Dawson County used a big opening quarter to put this game away early, beats Pickens 27-0. Things immediately went south for the Pickens County Dragons as the QB threw a Pick 6 and then Dawson kept adding as they scored TDs on their first two offensive possessions. Dawson ran for 245 yards on the ground and Davis Glass had a good night in the air when he got the chance to throw it as he threw for over 100 yards and a TD. However, things then went south for Dawson in the second half. Between turnovers and penalties, HC Sid Maxwell was steaming on the sidelines as Dawson should have won this game by a much greater margin. Maxwell went on to say this after the game, “We played well but we just had too many mistakes and too many penalties. We got relaxed [at] 27-0. We had chances to drive it home in the first half and didn’t capitalize and never really came out and played the second half.” (Quote from Rio White of the Dawson County Newspaper). Despite the 2^nd half angst, the Tigers held Pickens to just 131 yards on offense, but perhaps their biggest accomplishment of the night was late in when Pickens had 3 consecutive possessions start or get inside the Dawson 20, and the Tigers forced back-to-back turnover on downs and forced and recovered a fumble on the third. Dawson County now sits atop Region 7AAA at 3-0, while Pickens falls to 0-2. Dawson is outscoring region opponents 114-7 in their first 3 region games.

Team Notes

Dawson did enough in the first half to still call it an impressive win despite the sloppy second half. Kade Moledor once again left his mark on this game as he led the Tigers in rushing and in tackles. Moledor was able to rack up 90 yards and a touchdown on 8 carries as well as accumulate 10 tackles on the other side of the ball. Despite fumbling the ball away, Elijah Smith also had a nice game for the Tigers as he ran for 65 yards on 6 carries. Though Maxpreps nor Hudl posted Davis Glass’s stats in the air, he did throw for over 100 yards and was able to connect with Doug Pagel for a TD. Glass also kicked off the scoring for the Tigers offense as he got their first TD of the game on a QB sneak. The young QB has been impressive after his return from injury and looks ready to lead this offense down the stretch. Dom LeBlanc led the team in receiving yards with 72 yards on 5 catches. Despite the notable offensive performances, the defense as a whole gets the MVP award as they have now pitched their second consecutive shutout. Cade Adams got himself acquainted with the Pickens QB as he led the team with 3 sacks. Ian Costley also had a good game with 7 tackles, a sack, and 2 TFL. Christian Webb also had 3 tackles and put the Tigers up early with a Pick 6, on the first drive of the game.

As for Pickens, they did not do anything impressive, and this team is in shambles. Here is a look at every Pickens possession of the game in order: Pick 6, turnover on downs, 3 and Out, 3 and Out, 3 and Out, turnover on downs, 3 and Out, Halftime, 3 and Out, turnover on downs, turnover on downs, Fumble. Wow just wow, and no discredit to the Tigers defense, they are incredible but the Pickens offense must’ve not made the trip to Dawsonville Friday night. Kadyn Hampton led the team in tackles with 18 and was tied for the team lead in TFL with 3. Trey Fields and Charlie Gibbons also notched 3 TFL each. Pickens had 13 TFL Friday night.

Game Notes

As mentioned, it did not take long for Dawson to get ahead as Webb’s Pick 6 happened on the third play of the game. This gave Dawson an early 6-0 lead (missed PAT) and they did not look back. Dawson then shut down the Dragons offense again and they were able to cash in on their first two possessions. Glass took it to the house on a QB sneak and then connected with Pagel on the following drive putting Dawson up 20-0 in the first quarter. Pickens let out some frustration as the teams had a bit of a mix up and exchanged pleasantries, though the result was not impactful as both teams received offsetting unsportsmanlike conduct penalties. As we progressed through the 2^nd quarter, Davis Glass was shaken up after taking a hit and left the game for a play. Unfortunately, Preston Bannister misplayed the snap and Pickens was able to recover the first of the four Dawson turnovers of the game. No harm, no foul as the Dawson defense shut down the Dragons drive and Moledor answered with a huge 65-yard TD run on the next drive. Dawson would then fumble the ball away again on their last possession of the half.

In the second half, the Dawson offense struggled, and this is not something they can do with the remaining teams on their schedule. Dawson’s first drive was stopped before it started as a offensive pass interference and a false start would push it back to 1^st and 30 and they ended up punting. Pickens defense then forced a 3 and out on the second drive of the half and their offense finally moved the ball. However, the Tigers were able to stuff Pickens on 4^th and goal and would then get the ball back. The Dawson defense was able to keep Pickens from scoring in three straight drives that got into the redzone keeping the Dragons score at a goose egg.

Look Ahead

Dawson will travel to Wesleyan next week to take on the Wolves who are now 3-4 (2-1) as the Tigers look to stay undefeated in region play. As for the Dragons they will host the Gilmer Bobcats who are 5-2 (2-1) next Friday night.