BLAIRSVILLE — Union County opened its 2016 season in solid fashion taking a 36-16 victory over Gilmer Friday night at home.
Quarterback Cole Wright threw for one score and ran for another to lead the Panthers (1-0) as they outscored the Bobcats (0-2) 29-13 in the second half.
Wright connected with Erik Strayer on a 20-yard touchdown pass and then two minutes later Sean Dobbins added a 14-yard touchdown run to push the lead to 22-3. The Bobcats cut it 22-9 midway through the fourth quarter but Wright scored on a 6-yard run and after Gilmer answered with a touchdown pass to trim the lead to 29-16, Zach Stone returned the kickoff 75-yards for a touchdown to seal the win.
The Panthers will play host to Hayesville (N.C.) next week.
