Football 2013: Union County ready to serve its talented youth

BLAIRSVILLE -- Brian Allison is excited about the future of Union County football.<br /> <br /> He also knows the present could bring with it some growing pains.<br /> <br /> "I can't say enough about how hard the guys worked this summer and in the preseason, but we've got some major holes to fill this season, especially in the secondary and at linebacker," Allison said. "We're going to be inexperienced in spots."<br /> <br /> That also includes the Panthers' offense, which could feature as many as seven sophomores in the line-up at some point.<br /> <br /> Those younger players carry with them some big-time potential, however, and Allison believes that, once they get acclimated, Union County could be looking at something very special indeed.<br /> <br /> "We could have as many as 18 starters back next year," Allison said. "And the young guys we have playing offense have already started to come around pretty well."<br /> <br /> The Panthers' spread attack has put up points for a number of seasons, and this year's group should be no different, taking advantage of what opposing defenses give them with both speed and skill to spare.<br /> <br /> "We may have a weapon or two in that group," Allison said. <br /> <br /> That could include two quarterbacks, as Union looks for a starter to emerge from a battle between junior Ralston Drake and sophomore Joseph Mancuso. Drake, who missed last season through injury, is an impressive athlete that can pull the ball down and run, as well as rely on his arm, while the younger Mancuso has a bigger frame and can rifle the ball.<br /> <br /> "We may rotate the two of them," Allison said.<br /> <br /> Whoever features at signal caller will be joined in the backfield by running backs Nick Whittle and Chase Barnett, while Jacob Rogers, Sam Gilbert and Robert Prunier fill roles at receiver.<br /> <br /> The biggest question comes at offensive line, where senior center Luther Jones leads a group that could include four sophomores.<br /> <br /> "Luther is a big part of the team, and we've got to keep him healthy," Allison said of the standout, who will also anchor the Panthers' defensive front.<br /> <br /> Barnett also returns at inside linebacker and was the team's leading tackler in 2012. Prunier, meanwhile, is looking to lock up a spot in the secondary.<br /> <br /> "The defensive line should be strong; we've got three juniors and a senior there," Allison said. "But at linebacker and in the secondary we have 3-4 people working at a lot of spots, trying to earn a starting position.<br /> <br /> "There is a lot of potential on this team, and I like its make-up," Allison said. "But it's not going to be easy going in the region, and we're going to have to work hard."<br /> <br /> The Panthers just missed out on a playoff spot last season, earning their first winning record in three years, and Allison hopes this group of Panthers can build on that momentum.