Dawson Takes Revenge on Fannin

On Friday night the Fannin County Rebels hosted the Dawson County Tigers. Last season Fannin beat Dawson by a score of 31-15. Last years game was something that Dawson had in their minds as they began the game. The Tigers came into this game hot, after beating Union County by a score of 57-26. Fannin County had a week to recover after playing Greater Atlanta Christian.

The opening kickoff was squibbed by Fannin and Dawson County took possession at the 35 yard line. On the first play from scrimmage Tigers QB, Coey Watson, found his receiver, Austin Young, in the middle of the field for a 65 yard touchdown. The Tigers tried to surprise the Rebels by going for two and were stopped short. The Rebels then took control at the 20 on their first possession, the Dawson defense followed Fannin QB, Brad Davis’ eyes, and intercepted the pass around the 30 yard line. The very next play Watson was able to find his man in the end zone. 45 seconds into the game Dawson County had a firm grasp on the game with a 14-0 lead.

The Rebels offense continued to struggle as Senior WR, Cooper Earls had to come out of the game due to injury early in the first quarter. Throughout the first the offense was unable to gain more than a first down, giving Dawson County favorable field position all night. The Tigers would go on to score another passing touchdown and a field goal before the opening quarter ended. At the end of the first the Tigers lead by a score of 24-0.

The revenge minded Tigers continued to take out last years frustrations as the scoring continued in the 2nd Quarter. Coey Watson continued his arial attack during the remainder of the half leading his team on scoring drives four times in the 2nd, all of which ending in a touchdown, two of which were rushing. Dawson running back Peyton Myers would take the ball in from just a few yards out with under 5 minutes left and then again before halftime. At the half Dawson county was leading by a score of 52-0. Because of the score at the half, the mercy rule was applied, which means the clock continuously runs for the remaineder of the game.

The Rebels had a new face behind center at the beginning of the second half, Junior QB, Tyler Norton came into the game. During his first drive he found his receiver for a couple yards but came up short on 3rd down. Dawson County also made a QB change as Junior, Connor Bearden, stepped in. Neither team was able to move the ball during the 3rd.

During the 4th Quarter the Rebels and Norton were finally able to get into the end zone with about 8 minutes left in the game, when Jacob Reece took the ball in from two yards out. During the final minute of the game the Tigers fumbled the football near midfield. The Rebels took possession with under 10 seconds left and Norton was able to find an open man down the sideline and scored as the final buzzer sounded. The game ended with Dawson County winning by a score of 52-13.

The Rebels now find themselves at 0-3 in the region. Fannin County has all but been eliminated from playoff contention.

The Tigers find themselves at 3-0 in the region, placing them just behind GAC in the region standings.

Next week the Rebels head to Lumpkin County to take on the 3-4 Indians.