2026 Team Preview: Union County Panthers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Union County has made the playoffs in 4 of the last 6 seasons, and while they fell short in 2025, the talent on this roster is some of the best in the region, and they are well-equipped to make a run as one of the most improved teams in the state this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>By the numbers...</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Union County averaged 229.3 rushing yards per game in their 3 wins last fall. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Union County has made the playoffs in 4 of the last 6 years.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Their leading passer, top 2 leading rushers, and every leading returning receiver return from last year.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Offense</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1523353"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4e6a28d4af9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kendrick is the returning leader at QB for Union County and is set to take a leap forward as a junior. He is a baseball athlete with long, raw mechanics. He has improved with each exposure and is starting to grow into himself. I would consider him a drive-ball thrower who can take another step forward as a distributor with continued refinement on the deep ball. His coaches note that his confidence and leadership have improved. He holds an offer from Miami OH. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2106136"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4e6a28d4b7e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Rich is a big, strong RB prospect with small-school attention to his name. He is a physical back who runs behind his pads and grinds down the curve of the defense. He is a tough player to bring down as is, but he has more than functional speed and athleticism for his size. He was an all-region player from a year ago, and his coaches note that he has improved in both the size and speed departments heading into his senior season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":2243709,"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4e6a28d4bd4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Classon is a towering, traitsy OT prospect with small-school offers under his belt. It is easy to be intrigued with Classon at 6'6 325. He hides his weight well and is a physically manipulative player at the point of attack. His length helps him keep his chest clean, and he is a lot of human to have to run around in the pass rush. He is raw, but you can't teach size, speed, and length. He will get a crack at the college level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1863385"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4e6a28d4c28"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Davis is an underrated player who has popped up on my radar before. He impressed many, including his coaches, with a 120-yard performance in the Georgia Elite Classic. He is an explosive player with impressive vertical speed. He is a tough guard for his current level of competition, consistently proving he can separate both before and after the catch. Davis received all-region honors last fall, and he should yet again be an impact player for Union County this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2120303"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4e6a28d4c78"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">"Fastest on the team" was the comment I received from the coaching staff on Burnett. Similar to Davis, his vertical speed makes him a mismatch. He consistently knifes by corners and easily gets behind safeties. He maintains his speed through changes of direction and cuts, helping him lift off. Burnett should get more run this fall and continue building some buzz. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Defense</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":2243716,"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4e6a28d4cc8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cox is the definition of an impact player. He was not only named region athlete of the year, but also voted team MVP and captain his junior year. He plays all over the field, but will project best as a S long term. Cox is a smooth-paced athlete in each facet of the game. He is the most natural mover on this team, proving capable of tapping into different gears. He is the most valuable player on this roster, which you can attribute to his playmaking ability at several spots.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1752218"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4e6a28d4d17"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1752218' first='Micah' last='Wallace'] was the team leader in tackles for Union County a year ago and received 1st team all region honors for his performance. He is listed closer to 6'1 200 and has room to fill into his long, lean frame. He is an urgent pursuer of the ball who battles hard through contact to get involved, which obviously translates when you factor in his tackle production from a year ago. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2128375"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4e6a28d4d66"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lynch was called the unsung hero of the defense by Union County coaches after leading the team in sacks a year ago. Long term, a projection as a nickel would make the most sense given his size and play style. Regardless, this is a true run-and-chase defender who urgently flies to the football and has the skills to execute and finish at the point of attack. Lynch is the type of player who buys HS programs wins. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":2243722,"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4e6a28d4db4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Godinez is a smaller, but productive player on the defensive front whom coaches wanted to highlight. He is packed into his 5'9 frame with a strong 250 pounds. He is a true run stopper and plugger at the POA. He received all-region honors as a junior. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":2243726,"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4e6a28d4e02"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Thompson is a tall, traitsy DB prospect who isn't getting the love and attention he properly deserves. He has a true prototype frame with impressive length. He was a raw player a year ago, but consistently used his length to poke at the catch point and annoy receivers. His coaches believe he has taken a stride forward as a ball tracker, and the ball production as a senior should replicate that. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Breakout Picks</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":2243789,"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4e6a28d4e4f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This is his first year playing, but Rosa is already standing out to coaches. He has stood out this offseason on the 7v7 and padded camp scene with what coaches call "dominating" performances. He is generating some high praise, which makes him an obvious candidate to break out once the fall rolls around.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":2243732,"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4e6a28d4e9c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Thompson started the last few games last fall as a freshman on the defensive front, gaining valuable experience ahead of what should be a breakout season. Coaches are high on him. So much so that they believe he can develop into the best player on the defensive front, at least from a mechanics standpoint.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":2243735,"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4e6a28d4efd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bass is the youngster on this list who is catching the eyes of his coaches. Similar to Rosa, Bass has generated a lot of buzz on the 7v7 and padded camp scene. There is a lot to learn here, but he is playing himself into playing time as a freshman.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>2026 Outlook</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With few impact seniors, especially on the offensive side of the ball, Union County was a young team a year ago that struggled to get the ball rolling. Regardless, impressive individual performances and the talent on this roster can't go unnoticed. This team has some of the most future CFB talent amongst the smaller schools in North GA, and good high school players in their own right are sprinkled about the roster.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Returning from a year ago, according to MaxPreps, are their leading passer, top 2 leading rushers, every leading receiver, their tackle leader, and their sack leader. This team is older, more mature, and the talent on the roster is noteworthy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Union County has made the playoffs in 4 of the last 6 years, so last season's 3-7 regular season is an outlier, and even with tough games on the schedule this fall, I am predicting Union County to improve their 3 win total and get back to the playoffs in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->