Panthers Claw Back Late but Not Enough

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga. — The Gilmer County Bobcats showcased their offensive prowess, defeating the Union County Panthers 42-20 in a high school football game on Friday, Aug. 22, at Mike Colwell Memorial Stadium.

The Bobcats (1-0) wasted no time asserting dominance, scoring a rushing touchdown with five minutes left in the first quarter, followed by a successful point-after-touchdown (PAT) to take a 7-0 lead. Gilmer added another touchdown with 2:08 remaining in the first, and with just 26 seconds left in the quarter, intercepted a Union County pass, returning it for a touchdown and PAT to extend their lead to 21-0.

Gilmer continued their onslaught in the second quarter, with an 11-yard touchdown pass and PAT at the 9:43 mark, pushing the score to 28-0. The Bobcats maintained their momentum in the third quarter, pounding in a short-yardage touchdown and PAT with 6:23 left, increasing their lead to 35-0.

The Panthers (0-1) fought back late in the third, scoring their first touchdown with 1:50 remaining, followed by a successful PAT, narrowing the gap to 35-7. Gilmer responded in the fourth quarter with another touchdown at 8:39, extending their lead to 42-7 after the PAT.

Union County rallied in the final frame, igniting the home crowd with a touchdown and PAT at 7:39, making the score 42-14. The Panthers capitalized on a muffed punt recovery with just over four minutes left, setting up a final touchdown with 1:20 remaining. A failed two-point conversion left the score at 42-20, which held as the final.

Despite the loss, Union County showed resilience, with their late-game efforts highlighting their determination. Next up for the Panthers is a road contest against the Fannin County Rebels on Friday, Aug. 29.