Dragons will be the #4 seed in next week’s region tournament
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports February 11, 2022
Jasper, Ga — After the girls game was over, we were set for a big time battle between the Pickens Dragons and the visiting Cedartown Bulldogs. Coming into the game, the Dragons were 11-13 overall and 5-6 in 7-AAAA play. The Bulldogs, came in at 10-11 overall and 7-4 in 7-AAAA play. Cedartown defeated Pickens earlier in the season on December 7th in a close game, 55-52. In what was a physical game played by both teams, the Dragons came away with a 52-48 win.
Both teams struggled a bit to start the first quarter until Junior Kadyn Hampton broke the scoreless streak with a layup to make it 2-0 Pickens. Cedartown got it’s first points of the game after a three pointer to take their first lead, 3-2. The Dragons answered with a 7-0 run as Senior Luke Rogers and Sophomore Caleb Keith made layups and Sophomore Camden Dunn hit a three to make it 9-3. After the Bulldogs split a pair of free throws, the Dragons went on a little 3-0 run as Dunn hit a jumper and Rogers split a pair of free throws to make it 12-4. Cedartown made a bucket to make it 12-6 Pickens going to the second quarter.
Jaden Stewart with the ball for Pickens
The Bulldogs started the second quarter off on a 10-0 run to retake the lead, 16-12. A three pointer by Sophomore Marcus Pike cut the lead down to 16-15. After the two teams traded free throw makes, Pike made a layup plus the free throw after being fouled to give the Dragons a 20-18 lead. After Cedartown went down and tied the game up at 20, Pickens went on a 7-0 run Rogers made a layup, Junior Jaden Stewart hit a three, and Pike continued his hot quarter with another layup to make it 27-20. The Bulldogs countered that with a 14-0 run to reclaim the lead, 34-27. Stewart made a layup to make it 34-29 going into the break.
Dragons on defense in the second quarter
The third quarter was a low scoring frame for both teams and that would end up benefiting the Dragons. Senior Caleb Bryant got things going by splitting a pair of free throws, Hampton, who had been battling foul trouble, made a layup to cut the Bulldog lead down to 34-32. Cedartown ended the mini 3-0 run with a three pointer to make it 37-32. Those would be the only points for the Bulldogs in the third as Pickens went on a 7-0 run to end the quarter capped off by Stewart beating the clock with a layup to give the Dragons a 39-37 lead going to the fourth.
Dragons on offense in the third
The fourth quarter began with the Dragons continuing their run from the third quarter as Stewart and Bryant made back to back layups to give Pickens a 43-37 lead. Cedartown came right back with a pair of three pointers to tie the game up at 43 a piece. Rogers then gave the Dragons the lead back with a pair of free throws to make it 45-43. After a technical foul was called on Pickens, the Bulldogs split the technical free throws and made a layup to give Cedartown a 46-45 lead. On the next trip down, Dunn hit a massive three pointer to give the Dragons a 48-46 lead. The Bulldogs, came right back down the floor and tied the ball game back up at 48. Rogers, came up clutch with another layup to give Pickens a 50-48 lead. Cedartown, then went to the line for a pair of free throws. The first one was no good. With little time left, the second one had to be missed intentionally. In a scramble for the ball, it went out of bounds last touched by the Bulldogs. Rogers would receive the in-bounds pass and was fouled. The Dragons big man went to the line and hit both free throws to give Pickens the 52-48 win.
Leading Scorers For The Dragons:
Jaden Stewart: 14 points
Luke Rogers: 13 points
Camden Dunn: 8 points
Marcus Pike: 8 points
Kadyn Hampton: 4 points
Caleb Bryant: 3 points
Caleb Keith: 2 points
7-AAAA Boys Region Standings:
Central-Carroll: 16-8 (10-2) #1 seed in region tournament
Northwest Whitfield: 21-3 (9-3) #2 seed in region tournament
Cedartown: 10-12 (7-5) #3 seed in region tournament
Pickens: 12-13 (6-6) #4 seed in region tournament
Heritage: 9-13 (5-7) #5 seed in region tournament
SE Whitfield: 11-14 (4-8) #6 seed in region tournament
Ridgeland: 8-16 (1-11) #7 seed in region tournament
With the win, the Dragons secured the #4 seed in next week’s 7-AAAA Region Tournament. They will take on the #5 seed Heritage Generals on Tuesday, February 15th in the first round. Heritage defeated the Dragons in both regular season match ups with the game in Jasper being very close. This game, and every other Region Tournament game next week will be played at Northwest Whitfield.
Dragons pick up big region win against Raiders
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports February 9, 2022
Jasper, Ga — After the girls game, the Senior Night festivities began as Seniors from both the Nettes and Dragons basketball teams, the dance team, and the cheerleading squad were recognized. As for the boys game, this was a must win for both the Dragons and the Raiders as both came in with identical 10-13 overall records, but Pickens came in with a better region record at 4-6 while Southeast Whitfield came in with a 4-7 region record. The Dragons, defeated the Raiders in Dalton on January 14th, 64-51 and were looking for the in season sweep. After a good, hard fought back and forth, Pickens came away with a 65-60 win.
Southeast Whitfield started the game off with a bucket to make it 2-0 early. Senior Collin Kellogg tied things up a 2 a piece, then fellow Senior Caleb Bryant gave the Dragons their first lead of the night with a layup to make it 4-2. Kellogg made a shot and hit the free throw to make it 7-2 Pickens. After a 5-0 run by the Raiders to tie things up at 7, Senior Luke Rogers gave the Dragons the lead back with a bucket to make it 9-7. Bryant extended the lead after splitting a pair of free throws to make it 10-7. A bucket by the Raiders cut the lead down to 10-9. Caleb Keith, then made two free throws to make it 12-9. After a bucket and a free throw make, Southeast Whitfield tied the game back up at 12. They would then retake the lead with a bucket to make it 14-12. Camden Dunn responded with a three pointer to give the Dragons a 15-14 lead. The Raiders then reclaimed the lead after a bucket to make it 16-15. Kellogg closed out the quarter with a bucket to give Pickens a 17-16 lead going to the second quarter.
