10 rushing plays scored once more of a 1-yd rush up the right hand side. This would be their last touchdown of the game. 31-14 Panthers with 7:23 left in the fourth quarter.
The final touchdown of the game was one made by Panthers Senior #15 Cole Dockery – his best game of the season! Dockery ran for a 62-yd touchdown up the right hand side of the field and made it untouched into the end zone with the Rebels crying after him! Ha.Ha.
Final Score: Panthers 37 Rebels 14
Next, the Panthers travel over the mountain to Lumpkin County to face the Indians. The Indians are now 1-8 overall for the season – should be an easy win! Game time is set for 7:30 PM! As always, we appreciate your support Panther fans!
The JV season is officially over; thank you for your support this season!
TEAM STATISTICS
RUSHING – 251 yards PASSING – 236 yards
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
RUSHING — Panthers: #8 C. Wright 19-145 (1 TD); #15 C. Dockery 11-88 (2 TDs; #24 C. Buzzard 8-18 (1 TD) Total: 251 Rushing Yards
PASSING — Panthers: #8 C. Wright 17/27; 236 (1 TD) Total: 236 Passing Yards
RECEIVING — Panthers: #4 K. Hemphill 5-100 (1 TD); #21 S. Drake 4-55; #15 C. Dockery 2-28; #22 A. Pattee 3-20; #84 K. Morlock 1-19; #24 C. Buzzard 2-14
TeamFYNSports Writer Player of the Week: Cole Wright
Player of the Week November 6, 2017
This week’s #TeamFYNSports Sports Writer Player Of The Week is Quarterback #8 Cole Wright.
The Senior has had an incredible last season with the Union County Panthers and is planning to attend his playing career at West Point with the United States Army! His name was called several times from the press box, however, two times were on account of his touchdowns! Wright rushed for 91 yards and also went 7 for 15 with 138 passing yards!! In order to follow Mr. Wright, you’ll now have to follow on with his collegiate career! Congratulations Cole, we are very proud of you!
Panthers Defeat Gilmer 56-14! FRIDAY Night FOOTBALL is back!
UCHS Football August 26, 2017
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)
Panthers ‘Trump’ the Wildcats 42-14!
UCHS Football September 11, 2017
Union County Panthers vs Andrews Wildcats
Varsity Football
September 8, 2017
Location: Blairsville, GA
“Make America Great Again, Trump the Wildcats”
It wasn’t just another Friday night for the Panthers – Union County honored its first responders (Firefighters, EMTs, Police Officers, etc) and Deputy/Former Security Guard for UCHS Mitchell Henderson flew in the game ball on a helicopter. The crowd was in awe as the pilot landed the helicopter in the playground just above the field and watched him make his way down to the 50-yd line. This was very special for the hometown of Blairsville; Mitchell was flown out last year when he was involved in a life threatening car crash. His miraculous recovery had nearly everyone at a loss for words and some in tears.
Another interesting touch to the evening; the Panthers Pit Crew (a.k.a. the student section), made an executive decision to honor the first responders & Cole Wright’s offer to West Point by dressing in their ‘Merica gear.’ The banner below says “They Hate U.S. Cuz They Ain’t U.S.”
Upon receiving the ball, the game began and took an unusual twist in the first quarter. Instead of the Panthers norm of exploding and scoring immediately, they threw an interception for their first possession. The 1A SMC Wildcats advanced from the 20-yd line to the end zone for the first touchdown of the night. Womp, womp.
#84 Kyle Morlock
That lit a fuse within the Panthers players. With an impressive left field shift, #8 Cole Wright found #84 Kyle Morlock for a 20-yd spiral into a closing window, leveling the playing field back to 7-7.
With defenses working aggressively against each other, the Panthers offense fought hard and scored one touchdown in the second quarter. Several first-and-tens upfield brought the Panthers to scoring position as #15 Cole Dockery fought his way through for a 1-yd rush, improving the score to 14-7!
#8 Wright pawing his way through the Wildcats for a TD
Then the lights came on for the Panthers in the third quarter – literally. Until this point, the stadium had been darker than usual due to a section of lights being out on the left-hand side of the field.
Assuming Coach Brian Allison and the other coaches said some very encouraging words to the guys in the locker room during halftime, the boys came back out and dominated the Wildcats like they have every team they’ve played so far this season!
Being chased by his shadow, #21 Sawyer Drake
The Panthers pawed their way down the field and scored 4 more touchdowns in the second half of the game!
TD#3: an impressive 43-yd run by QB #8 Cole Wright up the left-hand side through a pack of Cats!
TD#4: a wide open 43-yd run up the right-hand side by Senior #15 Cole Dockery!
TD#5: a beautiful 71-yd spiral straight down the mid-field line to Sophomore #21 Sawyer Drake!
