The Pickens Dragons are ready to get back to its winning ways on Friday night, as the team travels to Gainesville to take on the Johnson Knights. The Dragons are 5-6 all-time against the Knights, including last season’s 49-21 victory in Jasper.Pickens has hit the toughest part of its schedule the last few weeks, which is reflected in their two consecutive losses and 4-3 record on the season. Meanwhile, Johnson has had bigger issues, as the Knights sit at 2-6 so far this year, including last Friday night’s 13-9 loss to Druid Hills.

Johnson has had its struggles this year, but that is not to say that they are inept; the Knights have several talented players on the team, including running backs Luis Hernandez and Jesse Griggs. Aided also by a dual-threat quarterback in junior Chase Sims and a defense that has the ability to capitalize on mistakes (forced four turnovers in 31-21 win over Clarkston on October 11th), the Knights will undoubtedly be looking to slay the Dragons on Friday night, and are capable of doing so if Pickens plays down to their level.

For Pickens to leave Hall County with a win, the Dragons must put the last two games behind them and simply play the way they have in its four wins this season. Frankly, the Dragons have the talent to take care of Johnson; it all depends on if the players showed up ready to get the job done as they have on four separate occasions in 2013. Given a good start by the Pickens offense thanks to quarterback Tanner Brumby and running back Shannon Brooks, the determined Dragons’ defense will undoubtedly rise the occasion, leading to four quarters of football that head coach Chris Parker and the Dragons’ fanbase have desired.

Prediction: Pickens takes control of this contest in the opening quarter of play, jumping out to a 21-0 lead thanks to two touchdown runs by Shannon Brooks and a quarterback keeper by Tanner Brumby that results in seven more points. Johnson fights and tries to close the gap on Pickens, but they just cannot keep up with the Dragons on this night. Final Score Pickens Dragons 45, Johnson Knights 14