Dragons looking for a stop defensively
Keith got things going in the second quarter as he hit a three pointer to make it 20-16 Dragons. The Raiders responded with an 8-0 run to take a 24-20 lead. Both teams then traded buckets until Southeast Whitfield went on a 5-0 run to make it 31-24. Pickens closed the first half on a 7-0 run as Marcus Pike got a tough layup to fall, Bryant got another bucket, and Jaden Stewart hit a three to tie things up at 31 going to the half.
Dragons looking for offense in the second
The third quarter started off much like the first quarter did with the Raiders getting the opening bucket to retake the lead, 33-31. A quick 4-0 run from Kellogg and Kadyn Hampton gave the Dragons a 35-33 lead. After Southeast Whitfield split a pair of free throw attempts, Rogers extended the Pickens lead to 37-34 after a bucket. After the Raiders made a three pointer to again tie the ball game up, the Dragons went on a 6-0 run as Rogers made a pair of free throws and made a shot, and Bryant also made a shot to make it 43-37. A three by Southeast Whitfield put an end to the run and cut the lead down to 43-40. The two teams then again traded buckets as Stewart got the last points of the quarter with a three to make it 48-42 Dragons going to the fourth.
Dragons with the ball in the second half
The fourth quarter began with the Raiders getting a bucket to make it 48-44. Hampton answered with a bucket to make it 50-44. After Southeast Whitfield connected on a bucket and the free throw attempt, Rogers made a bucket to make it 52-47. After both teams made shots, the Raiders went on a 4-0 run to cut the Dragons lead down to 54-53. Hampton then made another tough bucket to make it 56-53. A pair of free throws by the Raiders made it 56-55. After a Stewart layup, Southeast Whitfield responded with a bucket to make it 58-57. Pickens answered that with a 5-0 run as Stewart made a three pointer and Hampton made a bucket to make it 63-57. A three pointer by the Raiders then cut the lead to 63-60. After a turnover by the Dragons, Bryant came up big with a steal and a layup at the other end to give the Dragons a 65-60 win.
Leading Scorers For The Dragons:
Jaden Stewart: 13 points
Caleb Bryant: 11 points
Kadyn Hampton: 10 points
Luke Rogers: 10 points
Collin Kellogg: 9 points
Caleb Keith: 7 points
Camden Dunn: 3 points
Marcus Pike: 2 points
7-AAAA Boys Region Standings:
Central-Carroll: 16-8 (10-2) will be the #1 seed in the region tournament
Northwest Whitfield: 21-3 (9-3) will be the #2 seed in the region tournament
Cedartown: 10-11 (7-4) will be the #3 seed in the region tournament
Pickens: 11-13 (5-6) will be either the #4 or #5 seed in the region tournament
Heritage: 9-13 (5-7) will be either the #$ or #5 seed in the region tournament
Southeast Whitfield: 10-14 (4-8) will be the #6 seed in the region tournament
Ridgeland: 8-16 (1-11) will be the #7 seed in the region tournament
One more game to go in the regular season as the Dragons will host the Cedartown Bulldogs on Thursday, February 10th in a big time region game. This is the make up game from a few weeks back as the original game could not be played due to weather. A win for the Dragons will make them the #4 seed in the upcoming region tournament. Tip off set for 7:30.
Dragons fall to Bobcats in physical rivalry game
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports January 16, 2022
Jasper, Ga — After the girls game, it was time for the Dragons and Bobcats to take the floor. The Dragons, were coming off of a 64-51 win over Southeast Whitfield on the road to run their win streak to 5 games in a row. The Bobcats, came into the game having won a tough back and forth game with West Hall on the road, 54-51. Gilmer, won the first two meetings of the season against Pickens by scores of 60-53, and 66-56. Pickens, got on the board with a 59-46 win last month. After much back and forth and very physical play from both sides, the Bobcats came away with a 53-46 win.
To open the ball game, the Bobcats got on the board first with a bucket to give themselves a 2-0 lead. Jaden Stewart answered for the Dragons with a three pointer to make it 3-2. After a bucket by Gilmer, Pickens went on a 5-0 run as Luke Rogers made a bucket and Collin Kellogg hit a three to make it 8-5. After a Bobcat bucket made it 8-7, the Dragons went on a 7-0 run with 5 of those 7 points coming from Kellogg to make it 15-7. Gilmer would then go 1 for 2 from the free throw line to make it 15-8. Marcus Pike hit a shot to give Pickens a 17-8 lead going to the second quarter.
Dragons on offense
Just like the first quarter, the second quarter began with a bucket by Cade Carter of the Bobcats. Caleb Keith quickly answered with a bucket of his own to make it 19-10 Dragons. After a pair of free throws from Gilmer, Rogers made a bucket to again keep the Pickens lead at 9. A free throw make and a bucket by the Bobcats cut the lead down to 21-15. A pair of free throws from Chanler Dunn made it 23-15 Dragons. Gilmer, would then close the first half on an 8-0 run to tie this game up at 23 heading to the break.
Dragons on defense in the second quarter
To start the second half, Gilmer again put the first points on the board as they hit a three pointer to make it 26-23. Caleb Bryant would then hit a pair of free throws and Rogers made a bucket to give the Dragons a 27-26 lead. After a bucket and an and-one conversion by the Bobcats, Rogers made another bucket to tie it up at 29. After a three pointer gave Gilmer the lead back, Rogers hit another shot to cut it to 32-31. An Ethan Banks bucket made it 34-31. Rogers, continued his scoring surge in the third as he again made another bucket to make it 34-33. A 4-0 run from the Bobcats to close out the third made it 38-33 going to the fourth.
