And it got a lot worse in the first half, as the homestanding Panthers pulled ahead 24-7 in a game that the Eagles had to win to stay in the playoff race.
But Riverside refused to fold, clawing back in front in the fourth quarter before pulling out a 28-27 victory that gave the Eagles back control of their own postseason destiny.
"When we were down 24-7 it was raining, windy, and the kids could have just quit right there on the side of that mountain," Riverside coach Scot Sloan said. "But they didn't, and I'm so proud of how they fought back."
The Eagles (4-5, 4-4 Region 8-AA) scored to pull ahead with 6:00 remaining in the game and then held off two Panthers (5-4, 4-4) drives.
Union County would have clinched a playoff berth with a win. Now, the Panthers will have to win at Banks County next week and hope Riverside loses at home to Dawson County, as the Eagles hold the head-to-head tiebreaker if both programs finish with the same region record.
"We've given ourselves a chance, I hope," Sloan said. "We've still got to play well next week."
Riverside will hope to avoid another slow start this coming Friday. The Eagles watched Union County quarterback Kolt Owenby break loose for several big runs en route to a 24-7 first-half lead.
But Riverside answered to pull within 24-14 and then defensive back Brian Cox came up with a key interception near midfield just before halftime, returning the ball deep into Panthers territory. Eagles quarterback Lucas Bersin scored after the turnover on a one-yard plunge to pull within 24-21.
"That was huge and gave us some big momentum," Sloan said.
Though Union put the next points on the board, kicking a field goal in the third quarter for a 27-21 lead, Riverside put together a churning drive in the fourth to take control for good.
"We really adjusted well at halftime," Sloan said. "This win is a testament to our players and coaches."
Riverside's Aaron Gambrah
http://accesswdun.com/article/2009/10/224401