BLAIRSVILLE — Just when it looked like Union County and East Hall might just keep scoring until Saturday, the Panthers came up with a defensive stop.
And it just happened to seal a Union County victory.
The Panthers held firm on fourth and 2 at their own 3-yard line with just nine seconds remaining to bring a wild scorefest in Blairsville to a halt, as Union County held off the Vikings for a 51-46 victory.
After leading 21-6 at the half, the Panthers (5-1, 1-1 Region 7-AAA) watched as East Hall stormed back into the game, knotting the score at 38-38 early in the fourth quarter. Neither team seemed able to stop the other, and the Vikings (2-4, 0-2) even took a 46-45 lead -- their first and only advantage of the contest -- with 3:00 remaining.
The Panthers responded by returning the ensuing kickoff to the East Hall 22 and punched in their final touchdown, Bo Lynch rumbling in from five yards for a 51-46 lead with 2:29 left to play -- and then East Hall started coming back, again. But Union County finally held firm in the shadow of its own goal line.
Lynch rolled up 114 yards rushing and notched a career-high four touchdowns while also putting up 41 receiving yards. Panthers quarterback Cole Wright also produced three touchdowns -- two passing and one running -- while rushing for 176 yards and passing for 268. Kanon Hemphill and Zach Stone each had TD receptions for Union.
East Hall quarterback Austin Parker torched the Panthers defense for five scores -- three through the air and two on the ground. Parker tossed touchdowns of 75 and 64 yards and also converted four 2-point conversions through the air.
The Vikings will look to bounce back against Greater Atlanta Christian next week.
Union County travels to face Dawson County next week.