Dragons with the ball in the second half
The scoring run from the third quarter carried over to the fourth quarter for Gilmer as they opened with a three pointer to make it 41-33. Keith then answered with a three to make it 41-36. After a bucket by the Bobcats, Kadyn Hampton made two free throws to make it 43-38. A Mark Tyson bucket made it 45-38. Hampton, got the hoop and the harm as he would complete the three point play to make it 45-41. After a free throw from Banks, Kellogg hit a three pointer to make it 46-44. From then on it would become a free throw game as the Bobcats scored 5 of their last 7 points from the charity stripe, while the Dragons could only manage a late Stewart bucket in the late stages of this one. The final in this one, 53-46 Gilmer.
Leading Scorers For Gilmer:
Ethan Banks: 17 points
Mark Tyson: 13 points
Lewis Mulkey: 6 points
Will Kiker: 6 points
Christian Somner: 6 points
Leading Scorers For Pickens:
Luke Rogers: 14 points
Collin Kellogg: 11 points
Jaden Stewart: 5 points
Caleb Keith: 5 points
Kadyn Hampton: 5 points
7-AAAA Boys Region Standings:
Central-Carroll: 11-5 (6-0)
Heritage: 8-7 (4-2)
Northwest Whitfield: 13-3 (3-3)
Cedartown: 5-8 (3-3)
Pickens: 9-10 (3-3)
Southeast Whitfield: 7-10 (2-4)
Ridgeland: 6-10 (0-6)
Weather permitting the Dragons will be back in action on Tuesday, January 18th as they host the Cedartown Bulldogs in a key 7-AAAA match up. As you can see from the standings above, both teams are tied for third in the region currently. Pickens holds a win over Northwest Whitfield, Northwest Whitfield holds a win over Cedartown, and Cedartown holds a win over Pickens. The Dragons will look to earn a season split with Cedartown after the Bulldogs survived after a late rally to beat Pickens 55-52 earlier this season. Tip off set for 7:30.
Dragons battle Cedartown in region opener
PHS Football, Team FYN Sports October 2, 2021
Jasper, Ga — It was another beautiful night in Jasper, Ga as the Pickens Dragons hosted the Cedartown Bulldogs on Friday, October 1st to begin 7-AAAA play. Both these teams came in with identical 3-1 records, but were coming off completely opposite games. Two weeks ago, the Dragons defeated Union County 45-7 for homecoming. Last Thursday, the Bulldogs fell to Calhoun, 31-7. The Bulldogs, led by their run game, got the win over the Dragons, 31-0.
The Bulldogs got on the board the about midway through the 1st quarter after a 32-yd touchdown run on 4th down. The PAT was good, and with 6:37 left in the opening quarter, Cedartown took a 7-0 lead. With just over a minute left in the 1st quarter, the Bulldogs scored again using the ground game with a 39-yd touchdown run. The PAT was again successful and Cedartown took a 14-0 lead into the 2nd quarter.
Sam Streicher tossing out to Devin Hand
Just about two minutes into the 2nd quarter, the Bulldogs again found the end zone with a 33-yd touchdown run. With 10:16 to go in the first half, Cedartown took a 21-0 lead over the Dragons. Just prior to the end of the first half, the Bulldogs were able to add a 41-yd field goal that barely stayed inside the left upright. Going to the break, Cedartown led Pickens, 24-0.
Dragons defense pursuing the Bulldog runner
The second half, saw the Dragons show an impressive ability to fight the whole game. After nothing doing for either team in the 3rd quarter, the Bulldogs got in with a 2-yd run to make it 31-0 with 9:49 left in the game. That would be the final score on the night.
7-AAAA Region Standings:
Cedartown: 4-1 (1-0)
Heritage: 3-1 (1-0)
Northwest Whitfield: 3-2 (1-0)
Pickens: 3-2 (0-1)
Central-Carroll: 3-3 (0-1)
Ridgeland: 1-5 (0-1)
*Southeast Whitfield: 1-6
*Playing a non-region schedule
The Dragons, will be on the road next week as they head to Rossville to take on the Ridgeland Panthers in another big region ball game. Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm.
Dragons pick up Homecoming win against Union County
PHS Football, Team FYN Sports September 18, 2021
Jasper, Ga — Friday, September 17th was Homecoming night for Pickens High School as the Pickens Dragons hosted the Union County Panthers for their final non-region game before region play. This was the 12th all-time meeting between the two schools with the Panthers coming away with a 28-14 win last season in Blairsville. The Dragons, used a quick start on offense to propel them to a 45-7 win over Union County.
To start the ball game, Pickens would look to surprise the Panthers with an onside kick. The Panthers were able to recover and start their first drive of the game. After a defensive stop, the Dragons took over for their first possession of the night. Pickens wasted little time getting points as Sam Streicher threaded the needle to Marcus Pike, who took it 61-yds for the touchdown. The PAT was good, and with 10:14 left in the 1st quarter, the Dragons led, 7-0. It wouldn’t take long for the Dragons to strike again as it was deja vu all over again as Streicher again found Pike wide open as the play covered 60-yds. The PAT was true and Pickens extended their lead over the Panthers to 14-0 with 8:24 left in the opening quarter. After a short punt from Union County, the Dragons took advantage and Streicher used his legs to find the end zone from 13-yds out to make it 21-0 Pickens with 5:52 to go in the first quarter. Defensively, the Dragons were able to force the Panthers to punt from inside their own end zone after a sack. The snap on the punt was low and Pickens got in and blocked it and it was recovered in the end zone by Mason Powell for the touchdown. Going to the second quarter, the Dragons found themselves up 28-0 over Union County.
Sam Streicher passing to Marcus Pike.
The scoring slowed a little in the second quarter, but the Dragons were able to add to their lead as Streicher found Devin Hand for a diving catch in the end zone. The play covered 12-yds. With 5:15 left in the first half, Pickens led the Panthers, 35-0. Union County was able to string together a pair of good plays towards the end of the first half as they were able to pick off a pass and score on a 9-yd touchdown pass on the very next play. Going into the break, Pickens were ahead of the Panthers, 35-7.
