The Dawson Co. Tigers (5-4, 4-1 Region 7-3A) defeated the Lumpkin Co. Indians (0-9, 0-5 Region 7-3A) 63-3 on Friday night in Dahlonega. Junior Zach Holtzclaw threw for three touchdowns in the first half to help the Tigers jump out to a 35-3 halftime lead.

Senior Joey Glover returning a fumble 100 yards for a touchdown.

Lumpkin Co. received the ball and drove down the field to start the game. Sophomore quarterback Cooper Scott found a connection with fellow sophomore wide receiver Caleb Norrell multiple times on the first drive. Dawson Co.’s defense stood tall at the end and held the Indians to a 30-yard field goal by freshman Marcus Remillard that gave Lumpkin Co. a 3-0 lead. The Tigers responded quickly, as Holtzclaw found senior Dakohta Sonnichsen for a 69-yard touchdown pass on their first play. The Indians had another long drive that got them down to the goal line. However, senior Joey Glover poked the ball out on a quarterback sneak and returned it 100 yards to give Dawson Co. a 14-3 lead and swing all momentum in favor of the Tigers.

After a three and out by the Indians, Holtzclaw found senior Tyler Lane for an eight yard touchdown early in the second quarter. The Tigers’ defense continued to stop Lumpkin Co. and the offense continued to score. On their next possession, senior Isaiah Grindle ran in a touchdown from 42 yards out. The Tigers scored their final touchdown of the half on a 34-yard touchdown pass to Sonnichsen, Holtzclaw’s third of the game. The Tigers led 35-3 at halftime.

Lumpkin Co. successfully recovered an onside kick to open the second half, but they couldn’t capitalize on the good field position. Sophomore Jaden Gibson, who was moved to quarterback, found senior Tray Cohen for a nine yard touchdown to open the second half. On their next possession, Gibson took it in himself for a two yard touchdown run.

Junior Zach Holtzclaw finding an open receiver.

Dawson Co.’s defense continued to dominate, as they continued to force three and outs by the Indians. Sophomore Christian Webb and junior Jackson Grindle each ran in a touchdown to help the Tigers win 63-3.

Dawson Co. travels to play at North Hall high school next week, where they will be fighting for second place in the region.