COMMERCE, Ga. – Union County pushed a 21-21 halftime score into a 42-28 final score over East Jackson Friday night.
The Eagles scored first on a scramble play finding a receiver in the corner of the end zone. The Panthers answered with a Caiden Tanner to Ethan McBride slant for a touchdown to tie things up. East Jackson would answer right back with a 55-yard touchdown to regain the lead. The next drive, the Panthers unleashed running back Braylon Rader who had 45 yards on five carries and reached pay dirt to tie the game back up at 14-14.
On the next possession, East Jackson was stopped on a 3-and-out, setting up the Panthers to drive the field with a huge play from Tanner to McBride on a 45-yard connection. Union County capped off the drive with a Tanner to Braylon Rader touchdown pass and catch. After a Union turnover, East Jackson tied the game up 21-21 just before halftime.
On the opening kickoff of the second half, the Panthers forced a turnover with a sky-kick by McBride which was mishandled by East Jackson and pounced on by Union County's Carter Deal. The Panthers took advantage and scored on 15-yard scramble by Caiden Tanner. The Panthers then turned a big interception by Cade Dockery into points with a 33-yard touchdown pass from Tanner to Tyler Grasty. Rader added another touchdown run on a 10-yard scamper to seal the game for the Panthers.
Rader finished the night with 188 rushing yards and a pair of touchdowns while adding a receiving touchdown as well. Ethan McBride had 151 receiving yards on eight catches.
Union County will host Athens Academy next week, while East Jackson will welcome Providence Christian.