Dragons defense getting after the quarterback
Both teams, for the majority of the third, traded possessions with no points. The lone touchdown in the quarter came from Hand, who plowed into the end zone with a 5-yd run. Going to the fourth quarter, the Dragons led the Panthers, 42-7.
Sam Streicher finds Devin Hand for the touchdown
In the fourth quarter, Dragons kicker Jose Sanchez added a 42-yd field goal to make it 45-7 Pickens. The Dragons, finished the game strong and picked up their third win of the season, 45-7.
With the win, the Dragons match their win total from the 2020 season. Pickens, will now have two weeks to get ready for the start of 7-AAAA play as the Cedartown Bulldogs will come to Jasper on October, 1st. Kickoff for that game is set for 7:30 pm.
Chances aplenty in game 3 between Cedartown and Pickens
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports April 3, 2021
Pickens County, Ga — In between games 2 and 3, the Pickens Dragons honored two brave women and their families for their Pink Out night. Jamie Stone, Debbie Dart, and their families were recognized. One family member each got to throw out a ceremonial first pitch. Game 3, saw plenty of opportunities for both the Dragons and Cedartown Bulldogs. In the end, the Bulldogs took game 3, 10-4.
In the top of the 1st, the Bulldogs again got on the board early with a 1-0 lead. In the bottom of the inning, Hunter White drew a 2-out walk, but that would be all as we’d head to the top of the 2nd, Cedartown leading Pickens, 1-0.
The Dragons retired the Bulldogs on 12 pitches in the top half of the 2nd to keep it 1-0. In the bottom half of the frame, Jarod Whitmore got hit by a pitch with 1-out. Parker Rhodes then drew a 2-out walk. Pickens, would be unable to tie things up as Whitmore was left stranded at 3rd as we went to the top of the 3rd, still 1-0 Bulldogs.
In the top of the 3rd, Cedartown plated 2 runs to extend their lead over the Dragons t0 3-0. In the bottom of the 3rd, Anthony Antinozzi drew a 2-out walk. His courtesy runner, Colby Brooks, would make it all the way to 3rd base, but would be left stranded to end the 3rd inning and send us to the 4th, Bulldogs ahead, 3-0.
After nothing doing for the Bulldogs in the top half of the 4th, the Dragons again had another chance to cut into the lead as Drake Sutton and Whitmore drew back to back walks with 1-out. Back to back fly outs however ended the inning for Pickens as we’d go to the top of the 5th, Cedartown leading, 3-0.
In the top of the 5th, the Bulldogs added 2 runs to their total as they increased their lead to 5-0 going to the bottom of the frame. Pickens, went quietly in the bottom of the 5th and we’d head t0 the 6th with the Bulldogs up, 5-0.
In the top of the 6th, Cedartown plated a run to make it 6-0. In the bottom of the inning, let’s just say, the Dragons got their steps in. Pickens drew 6 walks, and 1 hit batsman to plate 4 runs and cut the Bulldog lead to 6-4, going to the 7th.
In the top of the 7th, the Bulldogs scored 4 runs of their own to extend their lead out to 10-4. In the bottom of the 7th, the Dragons got back to back hits from Densmore and Sutton. Those two hits, were the first two hits of the ball game for Pickens. Courtesy runner Brooks and Sutton, were left stranded a 3rd and 2nd respectively as Cedartown forced a pop out, and then got back to back strikeouts to get the win, 10-4.
Dragons Stats:
Harlan Will: 1 hit by pitch, & 1 RBI
Anthony Antinozzi: 1 walk
Hunter White: 2 walks, & 1 run scored
Seth Densmore: 1-3 with a single & 1 walk
Drake Sutton: 1-3 with a single & 1 walk
Jarod Whitmore: 1 hit by pitch, 2 walks, & 1 run scored
Trace Ledbetter: 1 walk, 1 RBI, & 1 run scored
Parker Rhodes: 2 walks, & 1 RBI
James Tilley: 1 walk, & 1 RBI
7-AAAA Baseball Standings:
Heritage: 15-4 (8-1)
Northwest Whitfield: 17-4 (7-2)
Cedartown: 12-7 (9-3)
Central-Carroll: 11-7 (5-4)
Pickens: 10-10 (4-8)
Southeast Whitfield: 8-12 (2-10)
Ridgeland: 3-12 (1-8)
Pickens, will be back home on Tuesday, April 6th as they welcome the Southeast Whitfield Raiders to Jasper for the start of a 3-game set. First pitch for game 1 is set for 5:30 pm.
Nunn shuts door on Bulldogs as Dragons take game 2
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports April 3, 2021
Pickens County, Ga — It was Pink Out Friday on April 2nd as the Pickens Dragons (10-9, 4-7) welcomed the Cedartown Bulldogs (11-7, 8-3) to Jasper for games 2 and 3 of their 7-AAAA 3-game set. The Dragons, wore pink jerseys as part of recognizing breast cancer awareness. In game 1 of the series on Tuesday, the Bulldogs came away with the win, 12-5. In a game where both teams had multiple run innings, the Dragons were able to hold on to get a 10-8 win in game two.
In the top of the 1st, the Bulldogs scored 2 runs to take an early 2-0 lead. In the bottom of the inning, the Dragons got a 2-out single by Hunter White, but that would be all as we’d head to the 2nd, Cedartown ahead, 2-0.
In the top of the 2nd, the Bulldogs added to their lead as they would plate one run to make it 3-0. In the bottom of the frame, Jarod Whitmore drew a 1-out walk. Trace Ledbetter then followed with a single. Parker Rhodes then drew a walk to load the bases. Starting pitcher James Tilley, would then be hit in the left arm to bring home Whitmore. Connor Shouse, brought in Ledbetter to make it 3-2. Anthony Antinozzi then brought in Rhodes as Antinozzi reached on an error. Going to the top of the 3rd, the ball game was knotted up at 3 a piece.
