BLAIRSVILLE — Union County football is coming off rarified territory for the Panthers, including tying for the program's highest single-season win total in 2014 (finishing 9-2).
Can Union County maintain that trend and pull off a fourth straight winning campaign in 2015? The Panthers have one of the best quarterbacks in the state in Joseph Mancuso, who threw for over 3,000 yards to go along with 35 TDs and just 3 INTs in 2014, as well as a returning standout at receiver in Sam Gilbert. They also feature three stars in the defensive secondary in Josh Daniel, Andrew Brown and Zach Stone.
And yet Union County must also replace 14 seniors that were key contributors to last year's stellar run.
Coach Brian Allison believes his young talent can develop into reliable playmakers but notes that a number will have to grown up quickly in 2015. If his offensive line can bounce back from an early season injury bug, look for Union County to be right back in the thick of the 8-AA hunt.
UNION COUNTY: NEED TO KNOW
- MASCOT: Panthers
- TEAM COLORS: Purple and Gold
- CURRENT REGION: 8-AA
- HEAD COACH/RECORD AT SCHOOL: Brian Allison, 14th year total, eighth season in a row, 75-58
- 2014 RECORD/ ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 9-2, reached first round of Class AA playoffs
- KEY LOSSES: WR/DB Robert Prunier, WR Jacobs Rogers, OL Jacob Witting, LB Chase Barnett, OLB Brett Dietz, DB Luke Chatham
- OFFENSIVE STYLE: Spread -- The Panthers feature one of the top quarterbacks in the state, and he will look to shape an offense that can equally make use of the run and pass.
- KEY OFFENSIVE PLAYERS: 5 returning starters -- Sr. QB Joseph Mancuso (3,078 yards, 35 touchdowns, 3 INTs in 2014; All-State selection), Sr. WR Sam Gilbert, So. WR Cole Wright, Jr. RB Bo Lynch, Sr. OL Parker Daniel, Sr. OL Chris Drost
- DEFENSIVE STYLE: 50 -- Union County will rely on a talented secondary to lead the way.
- KEY DEFENSIVE PLAYERS: 5 returning starters -- Sr. Saf Andrew Brown, Sr. Saf Zach Stone, Sr. CB Josh Daniel, Jr. OLB Nic Rodriguez, So. ILB Chris Thompson
- SPECIAL TEAMS: Sr. PK Knox Kiernan, Punting duties still undecided as of publication time, Sr. KR Josh Daniel
- STRENGTH: Quarterback/Secondary/Placekicker -- There's no doubt that Mancuso is a star, and Allison says he has worked hard to improve this offseason, increasing his understanding of the position -- not just as a gunslinger. The secondary features three senior stalwarts. Kiernan was solid last season and has gotten stronger. He will also play receiver this season.
- QUESTION: Defensive front -- After returning 10 starters last season, this side of the ball is rebuilding its front line and linebacking corps to an extent.
- KEY GAMES: The second game of the season (Sept. 4) against Lumpkin's power-run game will be a big test for the Panthers' young defensive front. The rivalry game with Fannin County (Sept. 18) could also prove interesting between two spread teams with outstanding QBs. Three of the Panthers last four games of the season come against the other three state playoff representatives from 8-AA last season -- including the rivalry showdown with defending region champ Rabun County (Oct. 16).
- TRENDING: Coming off what tied for a program record in wins (according to Georgia Football Historians.org), a second straight state playoff appearance and the team's third straight winning campaign, it's clear that the Panthers are riding high. Can they maintain that crest into a fourth straight season? They certainly have enough talent -- though some key positions will have to grow up quickly, including an offensive line that has suffered some preseason injuries.
2015 SCHEDULE
Aug. 28 vs. Towns County
Sept. 4 vs. Lumpkin County
Sept. 11 at Andrews, N.C.
Sept. 18 at Fannin County
Sept. 25 at *Social Circle
Oct. 2 vs. *Oglethorpe County
Oct. 9 vs. *Greene County
Oct. 16 at *Rabun County
Oct. 30 vs. *Riverside Military
Nov. 6 at *Washington-Wilkes
* - indicates region contest
(All kickoffs scheduled for 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted)
