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Morgan County spoils Panthers football upset bid
Morgan County struck early in the first quarter to take a 6-0 lead. The Bulldogs tried to fake the extra point attempt but were unsuccessful. The Panthers responded late in the first quarter with a long, time consuming drive in which Owenby spread the ball around to Gowder, Clay McConnell, and Jarred Arrant. The drive ended with Blake Gowder punching it in from about five yards out to give the Panthers a 7-6 advantage. Morgan County added another score in the second quarter to take a 12-7 lead at halftime. Last season Morgan County led the Panthers 42-0 at the break. "We've started to get more of a feel for what we can do. We're getting closer," said Coach Peugh about his team's continued improvement. "We were down 12-7 at halftime, where as last year it was 40 something to nothing at halftime. I thought our kids responded very well." The Panthers where behind 28-7 during the third quarter when Robert Heider recovered a fumble deep in Morgan County territory. That set up a first down and goal from just inside the Bulldog ten yard line. However, the Panthers turned the ball over on downs and were unable to put any points on the board. The Panthers were able to cut into the Morgan County lead early in the fourth quarter when Owenby connected with Gowder for a twelve-yard touchdown score. "The Morgan County coaches were wanting to substitute, but they knew we would comeback if they did, so they kept the starters in for the entire game. They only rushed three and dropped eight into coverage," said Coach Peugh speaking of his offense's ability to add points up in a hurry. Union County made it a game when Owneby hit Tanner in the endzone for a four-yard touchdown reception to bring the Panthers within two scores at 35-21. The Panthers were unable to score again but Coach Peugh believes his team grew up during the Morgan County game. "The kids aren't satisfied with just being better, they want some success. I'd like to see them have some success because their work ethic has been so great. I've been here six years and we've always told our kids to give themselves a shot to win. Momentum can change so you need to stay within striking distance. We just need to cut down on the mistakes. That's why the one thing I have tried to emphasize to the kids is competing on every down of every game." Union County will open up sub-region play when the Panthers host the Fannin County Rebels (4-1) this Friday night. Union County has won two of the last three meetings against the Rebels with Fannin County defeating the Panthers 43-7 last season on their way to a sub-region title. "Fannin County is the top team. They are defending subregion champs and until someone knocks them off, they are the team to beat. But the subregion is wide open this year, anyone can beat anyone," said Coach Peugh. The matchup with Fannin will be a contrast of styles. The Panthers like to throw the ball and spread out the opposing defense and Fannin is a more basic, smashmouth brand of football. "Fannin is big and physical. They will run right at you and take advantage of their size. It's going to be interesting to see how they try to matchup with our offense. They've got as many kids playing both ways as we do. Hopefully their line will get tired from pass rushing. We are going to throw to set up the run," said Coach Peugh about the opposite styles of offense that the fans will see this Friday night. The spread offense that the Panthers run this year is something different for Coach Peugh and the Union County coaching staff. "It's taken me some time to get used to our offense. But it's something that the kids enjoy, and I think the fans enjoy it too. Some nights it's going to look good and some nights it won't. We just need to keep emphasizing the good and eventually we will knock the door down," said Coach Peugh.
The Panthers football game with Fannin Countykicks of this Friday in Blairsville at 7:30 p.m. Football Stats |
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