The tie would not last very long as the Bulldogs retook the lead in the top of the 3rd by scoring 1 run. Going to the bottom half of the inning, it was now 4-3 Cedartown. Pickens, began the bottom of the 3rd with back to back walks drawn by Seth Densmore and Drake Sutton. Unfortunately for the Dragons, the Bulldogs got a strikeout, and double play to end the home half of the 3rd, and send us to the 4th with Cedartown ahead, 4-3.
The Bulldogs, were limited to just 1 hit in the top of the 4th as the score remained 4-3. In the bottom of the 4th, the Dragons broke through, scoring 6 runs on 4 hits. Pickens got an RBI from Antinozzi, Whitmore, and 2 RBI from Rhodes and White during the rally as the Dragons to their first lead of the game, 9-4.
We move to the top of the 6th. Cedartown, was able to cut the Dragons lead down to 9-8 after plating 4 runs in the top half of the frame. In the bottom of the 6th, Ledbetter led off with a single to get it started. Ledbetter, would eventually come around to score to give Pickens an all important insurance run. Going to the top of the 7th, the Dragons held a 10-8 lead over the Bulldogs.
In the top of the 7th, JP Nunn, who came on in relief in the top of the 6th, shut down any comeback chances as the Dragons picked up the win in game 2, 10-8.
Dragons Stats:
Connor Shouse: 1-5 with a single, 1 RBI, & 1 run scored
Anthony Antinozzi: 2 RBI
Hunter White: 2-4 with 2 singles, 2 RBI, & 1 run scored
Seth Densmore: 1-3 with a single, & a walk
Drake Sutton: 1-2 with a single, 2 walks, & 1 run scored
Jarod Whitmore: 2 hit by pitch, 1 RBI, & 2 runs scored
Trace Ledbetter: 2-4 with 2 singles, & 2 runs scored
Parker Rhodes: 1 single, 2 walks, 2 RBI, & 2 runs scored
James Tilley: 2 hit by pitch & 1 walk
Colby Brooks: 1 run scored
After a long Monday night, Dragons Baseball back at it on Tuesday
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports March 30, 2021
Pickens County, Ga — The busy week for the Pickens Dragons (9-9, 3-7), continued on Tuesday, March 30th as they traveled to Polk County to start a 3-game series with the Cedartown Bulldogs (11-6, 8-2). The Dragons, came into this game sitting in 5th in the 7-AAAA standings. The Bulldogs, came into the game in 2nd in the region standings. Using a big 2nd inning, the Bulldogs were able to take game 1, 12-5.
The Dragons would go down in order in the top of the 1st. In the bottom half of the frame, Dragons starter Drake Sutton, picked up 2 strikeouts and left 2 Bulldogs stranded to send us to the 2nd, tied at 0.
In the top of the 2nd, Seth Densmore led off by getting hit by a pitch. Jarod Whitmore would then get on with a 1-out single. Trace Ledbetter worked a walk to load the bases. Parker Rhodes, knocked in Densmore with an RBI single to make it 1-0 Dragons. James Tilley, drove in Whitmore and Ledbetter with a 2 RBI single to make it 3-0. Connor Shouse, would keep the line moving as he drove in Rhodes with an RBI single to make it 4-0 Dragons. The lead for Pickens would not last long however as the Bulldogs scored 7 runs in the bottom half of the 2nd to take a 7-4 lead going to the 3rd.
In the top of the 3rd, Sutton worked the count full and drew a 2-out walk. Whitmore then followed by reaching on an error. That would be all the Dragons could muster as we’d go to the bottom of the 3rd, Cedartown ahead, 7-4. In the bottom of the 3rd, the Bulldogs would plate a run to make it 8-4 going to the 4th.
After nothing got going for Pickens in the top half of the 4th, the Bulldogs would score 3 runs in the bottom half of the inning to make it 11-4.
In the top of the 6th, the Dragons had back to back hitters get struck by pitches to put runners on 1st and 2nd with just one out. Back to back pop outs to the second baseman ended the potential rally and sent us to the bottom of the frame. In the bottom of the 6th, the Bulldogs tacked on another run to make it 12-4 going to the 7th.
In the top of the 7th, Hunter White led off by getting hit with a pitch. Densmore, then followed with a single. Whitmore, then drove in White to make it 12-5. Ledbetter followed by drawing a walk, and Rhodes collected his 2nd hit of the day after that. The Bulldogs, were able to prevent any further possible damage as Cedartown would take game 1, 12-5.
Dragons Stats:
Connor Shouse: 1-3 with a single, 1 RBI, and 1 hit by pitch
Hunter White: 2 hit by pitch and 1 run scored
Seth Densmore: 1-3 with a single, a run scored, and 1 hit by pitch
Drake Sutton: 1 walk
Jarod Whitmore: 2-4 with 2 singles, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored
Trace Ledbetter: 2 walks and 1 run scored
Parker Rhodes: 2-3 with 2 singles, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored
Trey Payne: 1 hit by pitch
James Tilley: 1-3 with a single, 1 hit by pitch, and 2 RBI
These two teams will meet again on Friday in Jasper for games 2 and 3 of the series. First game of the doubleheader is set for 5:30 pm.
Dragons fall to Generals in game 3 after tough 7th inning
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports March 30, 2021
Pickens County Ga — A little while after game 2 of the series between the Pickens Dragons and the Heritage Generals ended, the third and final game of the series began. The Dragons, came into the game looking for their first series win in region play. Having lost their first region game in game 2, the Generals came into game 3 looking to maintain first place in 7-AAAA. After a difficult and emotional top of the 7th, Heritage took the 3rd game of the series, 16-4.
In the top of the 1st, Dragons starter Tee Knight, needed 10 pitches to get out of the top half of the frame. In the bottom of the 1st, the Dragons got a 1-out hit from Anthony Antinozzi, but that would be all as we headed to the 2nd inning, still tied at 0.
