Peterson, Hatcher lead Unicoi over Northview

ERWIN — Unicoi County's Gunner Peterson and Avery Hatcher proved to be a combination impossible to stop for Northview Academy on Friday night. Peterson, a senior quarterback, completed 18-of-30 passes for 277 yards and four touchdowns. Hatcher, the Blue Devils' all-state wide receiver, was the recipient on nine of those passes for 184 yards and three touchdowns. It resulted in a 35-20 Unicoi County victory in the home opener at Gentry Stadium. The Blue Devils evened their record at 1-1, while the Region 1-4A Cougars fell to 1-1. "Having him as a receiver helps me a lot, especially on big plays like third-and-long or fourth-and-long," Peterson said. "I know the defense is going to be back, but I know I have a guy who can go up and get it like his second touchdown. It's nice to rely on somebody who can get the ball and make a play when you need it most." Peterson said the running game was better than the first game of the season, a 28-12 loss to David Crockett. It helped set up the passing game. Hatcher nearly had a fourth touchdown as he caught a pass and stretched the ball to the 1-yard line in the second quarter. He then went over top of the defender on the second touchdown catch. "I just wanted this for my team. We worked so hard in the offseason," he said. "Going into my senior year, I don't just want this for me. I want it for everybody to have a great season, great memories. I don't like losing." SCORING SUMMARY Unicoi County scored on its first offensive possession, a 13-play, 71-yard drive capped off by a 10-yard pass play from Gunner Peterson to Aidyn Evely. Tanner White had an interception in the second quarter to bring the ball to the Northview-47. The Blue Devils took advantage with Isaac Acevedo scoring on a 4-yard touchdown run. Unicoi County couldn't add to the lead and were ahead 14-0 at the half. Unicoi County failed to take advantage of another opportunity in the third quarter when the Devils recovered a fumble punt by the Cougars at the 2-yard line. But, Unicoi County fumble on its next play. The Cougars were able to close within one possession when Wade Watkins broke free on a 75-yard sprint to paydirt. The Blue Devils answered with a 47-yard touchdown strike from Peterson to Hatcher. The Cougars' speed came into play three plays later when Keaton Phipps streaked down the right sideline 69 yards for a touchdown. But, the Blue Devils stopped him a half-yard short on the 2-point conversion to maintain a two-possession lead. Unicoi County gave itself a little breathing room when Peterson hit Hatcher down the right side on a 30-yard touchdown pass which he battled past the defender to haul in. It was needed as Phipps was at it again, powering through the line for a 24-yard touchdown run. The Cougars converted the 2-point conversion run to pull within 28-20 with less than four minutes to go. But, Hatcher broke free down the right sideline on a 40-yard touchdown catch with 1:58 remaining that was the backbreaker. NEXT UP Unicoi County travels to Gatlinburg-Pittman next Friday night. Northview Academy plays host to Greeneville. Blue Devils coach Drew Rice reminded his team of last year's controversial 21-20 loss to G-P which cost Unicoi County the Region 1-3A championship. First, they had to get rid of the bad taste from last week's loss. "We didn't play our best last week, but we've been in the film room and practicing hard," Hatcher said. "This week, we just had to clear our minds and make every play that we could." Unicoi County 35, Northview 20 Northview 0 &emsp;&emsp;0 &emsp;&emsp;12 8 &emsp;&emsp;— 20 Unicoi Co. 7 &emsp;&emsp;7 &emsp;&emsp;7 &emsp;&emsp;14 — 35 First Quarter UC—Evely 10 pass from Peterson (B. Acevedo kick) Second Quarter UC—I. Acevedo 4 run (B. Acevedo kick) Third Quarter N—Watkins 75 run (kick failed) UC—Hatcher 47 pass from Peterson (B. Acevedo kick) N—Phipps 69 run (run failed) Fourth Quarter UC—Hatcher 30 pass from Peterson (B. Acevedo kick) N—Phipps 24 run (Mitchell run) UC—Hatcher 42 pass from Peterson (B. Acevedo kick)