TD#6: a poetic 24-yd run by QB #8 Cole Wright! Wright tried the right-hand side but quickly saw defense closing in, switched back and took it up the left-hand side for a TD!
42-7 PANTHERS!
To reduce the Wildcats suffering, the Panthers allowed them one last 9-yd pass for a touchdown ending the game at 42-14.
Allison ended the game by telling his players, “Thankful for the win but we needed a game like this to prepare us for the rest of our season.”
TEAM STATISTICS
RUSHING – 264 yards PASSING – 188 yards
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
RUSHING — Panthers: #8 C. Wright 7-125 (2 TD); #15 C. Dockery 9-100 (2 TD); #24 C. Buzzard 6-45 Total: 264 Rushing Yards
PASSING — Panthers: #8 C. Wright 9/16, 188 Total: 188 Passing Yards
RECEIVING — Panthers: #21 S. Drake 2-77 (1 TD); #18 L. Dyer 1-32; #4 K. Hemphill 2-31 (1 TD); #4 K. Hemphill 3-26; #84 K. Morlock 1-20 (1 TD); #20 C. Rich 1-13; #22 A. Pattee 1-11.
With another win under their belt, the Panthers look forward to hosting Banks County for another non-conference game on September 15, 2017 at 7:30PM. The Panthers are now 3-0 for the season!
Also, support the Panthers JV team this Thursday, September 14, 2017 as they face the White County Warriors on the road at 5:30PM! The JV Panthers opened up their season last week with a victory over the Fannin County Rebels, making their record 1-0!
(Pictures by: Jenni Dixon)
UC Panthers WIN Final Game of the Season 31-24!
UCHS Football November 6, 2017
Union County Panthers vs Lumpkin County Indians
Varsity Football
November 3, 2017
Location: Dahlonega, GA
The Panthers traveled over the mountain to the Lumpkin County Indians territory for the final game of the season! It was Lumpkin County’s Senior Night, therefore, the stadium was packed! Both banners at the opposite ends of the field read similar sayings — The Indians banner read, “Our School, Our Field, Our Game” and the Panthers read, “Your School, Your Field, Our Game.”
Similar to the previous Friday night’s game, Head Coach Brian Allison chose to let only 2 members of the team participate in the coin toss (#8 Cole Wright and #11 RJ Banton).
Determined to rain on the Indians Senior Night parade, the Panthers scored first! Senior QB #8 Cole Wright found #21 Sawyer Drake wide open near the mid-field. Drake ran upfield like his life depended on it! He ran for 64-yards up the left hand side giving the Panthers a 7-0 lead over the Indians with 10:55 left in the first quarter!
Eager to put some points on the scoreboard, the Indians rush downfield to the 44-yd line. Then, when pressured to either try for a 1st down or a field goal, they chose the latter. The Indians kicker, who I might add was truly gifted, put one straight through the posts increasing the score to 7-3 with 8:05 left in the first quarter.
To finish off the first quarter strong, the Panthers push their way upfield to place #8 Cole Wright into scoring position. Once at the 11-yd line he then zig-zags his way up into the end zone to score once again! 14-3 Panthers to finish off the first!
As many sports fans would consider a good football game – the action was back-and-forth. Literally. The Indians rush over-and-over-and-over until they make it to the 1-yd line. They then send one of their guys jumping into the end zone for their first touchdown of the evening! The score now changes to 14-10; Panthers still in the lead with 6:00 left in the first half.
Senior #15 Cole Dockery scores the next touchdown of the game. He dug his way for 7-yards to add 7 more points to the board. 21-10 Panthers with 1:22 left in the half!
Back with the ball in the third quarter – Panther #36 Brian Smith kicks a 21-yd field goal; increasing the score once again to 24-10 with 6:25 left in the third.
The Indians score twice more — evening the score out to 24-24 with 4:52 left in the fourth quarter! The tension suddenly rises .. fans get quiet.
#8 Cole Wright completely breaks the silence when he runs a kickoff return back for an 80-yd touchdown for the final touchdown of the night!!! 31-24 with 4:37 left in the fourth quarter.
Now the Lumpkin fans are on their toes in hopes that their players will tie the game up and force it into overtime. BUT — that doesn’t happen. Panthers #34 Brian Nelson catches an interception with 2:23 left in the game. The Panthers then respectfully decide to hike-and-kneel on the two final plays of the game and run the clock out.
Final Score: PANTHERS 31 /// Indians 24
Panther fans go home happy as they’ve just tied their school record for the most wins in a season. Their overall record being 6-4!
INDIVIDUAL TOUCHDOWNS FOR SEASON (FINAL GAME NOT INCLUDED:
Cole Wright: 12
Sawyer Drake: 7
Chad Buzzard: 7
Cole Dockery: 5
Kanon Hemphill: 4
Kyle Morlock: 4
Austin Pattee: 3
Noah Underwood: 1
Chayton Schafer: 1
Panthers ‘Light Up’ Banks County 38-6!