In the top of the 2nd, the Generals plated 4 runs to take a 4-0 lead over Pickens. In the bottom half of the 2nd, Drake Sutton led off by drawing a walk. Sutton, then advanced to 3rd after a pick off attempt got past the Heritage first baseman. With 1-out, Trace Ledbetter drove in Sutton to make it 4-1 Generals going to the top of the 3rd.
In the top of the 3rd, Hunter White came on in relief of Knight. White, held the Generals scoreless to send the bats of Pickens back to the plate. In the bottom of the 3rd, Seth Densmore would be hit by a pitch, but nothing would come of it as we’d head to the 4th, stil 4-1 Heritage.
Let’s skip to the bottom of the 5th inning. The score still 4-1 Generals. James Tilley got things going by drawing a walk. Connor Shouse, followed by drawing a walk of his own. Antinozzi then followed by reaching on an error. Tilley would score on the play. White, then drove a single to right field. Shouse would score on the play, but courtesy runner Colby Brooks would be thrown out at the plate for the first out. Densmore, then drove in White with an RBI double to tie the game at 4.
In the top of the 6th, JP Nunn came in for the Dragons and sat the Generals down on just 7 pitches. In the bottom of the 6th, the Generals were able to get the Dragons in order as we headed to the 7th, game deadlocked at 4.
In the top of the 7th, some unfortunate events happened if you were a Dragons fan. Nunn, forced a dribbler down the first base line. A bang/bang play at the first base bag with the runner being called safe. Nunn then tried a pick off attempt at first base. Ledbetter, appeared to tag the runner before he got back to the bag. The field umpire however called the runner safe. This, led to the flood gates being opened for the Generals. Heritage, scored a total of 12 runs in the top half of the 7th to make it 16-4. Pickens went quietly in the bottom of the 7th as the Generals took game 3, 16-4.
7-AAAA Baseball Standings:
Heritage: 12-4 (5-1)
Cedartown: 10-6 (7-2)
Northwest Whitfield: 14-4 (4-2)
Central-Carroll: 10-6 (5-4)
Pickens: 9-8 (3-6)
Southeast Whitfield: 8-9 (2-7)
Ridgeland: 3-9 (1-5)
The Dragons, will be right back at it this afternoon as they travel down to Polk County to begin a 3-game series with the Cedartown Bulldogs. As you see in the standings above, the Bulldogs currently sit in the 2nd spot in the region with Pickens sitting in 5th. First pitch for this one set for 5:30 pm.
Stewart drops 18 as Dragons sweep Bulldogs
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports February 3, 2021
Pickens, County Ga — After picking up a big win last Thursday against the Southeast Whitfield Raiders, the Pickens Dragons welcomed another region foe to the Dragons Den in the form of the Cedartown Bulldogs. In their previous meeting on January 8th, the Dragons took home a 54-41 win. Coming into the game, the Bulldogs held the 2nd spot in the 7-AAAA standings at 8-2, while Pickens came in as the 3rd place team at 6-4. Aided by a breakout game from Sophomore Jaden Stewart, the Dragons came away with a 49-40 win.
The two sides traded buckets to begin the ball game as Cedartown took an early 4-2 lead. Noah Sutton & Tucker Lowe hit back to back three pointers for the Dragons, to put them up 8-4. After a bucket by the Bulldogs, Pickens went on an 8-0 run to stretch the lead out to 16-6. 6 of those points came from two three pointers from Stewart. After a quick 4-0 run by Cedartown, the Dragons countered with a 5-0 run to end the quarter as Ean Goodwin got a tip in bucket and Stewart hit his third three of the quarter. Going to the second, Pickens led the Bulldogs, 21-10.
Dragons found success early on offense
To start the second quarter, the Bulldogs went on an 8-0 run to cut the Dragons lead down to 21-18. Stewart and Luke Rogers hit back to back buckets for Pickens to increase the lead to 25-18. After a bucket by Cedartown and the two teams hitting a free throw each, Stewart nailed his fourth three pointer of the first half. The Bulldogs got a late bucket just before the end of the first half as the Dragons took a 29-23 lead into the break.
The Dragons played aggressive defense
After Cedartown hit a bucket to start the third quarter making it a four point game, Stewart kept his hot shooting going by hitting his fifth three pointer of the night. After the two teams traded free throws, the Bulldogs connected on a bucket to male it 33-29 Dragons. Pickens countered with a 6-0 run getting buckets from Owen Moss, Goodwin, and Stewart to make it 38-29. After a bucket, a free throw, and two technical free throws, all from Lowe, the Dragons took a 44-32 lead into the fourth.
Sophomore Jaden Stewart had a big night
In the fourth quarter, the Bulldogs would outscore Pickens 8-5, but the Dragons were able to hold on and pick up a big region win, 49-40. With the win, the Dragons sweep the season series from Cedartown and stay in third place in the region standings by themselves.
7-AAAA Boys Basketball Standings:
Heritage: 14-6 (9-2)
Cedartown: 9-9 (8-3)
Pickens: 10-11 (7-4)
Central-Carroll: 15-8 (6-4)
Northwest Whitfield: 11-7 (5-5)
Ridgeland: 5-13 (1-9)
Southeast Whitfield: 4-17 (1:10)
On Thursday, the Dragons will be on the road as they head to Rome to take on the Unity Christian Lions in non-region action. Unity Christian, is out of the GAPPS 1-A North region. They are 11-9 overall and 6-1 in their conference. Tip off is set for 6:30 pm.
Dragons pick up huge region win against Southeast Whitfield
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports January 29, 2021
Jasper, Ga — On Thursday, January 28th, the Pickens Dragons (9-11, 6-4) welcomed the Southeast Whitfield Raiders (4-17, 1-10) to the Dragons Den for a big time 7-AAAA region game. Coming into the game, the Dragons were tied in the region standings with Northwest Whitfield for third. the Raiders, won their first region game of the season on Tuesday against Ridgeland. With this being the only region game of the day, a win by the Dragons would put them in third place all by themselves. In what may have been their most complete game of the season, Pickens came away with a 78-31 win over the Raiders.
