BLAIRSVILLE — Union County secured its postseason position on Friday night, pulling away from Lumpkin County for a 35-13 victory in Blairsville.
The Panthers (8-2, 4-2 Region 7-AAA) fell behind 7-0 but rattled off three straight touchdowns before the Indians (4-6, 2-4) closed the gap to 21-13 -- only to see Union County pull away for good.
The Panthers secured the No. 3 playoff seed from Region 7-AAA in the process, while also denying Lumpkin County a shot at its own postseason berth.
Union County quarterback Cole Wright maintained his stellar form, rushing for 169 yards and four touchdowns while also completing 9 of 16 passes for 127 yards and a score. Meanwhile, running backs Chad Buzzard and Cole Dockrey combined for 75 yards on 12 carries while filling in for starter Bo Lynch, who did not play.
Kanon Hemphill led all Panthers receivers with 3 catches for 65 yards, while Erik Strayer added 2 catches for 41 yards and a touchdown.
Lumpkin County pounced on a Panthers fumble at their own 27 to set up the opening score. Indians running back Zach Matthews went 27 yards on the first play for a 7-0 lead. It proved the game's only turnover, however, and while Matthews went on to become Lumpkin County's all-time leading rusher in the third quarter, it was not enough to derail Union County.
Union County travels to face Cedar Grove next week in the first round of state.