TeamFYNSports, UCHS Football September 19, 2017
Union County Panthers vs Banks County Leopards
Varsity Football
September 15, 2017
Location: Blairsville, GA
Friday night was a very ‘colorful’ night for the Panthers, to say the least! Some fans entered the stadium in bright neon colors and others in their own football jerseys/cheer outfits. It was a Neon Night for the UCHS Student Section and also a night to recognize the Union County Recreation Department football players and cheerleaders.
With the game proceedings beginning, the roar of the crowd became silent when the National Anthem was played and the captains were listed off over the intercom. The UC captains for the game were: #8 Cole Wright, #11 RJ Banton, #76 Clay Carroll, and #34 Bryan Nelson. Banks County won the coin toss and chose to receive the ball first. 
The Panthers, determined to continue to keep their undefeated streak for the season, showed their enthusiasm and scored first off a 1-yd pass from #8 Cole Wright to #22 Austin Pattee. The kick from #36 Brian Smith was good making it 7-0 Panthers with 5:31 left in the first.
Realizing the talent they were up against, the Leopards put it into gear and worked their way down field. On their third attempt at the 2-yd line, the Leopards put up 6 against the Panthers on a rush. The kick was absolutely NO good due to a remarkable diving block by Panthers #2 Chayton Schafer!! 
This would be the only time the Leopards scored against the Panthers for the duration of the game.
With something to prove, Panthers Junior #2 Chayton Schafer decided to show off his wheels and take a kickoff return up field. Literally … up the field. Remarkably, he zig-zagged his way up the right side and nearly to the endzone before he was tripped up by a Leopard player. He fumbled the ball BUT a fellow Panther fell on the ball in the endzone, scoring yet another touchdown! 14-6 Panthers with 1:09 left in the first.
With the Panthers ‘ready to eat,’ they wasted no energy showing mercy to the Leopards. In the second quarter the Panthers scored an additional three more touchdowns! Two of which were made by Senior Quarterback #8 Cole Wright! Wright, remaining completely untouched and headed in the right direction (pun intended), scored his first touchdown of the night off a 39-yd run. 21-6 Panthers with 10:02 remaining in the second!
With an amazing interception by #17 Pierson Allison the Panthers get the ball on the 8-yd line.
#22 Pattee with a complete short pass, made it 3rd down with 3 to go for the Panthers. With incredible feel for the ball, #8 Wright, spotted an opening on the left-hand side and dove through some Leopards into the endzone to increase the score to 28-6 with 3:06 left in the second!
Moving quickly through the end of the first half, Panthers #8 Wright manages to advance upfield after a 17-yd cutback. Panthers kicker #36 Brian Smith places a ball high and through the posts for a 26-yd field goal. 31-6 Panthers to end the half!
#21 Sawyer Drake broke free from his defender and was hit with a beautiful 5-yd spiral in the end zone for the final touchdown of the game with 6:32 left in the fourth. FINAL: 38-6 Panthers!
TEAM STATISTICS
RUSHING – 267 yards PASSING – 163 yards
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
RUSHING — Panthers: #8 C. Wright 12-162 (2 TD); #24 C. Buzzard 12-61; #15 C. Dockery 9-28; #14 R. Barrett 1-10; #17 P. Allison 1-6 Total: 267 Rushing Yards
PASSING — Panthers: #8 C. Wright 13/23, 163 (2 TD) Total: 163 Passing Yards
RECEIVING — Panthers: #18 L. Dyer 3-48; #22 A. Pattee 6-40 (1 TD); #4 K. Hemphill 1-40; #2 C. Schafer 1-15; #84 K. Morlock 1-15; #21 S. Drake 1-5 (1 TD)
TACKLES — Panthers: #11 R. Banton 6; #32 J. Colwell 5; #12 S. Dobbins 5; #34 B. Nelson 4; #53 M. Beise 3; #2 C. Schafer 2; etc.
With another win under their belt, the Panthers look forward to hosting Greater Atlanta Christian (GAC) for their first conference game of the season on September 22, 2017 at 7:30PM. The Panthers are now 4-0 for the season! Please note that this Friday will also be Homecoming!
Also, support the Panthers JV team this Thursday, September 21, 2017 as they face the White County Warriors on the road at 5:30PM! The JV Panthers are 1-0 currently!
#TeamFYNSports Sports Writer Player of the Week Cole Wright
Business August 29, 2016
#8 Quarterback (Jr) Cole Wright. Wright was 12/17 for 164 yards with one touchdown. Wright had 14 carries for 126 yards with two touchdowns. Wright put up 290 yards on the night scoring a total of three touchdowns and doing his part helping the Union Panthers win over the Gilmer Bobcats 36-16. Congratulations Cole on being this weeks #TeamFYNSports player of the week.
