BLAIRSVILLE, Ga. — Despite a rash of injuries that could have derailed its season, Union County will get a chance to play for its first region title since 1973.
The Panthers built a big 28-point lead after three quarters and then held on for a 35-21 win over 10th-ranked Athens Academy on Friday at home.
Union County (7-2, 3-1 Region 8-2A) will travel to No. 7 Fellowship Christian (7-2, 4-0 Region 8-2A) in next week’s season finale with the winner walking away with the region crown and the No. 1 seed in the upcoming playoffs. The loser will be the No. 2 seed.
Union County led 21-7 at halftime and Caiden Tanner connected with Tyler Grasty for a 32-yard touchdown pass for a 28-7 lead in the third quarter. Later in the period, Braylen Rader ripped off a 30-yard touchdown run to make it 35-7.
The Spartans (5-4, 2-2 Region 8-2A), who dropped into a tie for third in the region, scored twice in the fourth quarter but Union County ran out the final three minutes to preserve the win.