In the first quarter, Southeast Whitfield got the games first bucket. Pickens, followed that with a 7-0 run aided by 4 points from Noah Sutton and three points from Tucker Lowe. The Dragons built up a 10 point lead at one time in the opening quarter. Pickens took a 19-11 lead over the Raiders going to the second.
Dragons with the ball early on
In the second quarter, the Dragons defense helped lead to plenty of offense as they scored 25 points in the quarter while allowing 11 points. Pickens, got scoring from 7 different players in the second quarter as they took a 44-22 lead over Southeast Whitfield into the half.
The Dragon defense was everywhere on Thursday
In the third quarter, the Dragons started off the second half with an 8-0 run. Lowe, Owen Moss, Luke Rogers, and Will Roland all scored during the run. The Raiders got a bucket to end the run, but that would be the only points they would score in the quarter. Pickens, went on a 12-0 run to end the third quarter as they stretched out their lead to 64-24 going to the fourth.
Collin Kellogg goes in for the layup
In the fourth quarter, the Dragons doubled up the Raiders, 14-7 in the frame to seal a much needed win, 78-31. 11 Dragons got their names in the score book on Thursday.
Dragons leading scorers:
Tucker Lowe: 22 points
Caleb Bryant: 10 points
Ean Goodwin: 8 points
Jaden Stewart: 8 points
Noah Sutton: 6 points
7-AAAA Boys Basketball Standings:
Heritage: 13-5 (9-1)
Cedartown: 8-8 (7-2)
Pickens: 9-11 (6-4)
Northwest Whitfield: 11-6 (5-4)
Central-Carroll: 13-8 (4-4)
Ridgeland: 5-11 (1-8)
Southeast Whitfield: 4-17 (1-10)
The Dragons, will be back in action on Tuesday as they host the Cedartown Bulldogs in another critical 7-AAAA region game. The Nettes and Lady Bulldogs will get things going at 6 pm and the Dragons and Bulldogs will follow.
Lowe, Rogers lead Dragons past Southeast Whitfield
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports January 6, 2021
Dalton, Georgia — After seeing the Nettes get another big region win, the Pickens Dragons looked to do the same. The Dragons came into the game against the Southeast Whitfield Raiders having fallen in back to back tough games to North Paulding and Model to end 2020. The Raiders, ended 2020 with a 2 game win streak and playing their best ball of the season. This was a big game as far as the region standings were concerned. Pickens came into the game in 2nd place in 7-AAAA. After trailing by 2 at halftime, the Dragons used a big second half to get the win, 65-55.
The two teams traded buckets for the majority of the first quarter with the Dragons holding the biggest lead during the quarter at 13-8. The Raiders ended the opening quarter with a 7-0 run including a buzzer beating three to give Southeast Whitfield a 15-13 lead going to the second.
Luke Rogers was big for the Dragons on Tuesday
In the second quarter, Luke Rogers went on a personal 4-0 run to give the Dragons a 17-15 lead. The Raiders, were quick to tie things up with a bucket of their own. Pickens then went on an 8-0 run getting buckets from Ean Goodwin, Tucker, Lowe, Noah Sutton, and Owen Moss to make it 25-17 Dragons. All together, it was a 12-2 run for Pickens to start the quarter. Southeast Whitfield would close the first half on a 14-2 run to take the lead, 31-29.
Dragons double team on defense
The third quarter started with a three pointer from Tucker Lowe to give the Dragons a 32-31 lead. Both teams again took turns making baskets, with the Raiders holding a 4 point lead on several occasions. A three pointer from Jaden Stewart gave Pickens a 46-45 lead late in the quarter. Southeast Whitfield retook the lead with a bucket. With what seemed like less than a second left on the clock, Caleb Bryant floated a desperation three pointer and connected! Going to the fourth, the Dragons took a 49-47 lead over the Raiders.
Will Roland controls the ball for the Dragons
In the later stages of the fourth, Southeast Whitfield took a 55-54 lead. The Dragons closed the game on an 11-0 run including 7 points from Lowe. 4 of those points came from the free throw line to help seal the 65-55 win for Pickens.
Dragons leading scorers:
Tucker Lowe: 18 points
Luke Rogers: 15 points
Owen Moss: 10 points
Will Roland: 6 points
Caleb Bryant: 5 points
Jaden Stewart: 5 points
7-AAAA Boys Basketball Standings:
Heritage: 7-4 (5-0)
Pickens: 6-4 (3-1)
Northwest Whitfield: 8-3 (2-1)
Cedartown: 3-6 (2-1)
Central-Carroll: 6-4 (0-2)
Southeast Whitfield: 2-6 (0-3)
Ridgeland: 1-7 (0-4)
On Friday, the Dragons will take to the road again as they head to Cedartown to take on the Bulldogs. The Dragons find themselves in 2nd place, while the Bulldogs are tied for 3rd with Northwest Whitfield. Tip off is set for 8:30 pm.
Dragons fall in tough region opener
PHS Football, Team FYN Sports October 17, 2020
Cedartown, Ga — On October 16th, the Pickens Dragons made one of the longer trips of the season to Polk County where they met the Cedartown Bulldogs to start 7-AAAA play. These two teams have met 6 times previously with the last meeting coming in 2013. The last time Pickens came to Cedartown in 2012, they came away with the win in a game that featured former University of Minnesota and Dragon great Shannon Brooks along with former University of Georgia standout and current Cleveland Browns running back, Nick Chub
The Dragons won the toss and elected to receive to begin the ball game. Pickens came out with a a strategy of using a quick pass game plan as Cedartown was bringing pressure early. The Dragons went for it on 4th down near midfield and appeared to make the line to gain, but it was ruled short and the Bulldogs took over. On their opening possession, Cedartown would also be faced with a go for it on 4th down situation. They chose to go for it and the Dragon defense stood tall and held them. Just before the end of the first quarter, things got a little wacky. After forcing the Bulldogs to punt, the Dragons reached into their bag of tricks and pulled out the old double pass play. Sam Streicher hit Jarod Whitmore who then connected with a wide open Andrew Burrell for a 56-yd touchdown and a 7-0 lead. The Dragons had more surprises for Cedartown as they then went for an onside and recovered. Going to the second quarter, Pickens led the Bulldogs 7-0.
