ELBERTON — Sawyer Drake converted a reverse for a 2-point conversion and John Mancuso sealed a thrilling 29-28 win for Union County over Elbert County with an interception in the waning seconds Friday night in a huge Region 8-2A showdown at The Granite Bowl.
Chad Buzzard's 1-yard touchdown run with 1:25 left pulled the Panthers (6-0, 3-0 Region 8-2A) within 28-27 setting the stage for Drake's dramatic conversion.
Elbert County (4-2, 2-1) had appeared to break the Panthers' heart, marching 99 yards and scoring a touchdown with 2:42 left for a 28-21 lead.
After a scoreless first quarter it was a back-and-forth affair the rest of the way. Union County scored 16 seconds into the second quarter to grab the initial lead when Chayton Schafer hauled in a 21-yard touchdown catch from Pierson Allison for a 7-0 lead. The Panthers later extended it to 14-6 on Kyle Morlock's 20-yard touchdown catch.
The Blue Devils tied the game at 14-14 converting a red zone interception into a 28-yard scoring run on the ensuing drive. Elbert took its first lead at 21-14 on a 5-yard TD run after the Panthers were stopped on fourth down at the Blue Devils 36.
Buzzard, who finished with 45 yards rushing, added his second TD run of the game on another 1-yard plunge to tie the game at 21-21 just moments into the fourth quarter. It stayed that way until the frantic final two minutes.
Allison finished 27 of 43 for 351 yards and a pair of touchdown passes for Union County. He was picked off once. Kanon Hemphill had 6 catches for 125 yards and Drake finished wit 5 catches for 95 yards for the Panthers.
Union County takes a bye next week before tackling Banks County on Oct. 12.
Elbert County has a night off next week before facing reigning 8-2A champ Rabun County on Oct. 12.
