CLASS 2A BLOG: Union County football a program on the rise

Union County is a program on the rise, and new head coach Rob Stowe will look to build upon the work of the last two administrations to continue the Panthers’ upward trajectory. From 1984 to 2012, Union County made just one playoff appearance. That began to change in 2008 when head coach Brian Allison took over the program for his second stint, his first having ended in 2001.

While it took a few seasons to turn things around, by 2013 the Panthers were back in the playoffs. From there, the program took off, qualifying for the postseason in all but one year since. In 2019, the team made history by winning its first-ever playoff game. After one more season in 2020, Coach Allison left to take the head coaching job at the newly opened East Forsyth High School.

In 2021, Michael Perry took the reins. After a first-round playoff exit in his debut season, Perry led the Panthers to back-to-back playoff wins in 2022 and 2023, marking the first time in school history the program had won postseason games in consecutive years. Following the 2024 season, Perry departed to take over at Flowery Branch, and Union County hired Wilcox County head coach Rob Stowe to lead the next chapter.

Stowe is no stranger to North Georgia. He previously served as the head coach at Gilmer from 2003-2006. After more than a decade away from the head coaching ranks, he returned in 2019 to take over at Wilcox County. In six seasons there, Stowe made the playoffs every year, won region titles in 2021 and 2022, and led the team to a quarterfinal and semifinal appearance. He finished his time in Rochelle with a 50-24 record and eight playoff wins.

The 2025 Panthers will return much of their roster, including sophomore quarterback Kamden Kendrick. Thrown into action as a freshman last season, Kendrick impressed by throwing for over 1,600 yards and 14 touchdowns. Protecting him up front will be a rising star in the class of 2027, offensive lineman Jaxson Toetherow, a young player with sky high potential.

While the team will need to replace a number of contributors, the program is positioned well to lean on its youth. With a strong foundation and an experienced coach in Rob Stowe, Union County appears set to continue its ascent.

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