Dragons driving to begin the game
The Dragons had possession of the ball to start the second quarter after executing an onside kick just before the end of the first. Pickens got a long run from Whitmore, who then capped off the drive with a 1-yd touchdown run to make it 14-0 with 10:22 left in the first half. The Bulldogs got on the board for the first time at the 7 minute mark of the second quarter with a 3-yd touchdown run to make it 14-7 Dragons. Just before the end of the first half, Cedartown got on the board again. This time with a 10-yd touchdown pass. The PAT was no good however and the Dragons headed into halftime with a 14-13 lead over the Bulldogs.
Jarod Whitmore scores to make it 14-0 Dragons
In the third quarter, Cedartown took advantage of some miscues by the Dragons and turned those miscues into touchdowns. The Bulldogs scored three times off of turnovers to take the lead over Pickens going to the fourth, 31-14.
The Dragons defense fought hard against Cedartown
In the fourth quarter, Cedartown added to their lead with touchdown runs of 84, 11, and 35 yards. Pickens ended the ball game with something positive as Streicher found Tom Frechette in the corner of the end zone for a 14-yd touchdown pass. Final from Cedartown: Bulldogs 52 Dragons 21.
7-AAAA Standings
Central Carroll: 4-1 (1-0)
Cedartown: 3-2 (1-0)
Ridgeland: 1-5 (1-0)
Northwest Whitfield: 4-1 (0-1)
Heritage: 3-3 (0-1)
Pickens: 2-4 (0-1)
Next week, the Dragons will be back home as they welcome the Ridgeland Panthers into town as they continue 7-AAAA play. Ridgeland picked up it’s first win of the season against Heritage 21-14, holding on after leading 15-0 at halftime. Kickoff is set for 7:30.
Dragons fall in final non-region tune up
PHS Football, Sports, Team FYN Sports October 3, 2020
Blairsville, Ga — Friday, October 2nd marked the first time that the Pickens Dragons and Union County Panthers faced off since 1991. Pickens won that game 34-0 on 11-1-91. The first meeting between these two schools came in 1960. The Dragons came in with a 2 game win streak and the overall series was tied a 5 a piece. This was Union’s first game since having to cancel a game due to Covid protocols, a young man on the team was involved in a wreck, and did we mention, it was homecoming. The Panthers were able to capitalize on some mistakes by the Dragons and took this one, 28-14.
The Dragons opened the ball game on offense as they seem to have done to begin every game this season so far. Union was able to force a 3 and out to get the ball for the first time. A short punt, gave the Panthers good field position to work with on their first drive, but the defense of Pickens held strong and forced a punt. The punt backed the Dragons up all the way to their 3-yd line. Desperate to get out of their own end zone, Sam Streicher lobbed it up for Senior receiver Mykel Hand and he made a spectacular catch along the sideline to move the chains and give Pickens some breathing room. The second Dragon drive would stall as both defenses looked strong early on. Going to the second quarter, we remained scoreless.
Big tackle for loss by the Dragons early in the game
A minute and six seconds into the second quarter, the Panthers struck first with a 14-yd touchdown run to give them a 7-0 lead with 10:54 left in the first half. During their final drive of the half, the Dragons were setting up for a 42-yd field goal attempt. A false start, caused head coach Jeff Nelson to call a timeout, talk to his team, and decide to send his offense back out there. On 4th and fifteen, Streicher completed a pass to Senior running back Jarod Whitmore and Pickens had 1st and goal set up at the Union 9-yd line. Several plays later Whitmore would mash his way into the end zone for the 1-yd touchdown to tie things up with 27 seconds left in the half. Union took the ensuing kickoff deep into Dragon territory, but a holding call on the Panthers negated that run and we hit the half all tied at 7.
Streicher completing a 4th down pass to Whitmore
Almost midway through the third, Union was able to retake the lead after a 14-yd touchdown pass. The PAT was no good, so the Panthers held a 13-7 lead with 7:34 left in the third quarter. Union would pick off a pass attempt from Streicher and took over near midfield. The Dragons defense settled in and forced a field goal attempt. The try was no good and Pickens took over at their own 20-yd line. The next play, the Panthers picked off a pass along the sideline to give it back to their offense. Union was able to turn the turnover into points with a 5-yd touchdown run. The two-point conversion attempt was successful and the Panthers took a 21-7 lead over the Dragons going to the fourth quarter.
Dragons looking to stop a Union run play
Union County added to their lead at the 9:38 mark of the 4th quarter with a 16-yd touchdown run to make it 28-7 Panthers. The Dragons found success on a drive going with a quicker tempo and running back Kenny Nelson would finish the drive off with a 4-yd touchdown run to make it 28-14 with 4:37 left. In the end, the Union County Panthers took this one, 28-14.
7-AAAA Standings:
Northwest Whitfield: 4-0
Central-Carroll: 2-1
Heritage: 3-2
Cedartown: 2-2
Pickens: 2-3
Ridgeland: 0-5
With the exception of Central-Carroll, every other team in 7-AAAA is on a bye week next week. 7-AAAA play will start on October 16th. For the Dragons, they will open up region play on the road at Cedartown against the Bulldogs. This will be the 7th all time meeting between the two schools with the last one coming in 2011, the last time these two schools were in the same region. Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm.