Pilots lose battle to Union City team

The Fulton County Pilots opened their football season last Friday night, taking on the four-time state champion Union City Golden Tornadoes.

The Pilots started well against the Class-2A Twisters, but lost at War Memorial Stadium 28-12.

“We were not intimidated at all,” said coach James Bridges of the opening night match-up. “Our guys came prepared to play. We only had one day of practice with shoulder pads and helmets, and we cut that short because of the way they were going after each other. You know, they had two or three games on us, along with additional practices, but our guys were just ready to play.”

The Pilots did play well early, mounting a 71-yard drive to score on their first possession.

A one-yard run by DiAvian Bradley gave Fulton County a 6-0 lead at the 9:22 mark of the first quarter.

Union City countered on their first offensive drive, taking the lead on a Wes Tilghman six-yard run and Miguel Sanchez extra-point kick.

Fulton County appeared unfazed by the Golden Tornadoes score, as Broc Bridges again put the Pilots in front 12-7, on a 23-yard pass reception from quarterback Max Gibbs.

A big blow against the Pilots came with four seconds remaining in the quarter, when Hayden Kennedy intercepted a Gibbs pass and scored from seven-yards out to put the Golden Tornadoes on top 14-12.

While the Pilots were able to move the football throughout the remainder of the game, including four times being in the red zone, the Union City defense halted all scoring opportunities.

Union City received additional scores on a one-yard run from Tilghman in the second quarter, and a Gage Smith three-yard run with 7:38 to play in the fourth quarter.

Coach Bridges said he was proud of the effort from his team in the season opener, and saw things that will help win games going forward.

“I felt good. We are not a throwing team, but we came out and hit them with a long pass to start, then got into the endzone. When we needed the run we went to DiAvian (Bradley), and we are going to get back to our running game. It was about even on the pass and run, but we need to run the football. Max Gibbs did a really good job, especially for a kid who was making his first varsity start in high school. He came in and threw the ball around and did what I ask him to do.”

The Pilots put up 227 yards of total offense, with 93 of those coming on the ground and 134 by the pass.

Penalties and turnovers played a big part of the game for both teams.

Union City was penalized 11 times for 136 yards, while the Pilots had 14 flags for 114 yards.

Union City committed four fumbles and one interception, while the Pilots gave up four interceptions.

In the game for Fulton County, DiAvian Bradley had 48 yards rushing, followed by Deivyn Turner 28, Max Gibbs 15, Dylan Hammond 9 and Josh Cole 3.

Turner led the receiving corps with 82 yards, Broc Bridges 32, Josh Cole 13 and Diavian Bradley with 7.

On the night, Gibbs connected on 6-of-18 passes for 139 yards.

“There is nothing for our guys to hang their head about. We battled from the start, and we are still young in some places. You graduate some of your big players from last season, and you come in and still play well against a team like Union City. We are just going to get better.”

This Friday night, Fulton County will open their home schedule with a game against 0-2)South Fulton.

Coach Bridges said he anticipates a tough match-up at Sanger Field.

“Well, coach Knott always has his team ready to play. They like to run that inside trap a lot, pull guys around and trap you. They like to run motion, and throw out of the backfield. We will have to be ready, but I believe we will.”

Fulton County will celebrate Senior Night in pre-game ceremonies scheduled to start at 6:15.

Kickoff for the football game will start at 7 p.m.