BLAIRSVILLE - Union County scored 21 points in the final 21 minutes to rally for a thrilling and much-needed 28-24 win over Fannin County Friday in a critical Region 8-AA game for the Panthers.
The win snapped a three game losing streak for Union County (3-3, 2-3 in region).
The Panthers trailed 24-7 with nine minutes left in the third quarter following an interception return for a touchdown by Fannin County's Lukas Garren. It was Union quarterback Kolt Owenby's third interception of the game.
But on the the Panthers' next possession, Owenby finally got hot. The senior capped a quick drive connecting with Blake Gowder on a touchdown pass and then ran in another score to early in the fourth quarter to cut the lead to 24-21.
The Panthers took their first lead with just over four minutes left when Owenby connected with Wesley Adams on a touchdown pass. Union's defense, which has struggled the last three games, then came up with its biggest stop of the season and forced fannin County to punt.
Owenby and the offense ran out the final three minutes to preserve the win.
"We needed this one," Union County coach Brian Allison said. "We had a rough three weeks so it was good to get back in the win column. Kolt did a great job to bring us back and the defense came up with some big plays on (Fannin's) last drive."
Owenby finished with 355 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for another 105 yards and a score to lead the Union offense. Gowder had 10 catches for 151 yards and two touchdowns for the Panthers, who have been without six starters the last three games..
Fannin County fell to 3-3, 2-3 in region play with the loss.
Wednesday
November 27th, 2024
9:48PM
