Dragons sweep series with Southeast Whitfield

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports

Jasper, Ga — After defeating the Raiders on Tuesday, 13-1, the Pickens Dragons welcomed Southeast Whitfield to Dunn Field for games 2 and 3 of the series on Friday, April 8th. After a tough stretch that included a 4 game losing skid, the Dragons looked to sweep the Raiders and keep pace near the top of the 7-AAAA standings. Using timely pitching in game 2, and hot bats in game 3, the Dragons did indeed pick up the sweep.

 

Game 2:

Trey Payne started for the Dragons in game 2 of the series. After giving up a 1-out solo home run, Payne settled down and sent it to the bottom of the first. In the bottom of the first, Trace Ledbetter and Anthony Antinozzi both reached on 1-out walks. Harlan Will, then reached on an error, which allowed both Ledbetter and Antinozzi to score. Trey Payne then laced a double into the outfield to put runners at 2nd and 3rd. The Raiders, were able to force two consecutive pop outs to get out of the inning. Going to the second, Pickens led Southeast Whitfield, 2-1.

 

In the top of the second, Payne worked around a pair of walks as he picked up his first two strikeouts of the game to send us to the bottom of the frame. In the bottom of the second, Evan Giddens reached with a 1-out single and Ledbetter reached with a 2-out walk. They would be left stranded however as the Raiders once  again forced a fly out to end the inning and keep it 2-1 Dragons going to the third.

 

In the top of the third, Southeast Whitfield retook the lead using two hits and two walks to plate 2 runs to make it 3-2 Raiders. In the bottom of the third, Pickens went down in order. Going to the top of the fourth, the Raiders now led the Dragons, 3-2.

 

Tate Hales came on in relief of Trey Payne in the top of the fourth and Hales had a phenomenal outing. Hales, kept the Raiders bats quiet in the top of the fourth to send it to the bottom of the frame. Hales, then reached on a 1-out single. Tyler Payne, then reached on a 2-out single. The Raiders, were able to get the runner at the plate to end the inning and send it to the fifth with Southeast Whitfield still leading, 3-2.

 

In the top of the fifth, Hales again held the Raiders scoreless as his impressive outing continued. In the bottom of the fifth, Antinozzi reached on a 1-out single. Will, then reached after drawing a walk to put runners at 1st and 2nd with still 1-out. After the runners moved up to 2nd and 3rd, Trey Payne drove in Antinozzi with a grounder to the second baseman. After a 2-out walk drawn by Cade Sutton, the Dragons had runners at 1st and 3rd. The Raiders, were able to get out of the inning having just given up the 1 run. Going to the sixth, Pickens and Southeast Whitfield were tied at 3.

 

In the top of the sixth, Hales needed just 5 pitches to sit the Raiders down in order, and send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the frame, Hales, reached with his second hit of the game. Colby Brooks, running for Hales, stole 2nd to get in scoring position. Sam Hammontree, who came on in the top of the inning as a replacement for Ledbetter, drove in Brooks with an RBI single to give the Dragons a 4-3 lead going to the seventh.

 

JP Nunn came on in relief of Hales to try and close it out. The Raiders, made it interesting as they drew three straight walks to load the bases. Nunn, then forced a grounder to the shortstop Giddens who threw home for the force out. Nunn, then got back to back strikeouts to close it out and give the Dragons the 4-3 win.

 

Game 3:

After winning game 2 and taking the series, the Dragons looked to get the three game sweep over the Southeast Whitfield Raiders. In the top of the 1st, Dragons starter James Tilley needed 11 pitches to get the Raiders in order. In the bottom of the first, Pickens struck early as Harlan Will led off with a walk, his courtesy runner Tee Knight, stole 2nd, reached 3rd on a wild pitch, then ended up scoring on that same wild pitch. Anthony Antinozzi, who drew to walk initially, reached 2nd during the madness. Tyler Payne, then drove in Antinozzi with a 1-out double to make it 2-0 Dragons. Cade Sutton, followed that RBI double with an RBI double of his own to score Payne to make it 3-0 Pickens going to the second.

 

In the top of the second, Tilley continued his stellar outing as he needed 10 pitches to get out of the top half of the second. In the bottom of the second, the Dragons bats came alive. Pickens, batted around and plated 7 runs to stretch their lead over the Raiders to 10-0 going to the third.

 

In the top of the third, Tilley struck out the side to bring his total to 4 on the night. Heading to the bottom of the frame, the Dragons still led Southeast Whitfield, 10-0. In the bottom of the third, Antinozzi started it off with a lead off walk. Trey Payne drove in Antinozzi with an RBI single to make it 11-0. Sutton, drove in Payne after a grounder to the third baseman to make it 12-0. Tilley, reached on a walk, and Sam Hammontree reached on an error. A single from Colby Brooks drove in Tilley and Hammontree to make it 14-0. Evan Giddens, then reached on a walk. Will, then blooped one into shallow left field to score Brooks to make it 15-0. With the run rule in place, the Dragons took game 3, 15-0, and earned the sweep of Southeast Whitfield.

 

7-AAAA Baseball Standings:

Cedartown: 16-7 (10-2)

Heritage: 15-9 (8-4)

Pickens: 14-9 (9-6)

Central-Carroll: 15-8 (7-5)

Northwest Whitfield: 13-10 (7-5)

Ridgeland: 7-12 (3-9)

Southeast Whitfield: 3-23 (1-14)

 

The Dragons, will be out of region play next week as they will play four games with three different teams. First up, a home and home series with the Sonoraville Phoenix. The first game of the series will be at Sonoraville on Monday, April 11th. First pitch is set for 5:55 pm.

Dragons pick up big region win against Raiders

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports

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 pick up big region win over Northwest Whitfield

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports

Jasper, Ga — After the Nettes thrilling win over the Lady Bruins, it was time for the Pickens Dragons and the Northwest Whitfield Bruins to take the floor. Coming into the game, the Dragons had won two straight, and came in with a record of 7-9 (1-3). The Bruins, came into the game with a record of 10-2 (2-2). During halftime of the girls game, Pickens High School recognized Dragons head boys basketball coach Mike Duffie on achieving 500 wins in his career. Duffie accomplished the feet on the road at North Murray during a Christmas Tournament in December. The ball was painted by PHS Art teacher Nikki Towery. The ball featured every school that Duffie has coached throughout the years as well as the trademark cowboy boots he wears during games.

500 win ball presented to coach Mike Duffie

As for the game, the Dragons got off to a fast start in the first quarter as Luke Rogers went on a 4-0 run to give Pickens the early lead. After a pair of free throws from the Bruins, Rogers made a third bucket of the first quarter to make it 6-2. Northwest Whitfield would cut the lead to 6-4, but Rogers and Collin Kellogg would respond with a 4-0 run to make it 10-4. A bucket and a free throw by the Bruins made it 10-7. Rogers, stayed hot as he went on a 3-0 run to make it 13-7. Northwest Whitfield chipped away at the Dragons lead again with a pair of free throws to make it 13-9. There went that man again as Rogers made a bucket and the free throw to make it 16-9. After a bucket by the Bruins, Jaden Stewart hit a three and Caleb Keith made a bucket to make it 21-11 Dragons going to the second.

Dragons on offense in the first quarter

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the second quarter, the Bruins started off on an 8-0 run to cut the Pickens lead down to 21-19. Kellogg and Isaiah Williams made back to back buckets to make it 25-19. A 5-0 run by Northwest Whitfield cut the lead to 25-24. The pair of Williams and Kellogg again stretched the lead out for the Dragons as the 4-0 run closed the first half, giving the Dragons a 29-24 lead going into the break.

Dragons defending the Bruins

The 4-0 run to close the first half by the Dragons turned into a 9-0 run overall as Stewart hit a three and Kellogg made a bucket to start the third quarter with a 5-0 run, and make it, 34-24. After a three pointer by the Bruins, Kadyn Hampton hit a pair of free throws to make it 36-27. A 5-0 run by Northwest Whitfield then cut the Dragons lead to 36-32. Pickens, answered with a 9-0 run with 6 of those 9 points coming off of three straight Hampton buckets. Caleb Bryant capped off the run with a three pointer to make it 45-32. After a bucket by the Bruins ended that run, the Dragons started a new one as they went on a 7-0 run with 6 of those 7 points coming from Bryant as he made two baskets and two free throws. Rogers also made a free throw during the run to make it 52-34. The Bruins made a free throw to close out the scoring in the third and we’d head to the fourth quarter with Pickens ahead, 52-35.

Dragons on offense in the second half

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the fourth quarter, the Bruins got the scoring started with a bucket to make it 52-37. A bucket by Stewart and a pair of free throws from Rogers made it 56-37. After a three by Northwest Whitfield, the Caleb’s (Keith and Bryant), combined for a 5-0 run as Caleb Keith hit a three and Caleb Bryant made a bucket to make it 61-40. Following a bucket by the Bruins, Hampton made a pair of free throws to make it 63-42. A 5-0 run from Northwest Whitfield made it 63-47. A pair of free throws by Stewart closed this one out as the Dragons came away with a 65-47 win.

 

Leading scorers for the Dragons:

Luke Rogers: 17 points, 12 rebounds

Kadyn Hampton: 12 points, 12 rebounds

Jaden Stewart: 10 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists

Caleb Bryant: 9 points

Collin Kellogg: 8 points, 7 rebounds

Caleb Keith: 5 points

Isaiah Williams: 4 points

 

7-AAAA Region Standings:

Central-Carroll: 9-5 (4-0)

Heritage: 7-5 (4-0)

Cedartown: 4-6 (2-2)

Pickens: 8-9 (2-3)

Northwest Whitfield: 10-3 (2-3)

Southeast Whitfield: 5-9 (1-3)

Ridgeland: 5-8 (0-4)

 

The Dragons, will carry a 2 game region winning streak and a 3 game overall winning streak into next Friday as they head to Southeast Whitfield to take on the Raiders. Tip off for that one is scheduled for 8:30.

Dragons open series with win over Southeast Whitfield

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports

Pickens County, Ga — The Pickens Dragons (11-10, 5-8), hosted the Southeast Whitfield Raiders (8-13, 2-11) in a crucial game 1 of a 3-game set. Coming into the series, the Dragons were in 5th place in 7-AAAA. The Raiders, came in 7th in 7-AAAA. The bats for the Dragons came to life and led them to a 14-4 win in 5 innings.

 

In the top of the 1st, the Raiders got on the board first with a solo home run. Going to the bottom of the 1st, Southeast Whitfield led the Dragons, 1-0. In the bottom of the 1st, Hunter White got things going with a 1-out single. Trace Ledbetter then followed by getting hit with a pitch. After White and Ledbetter advanced to 3rd and 2nd respectively after a double steal, Seth Densmore drove in White to tie the game at 1 a piece. Jarod Whitmore, then hit a 2-out single, and advanced to 2nd on the throw attempt to home. Anthony Antinozzi, drove in both Ledbetter and Whitmore to make it 3-1 Dragons. Antinozzi, would come around to score after Harlan Will reached on an error. Parker Rhodes, drove in Colby Brooks, who was courtesy running for Will to make it 5-1 Dragons going to the 2nd.

 

The Raiders, would pick up 2 hits off of Dragon starter JP Nunn, but that would be all as Nunn picked off a runner at 2nd to end the top half of the 2nd inning. In the bottom half of the frame, the Dragons added to their lead after Whitmore drove in White to make it 6-1 Pickens going to the top of the 3rd.

 

With nothing  doing for either side in the 3rd inning, we’ll move along to the 4th. In the top of the 4th, Southeast Whitfield plated a run to make it 6-2. In the bottom of the 4th, Connor Shouse got things going with a lead off triple. White, continued his hot hitting as he drove in Shouse with an RBI single to make it 7-2. After advancing to 2nd on a passed ball, White would move to 3rd after a single from Ledbetter. With 1-out, Densmore stepped up and sent a lined shot over the left field wall for a 2-run home run to make it 9-2. Whitmore, followed by drawing a walk. Will, then reached on an error for the second time. Rhodes, continued his good play over the last week and drove Whitmore home with an RBI single to make it 10-2 Pickens, going to the 5th.

 

In the top of the 5th, the Raiders scored twice to cut the Dragons lead to 10-4. In the bottom of the 5th, White reached base for a fourth time by drawing a 1-out walk. Ledbetter and Densmore followed by getting hit by a pitch to load the bases. Antinozzi, drew a 2-out walk to bring in White to make it 11-4. Will, then drew a walk as well to bring in Ledbetter. Rhodes, blooped one into shallow right center to score Matt Satterfield, who pitch ran for Densmore, and Antinozzi to give the Dragons a 14-4 win over the Raiders in 5 innings.

 

Dragons Stats:

Connor Shouse: 1-4 with a triple and 1 run scored

Hunter White: 3-3 with 3 singles, 1 walk, 1 RBI, and 4 runs scored

Trace Ledbetter: 1-2 with a single, 2 hit by pitch, and 2 runs scored

Seth Densmore: 1-2 with a home run, 1 hit by pitch, 3 RBI, and 1 run scored

Jarod Whitmore: 2-3 with 2 singles, 1 walk, 1 RBI, and 2 runs scored

Anthony Antinozzi: 1-3 with a single, 1 walk, 3 RBI, and  2 runs scored

Harlan Will: 1 walk and 1 RBI

Parker Rhodes: 3-4 with 3 singles, and 3 RBI

Colby Brooks: 1 run scored

Matt Satterfield: 1 run scored

 

With the win, the Dragons are now tied in the win column with the current 4th place team in 7-AAAA, Central-Carroll, who fell in game 1 of their series with Ridgeland, 14-0. Pickens, will head to Southeast Whitfield on Friday, April 9th for a doubleheader with the Raiders. First pitch of the first game of that twin bill is set for 5 :30 pm.

Chances aplenty in game 3 between Cedartown and Pickens

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports

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.

Dragons pour in 93 points, advance to State Tournament

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports

Pickens, County Ga — The second season started tonight as the Pickens Dragons welcomed the Southeast Whitfield Raiders to the Dragons Den for the first round of the 7-AAAA Region Tournament. The winner, punched their ticket to the 4A State Tournament and clinched a spot in the Region Semi-finals on Thursday. The Dragons, came in as the #3 seed in the tournament, while the Raiders came in as the #6 seed. In what was a total team effort, the Dragons came away with a 93-44 win.

 

Early in the first quarter, the Dragons jumped out to a 4-0 lead after buckets from Luke Rogers and Owen Moss. The Raiders, were able to tie things up after a free throw and three pointer. Pickens then went on a 16-0 run to make it 20-4. The Dragons got buckets from Tucker Lowe, Jaden Stewart, and Moss during the run. The two teams traded buckets to end the first quarter as the Dragons took a 25-10 lead to the second quarter.

The Dragons played intense defense on Tuesday

Early in the second quarter, A three pointer by Stewart and a free throw from Noah Sutton got the scoring going for the Dragons as they led it, 29-10. After a bucket by the Raiders, Sutton hit another free throw, made a bucket, Moss made a bucket, and Ean Goodwin made two free throws to make it 36-12. A bucket by Southeast Whitfield stopped the 7-0 run and made it 36-14. Pickens then went on a 10-0 run to make it 46-14. Goodwin, Lowe, Caleb Bryant, and Collin Kellogg all contributed to the run. The Raiders, made a bucket just before the end of the first half to make it 46-16 Dragons going to the break.

Dragons with the ball on offense

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was the Noah Sutton Show in the third quarter of this one. Sutton, got the scoring started with a 4-0 run to make it 50-16. After a free throw by the Raiders, Sutton hit a pair of free throws to make it 52-17. Sutton would then go on to make another bucket and a free throw to make it 55-19. All in all, Sutton scored 15 of the Dragons 36 third quarter points as Pickens took an 82-34 lead into the fourth.

Noah Sutton with 15 points in the 3rd

The second unit for the Dragons took over in the fourth quarter as they helped close this one out by outscoring the Raiders 11-10 in the frame. Final in Jasper, Pickens 93, Southeast Whitfield 44.

 

Dragons Leading Scorers:

Noah Sutton: 19 points

Ean Goodwin: 18 points

Tucker Lowe: 17 points

Jaden Stewart: 14 points

Owen Moss: 8 points

 

The Dragons, have now secured a spot in the 4A State Tournament. They advance to the 7-AAAA Region Tournament Semi-Finals where they will face the #2 seed Heritage Generals on Thursday at 5:30 pm. The game will be played at Northwest Whitfield. The Pickens Dragonettes, will follow the Dragons on Thursday as they take on the #4 seed Heritage Lady Generals in the second girls semi-final game. That one is set to tip off at 7 pm.

Dragons pick up huge region win against Southeast Whitfield

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports

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

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 sweep Raiders in region series

PHS Baseball, Sports, Team FYN Sports

After the scheduled game for Thursday was rained out, the decision was made to turn games two and three into a doubleheader between the Pickens Dragons and the Southeast Whitfield Raiders at PHS. The Dragons, took game one of the series on Tuesday by a score of 13-2 in five innings and looked to continue the roll they’ve been on lately. In cold and windy weather, Pickens took game two 13-1, and game three 14-4 to earn the series sweep.

Game One:

For the first game of the doubleheader, the Southeast Whitfield Raiders were the designated home team. In the top of the first, Brady Moore and Hunter White led off the game with back to back walks. After a double play turned by the Raiders, Chad Pacas drove in White with an RBI double to give the Dragons a 1-0 lead going to the bottom of the frame. In the bottom of the first, Southeast Whitfield scored a run on two hits to tie things up 1-1 going to the top of the second.

In the top of the second, Jarod Whitmore led off with a double, starting pitcher Alex Snelgrove and Moore were hit by pitches, Tyler Vreeland knocked in Whitmore with an RBI single, Pacas drove in Snelgrove after a fly out, and Moore and Vreeland scored on a passed ball to make it 5-1 Pickens. In the bottom of the second, Snelgrove collected his first strikeout of the game and held the Raiders scoreless to send us to the third, Dragons ahead, 5-1.

Chad Pacas up to bat for the Dragons

In the top of the third, Colby James got things going with a 1-out single, Whitmore followed with a single, Snelgrove helped himself out with an RBI single to bring in James, Moore drew another walk, then Vreeland came through with a 2-out, 3-RBI single scoring Whitmore, Snelgrove, and Moore to make it 9-1 Dragons. In the bottom of the inning, the Raiders did pick up their third and fourth hit of the game, but Snelgrove was able to keep any runs from scoring to send us to the fourth, Pickens up on Southeast Whitfield 9-1.

In the top of the fourth, Austin Chester hit a 1-out double, and his courtesy runner Colby Brooks would eventually come around to score to make it 10-1. The bottom of the fourth saw Snelgrove pick up his second strikeout as he continued his solid outing. Going to the top of the fifth, Pickens led the Raiders, 10-1.

Alex Snelgrove on the mound for Pickens

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the top of the fifth, after a 1-out single by White, and a walk by Vreeland, Pacas would send one over the fence for a 3-run home run to make it 13-1 Dragons. In the bottom of the fifth, Snelgrove picked up strikeout number three and closed things out as the Dragons took game one of the doubleheader and game two of the series, 13-1 in five innings.

Stats:

Brady Moore: two walks, one hit-by-pitch, and two runs scored

Hunter White: 1-3 with a single, a walk, and one run scored

Tyler Vreeland: 2-3 with two singles, one walk, three RBI, and two runs scored

Chad Pacas: 2-4 with a double, a home run, five RBI, and one run scored

Austin Chester: 1-1 with a double, two walks, and one hit-by-pitch

Seth Densmore: one walk

Colby James: 1-3 with a single, and one run scored

Jarod Whitmore: 3-3 with a double, two singles, and two runs scored

Alex Snelgrove: 1-2 with a single, one hit-by-pitch, one RBI, two runs scored and 5 IP, 6 H, 3 K, 1 R, 1 ER on 68 pitches

Game Two:

In the top of the first of game three, the Raiders had one of their more productive innings of the series as they strung together two runs on four hits to take a 2-0 lead going to the bottom of the inning. After a lead off single by Brady Moore to lead off the bottom of the first, Hunter White got on base after a fielder’s choice. White eventually came around to score on a passed ball to cut the Southeast Whitfield lead down to 2-1 going to the top of the second.

Starting pitcher Seth Densmore  had an easier time of it in the top of the second as he picked up a strikeout and needed just five pitches to send us to the bottom of the frame. Densmore came up with one out in the bottom of the second and hit a double, Colby James would be hit by a pitch, then Alex Snelgrove came up and hit a 2-out, 2-RBI triple to give the Dragons a 3-2 lead over the Raiders heading to the third.

Seth Densmore pitching in game two

In the top of the third, the Raiders answered the Dragons with two runs on three hits to retake the lead 4-3 going to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the frame, White led off with a single, and Pacas drove him in with an RBI double. Austin Chester got on with a single, then Densmore knocked in two with a 2-RBI double to make it 6-4 Pickens over Southeast Whitfield going to the fourth.

In the top of the fourth, Densmore needed 19 pitches, but kept the Raiders off the board to send the Dragons bats back up to the plate. In the bottom of the inning, getting an RBI single from Pacas, a 3-RBI double by Chester, an RBI single by James, and an RBI ground out by Moore. All together, the Dragons scored seven runs in the bottom of the fourth to make it 13-4 going to the top of the fifth.

Dragons catcher Austin Chester with the hit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the top of the fifth, Pacas came on in relief of Densmore and looked good in his only inning of work. Pacas collected a strikeout on 16 pitches to send us to the bottom of the fifth. In the bottom half of the inning, Pacas reached on an error, Chester walked, and courtesy runner Colby Brooks came around to score the game winning run on a passed ball as the Dragons took game three 14-4 in five innings.

Stats:

Brady Moore: 2-4 with two singles, one RBI, and one run scored

Hunter White: 1-4 with one single and two runs scored

Chad Pacas: 2-4 with a double, a single, two RBI, and two runs scored

Austin Chester: 2-3 with a single, a double, one walk, and three RBI

Seth Densmore: 2-2 with two doubles, one hit-by-pitch, and two RBI

Colby James: 1-2 with a single, a hit-by-pitch, one RBI, and two runs scored

Jarod Whitmore: 1-2 with a single, and a walk

Alex Snelgrove: 1-1 with a triple, one walk, one hit-by-pitch, two RBI, and one run scored

6-AAAA Standings:

Pickens: 11-1 (3-0)

Northwest Whitfield: 4-6 (3-0)

Heritage: 3-8 (2-1)

Lafayette: 4-4 (0-0)

Ridgeland: 4-4 (1-2)

Southeast Whitfield: 6-4 (0-3)

Gilmer: 2-9 (0-3)

Next week, the Dragons will continue region play as they will begin a series with the Heritage Generals. Game one of the series will be at home on Tuesday with a first pitch time of 5:30 pm.

Dragons run-rule Raiders in region opener

PHS Baseball, Sports, Team FYN Sports
Dragons

On a day where not many teams around not just 6-4A but north Georgia got to play due to rain, the Pickens Dragons baseball team were thankful to have their new all-turf field as they got their game in with the Southeast Whitfield Raiders to begin region play Tuesday, March 3. During region play, teams play three-game sets. For the Dragons, the series got off on the right foot as they were able to defeat the Raiders 13-2 in five innings.

Dragons

Colby James on the mound for Pickens.

In the top of the first, Oglethorpe commit Colby James picked up his first strikeout and needed just 11 pitches in a scoreless half of an inning. In the bottom of the inning. the Dragons scored four runs on one hit. Brady Moore and Hunter White started the half inning with back-to-back walks, Tyler Vreeland reached on a fielder’s choice, Chad Pacas walked, Austin Chester  got hit by a pitch that brought in Moore, Vreeland came in after Seth Densmore walked, Pacas came in after James hit into a fielder’s choice, finally, Drake Sutton knocked in courtesy runner Jarod Whitmore. Going to the second inning, Pickens held an early 4-0 lead over Southeast Whitfield.

In the top of the second, James did give up one hit, but struck out one more Raider to bring the Dragons bats up to the plate. Much like the bottom of the first, the bottom of the second saw Pickens be patient and reap the rewards. Vreeland hit a one-out single, Pacas walked, Chester got hit by another pitch, Vreeland came in after Densmore was hit by a pitch, and Pacas came in after James was plunked by a pitch. Courtesy runner Whitmore and Densmore also came in to score during the frame to give the Dragons an 8-0 lead over the Raiders going to the third inning.

Dragons

Austin Chester at the plate for the Dragons.

In the top of the third, James went to work on the mound. He needed just nine pitches to get three outs, which included two more strikeouts. In the bottom of the inning, Moore started it off with a lead off double, White moved him over to third, Vreeland brought him in with a sacrifice fly, Pacas then singled, Chester singled, and Densmore brought in Pacas with an RBI single to make it 10-0 Dragons going to the top of the fourth.

In the top of the fourth, the Raiders took advantage of several miscues by the Dragons defense and plated two to make it 10-2. In the bottom of the fourth, Alex Snelgrove led off with a double, Moore then drew a walk, and Vreeland brought both of them in with a two-RBI single. Pacas brought in Vreeland with an RBI single to make it 13-2 Dragons going to the top of the fifth.

In the top of the fifth, starting second baseman Drake Sutton came on in relief of starter Colby James. Sutton needed eight pitches to collect two strikeouts and to close the game out as the Dragons took Game 1 of the three-game series with Southeast Whitfield 13-2 in five innings.

Stats:

  • Brady Moore: 1-for-2 with one double, two walks, and three runs scored.
  • Tyler Vreeland: 2-for-3 with two singles, three RBIs, and three runs scored.
  • Chad Pacas: 2-for-2 with two singles, one RBI, and three runs scored.
  • Austin Chester: 1-for-1 with one single, and two hit-by-pitch.
  • Seth Densmore: 1-for-1 with one single, one walk, one hit-by-pitch, and one RBI.
  • Colby James: 1-for-2 with one single, one hit-by-pitch, one RBI. Four innings pitched with one hit, no earned runs, and four strikeouts on 51 pitches.
  • Drake Sutton: 1-for-2 with one single, one walk, and two RBIs. One inning pitched, zero hits, no earned runs, and two strikeouts on eight pitches.
  • Alex Snelgrove: 1-for-2 with one double, one walk, and one run scored.
  • Jarod Whitmore: Two runs scored.

With the win, the Dragons are now 9-1 on the season and 1-0 in 6-4A play. Game 2 of the series is set for Thursday, March 5, at Southeast Whitfield. First pitch is slated for 5:30 p.m.

 

Dragons head into region tournament on a high note

PHS Basketball, Sports, Team FYN Sports

The Pickens Dragons (17-8, 7-5) came into their game last night against the Southeast Whitfield Raiders (0-25, 0-12) looking to create some big momentum after falling in their previous three games. Create momentum is exactly what the Dragons did as they took home the win, 86-51.

In the first quarter, the Dragons got off to a hot start with threes by Owen Moss, Tucker Lowe, and Will Roland to go up 9-1. The rest of the quarter, the Raiders outscored Pickens 16-11, but the Dragons held the lead 20-17 going to the second quarter.

Dragons on offense in the 1st quarter

In the second quarter, after Southeast Whitfield cut the Dragon lead down to 22-21, Pickens went on an 8-0 run to make it 30-21. Later in the quarter, the Dragons went on a 7-0 run courtesy of threes by Luke Rogers, Ean Goodwin, and a free throw by Noah Sutton to make it 37-22. Pickens outscored the Raiders 12-7 for the remainder of the frame to take a 49-29 lead into the half.

Pickens trapping on defense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The third quarter saw the Dragons continue to extend their lead over the Raiders getting buckets from Moss, Lowe, Sutton, Rogers, Roland, and Daniel Tetterton. Outscoring Southeast Whitfield 28-14 in the frame, Pickens took a 77-43 lead into the fourth.

Dragons in-bounding the ball in the fourth quarter

In the fourth, the Dragons closed the game by outscoring the Raiders 9-8. Four of those nine points came from Hays Pickett. Pickens picked up a much needed win, 86-51.

Leading the way for the Dragons were:

Owen Moss: 19 points (five threes made)

Noah Moss: 18 points

Tucker Lowe: 16 points (four threes) 11 assists

Will Roland: 9 points

Hays Pickett: 7 points

Pickens, finishes the regular season 17-8 overall and 7-5 in region play. The Dragons, will be the 3rd seed in next week’s 6-AAAA region tournament and take on the 6th seeded Ridgeland Panthers in the 1st round on Tuesday. The game will be played at Southeast Whitfield and has a tip off time of 6 pm.

Dragons fall to 7-A lassiter, prepare for region play

PHS Basketball, Sports, Team FYN Sports

The PHS Dragons (11-3, 3-1) looked to replicate what their classmates on the Dragonettes did and ring in the new year with a win to close out 2019. The Dragons, hosted the Lassiter Trojans (9-6, 0-2) for the final game of the Pickens Holiday Classic. Both teams came into the game having gone 1-1 so far in the round robin style tournament.

 

In the opening quarter, it was an early game of runs. Both teams went back and forth to begin the frame. Lassiter went on a 5-0 to take a 7-4 lead. The Trojans went on another 5-0 run later in the quarter to go up 16-8. The Dragons, went on a 4-0 run to close the first quarter and cut the Lassiter lead down to 16-12, going to the second.

Dragons working the ball on offense

The second quarter, was a tough one for Pickens. Nothing seemed to fall for them on a consistent basis, and Lassiter took advantage of the charity stripe. Of the 18 points the Trojans scored in the frame, 11 of those points came from the free throw line. Outscoring the Dragons 18-9 in the second, Lassiter took a 34-21 lead into the break.

Dragons looking for a stop on defense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The third quarter, was a defensive battle for the most part. The Trojans, barely outscored the Dragons 9-8, to take a 43-29 lead into the fourth and final quarter.

Dragons inbounding the ball

The fourth quarter, the Dragons tried to get back into it, but Lassiter kept their scoring pace up. The Trojans outscored Pickens 24-14 in the frame to get the win, 67-43.

 

Leading the way for the Dragons were:

Noah Sutton: 9 points

Luke Rogers: 8 points

Owen Moss: 7 points

Daniel Tetterton: 5 points

Ean Goodwin: 4 points

 

The Dragons, will be home on Friday as they begin 2020 with a region game against the Southeast Whitfield Raiders. Tip off is set for 8:30 pm.

Dragons end skid with big region win

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports

The Pickens Dragons (12-3, 4-1 Region 6-AAAA) ended 2019 on a tough note by dropping games to Sonoraville and Lassiter. On Friday night, Jan. 3, 2020, they looked to get back on track as they hosted the Southeast Whitfield Raiders (0-17, 0-6) in a region battle.

To start the first quarter, the Dragons went on an 8-0 run with three made shots from Noah Sutton and one from Ean Goodwin. The rest of the frame was back-and-forth as Pickens outscored Southeast Whitfield 8-7 to take a 16-7 lead going to the second quarter.

In the second quarter, after a pair of made free throws by the Raiders, Pickens went on another 8-0 run fueled by Sutton and Luke Rogers. Later in the quarter, the Dragons went on an 11-0 run with Sutton making a couple of shots, Whit Pierce making a shot, Tucker Lowe hitting a 3-pointer and a pair of free throws, and Aidan Sanchez hitting a free throw to cap off the run. Going into the half, Pickens led Southeast Whitfield, 36-13.

In the third quarter, Sutton and Goodwin led a 6-0 run for the Dragons to make it 42-13 early. Later in the third, Owen Moss went on a personal 6-0 run with two made shots and a pair of free throws. To close out the quarter, Sanchez connected on a layup to make it 55-17 Pickens going to the fourth quarter.

The fourth quarter was shortened but productive for the Dragons as Clay Shoffer made two made shots, Will Roland connected on a shot, Daniel Tetterton made a shot, Spencer Moody made a free throw, and Hayes Pickett made two shots. The final in this one was 68-22 to Pickens.

Leading the way for the Dragons were: Noah Sutton (22 points), Luke Rogers (10 points), Owen Moss (nine points), and Tucker Lowe (six points).

Pickens will be back on the court Saturday, Jan. 4, as the Northwest Whitfield Bruins come to Jasper for an afternoon tilt. Both teams are close in the region and this game will be crucial to the standings going forward. Tip-off is set for 4:30.

Streicher Goes For 6 Total TD’s As Dragons Get Homecoming Win

Sports, Team FYN Sports

After a long night in Ellijay last Friday, the Dragons were back home at Dragon Stadium hosting the Southeast Whitfield Raiders for their Homecoming game. The Raiders, came into the ball game 0-5, & 0-1 in region play, but on Tuesday during Dragon Talk, Coach Nelson talked about how you can’t afford to take anyone lightly, especially region teams.

 

Southeast Whitfield began the ball game with the ball, but only managed one first down as the Dragons defense forced a punt. The first drive for Pickens saw promise, but stalled out near the red zone. The Dragons would settle for a 26-yd field goal by Juan Sanchez, to put them on top 3-0, with 5:02 left in the opening quarter. The Raiders, on their next possession, connected on a 32-yd touchdown pass to take the lead over the Dragons, 7-3. Going to the 2nd quarter, The Raiders had a 7-3 lead, but the Dragons were driving.

A minute into the 2nd quarter, Senior QB CJ Streicher found the end zone for a 3-yd touchdown run, giving Pickens the lead back, 10-7. 2 minutes & 19 seconds later, Streicher made a nice cut to the far side of the field & scampered 77-yds for the touchdown. With 8:19 left in the first half, the Dragons led the Raiders, 17-7. Pickens found the end zone for the 3rd time in the quarter when Streicher lofted up a deep ball & Mykel Hand came down with it, giving the Dragons a 24-7 lead, going into the break.

 

Southeast Whitfield, got the scoring going in the 2nd half as they connected on another touchdown pass, to cut the Dragon lead down to 24-14, with 7:50 to go in the 3rd. Pickens answered the Raider touchdown with a touchdown of their own as Streicher took it in for 6 from 8-yds out, to make it 31-14, with 5:22 left in the 3rd. The Dragons scored again at the 1:36 mark of the 3rd when Streicher found fellow Senior Alex Snelgrove in the corner of the end zone with an 11-yd touchdown pass, making it 38-14. Pickens, would make one more house call in the 3rd quarter as Streicher found a wide open Dylan Arp for a 20-yd touchdown, to give the Dragons a 45-14 lead, going to the 4th.

With a running clock in the 4th, the Raiders scored their final touchdown after a 37-yd run. Pickens, picked off a pass just before time expired to seal their 3rd straight win overall, & their 2nd straight in region play, 45-21.

 

6-AAAA Region Standings:

Pickens: 4-2 (2-0)

Northwest Whitfield: 4-1 (1-0)

Heritage: 4-2 (1-1)

LaFayette: 3-3 (1-1)

Ridgeland: 1-4 (1-1)

Gilmer: 2-3 (0-1)

Southeast Whitfield: 0-6 (0-2)

 

Pickens, will be back on the road next week, as they take on the Generals of Heritage. As you see in the standings above, these two teams are firmly in the race for a region championship. Heritage is coming off of a back and forth win over LaFayette on the road, 37-34. Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm next Friday.

Dragons Start Region Play With Road Win Over Gilmer

Sports, Team FYN Sports

The 63rd all-time meeting between the Pickens Dragons & the Gilmer Bobcats certainly will leave it’s mark in the storied history between these two schools. Both came into the game sporting 2-2 records, & were looking to start region play by defeating their main rival. An unexpected opponent tonight? Mother nature. After thunderstorms with severe lightening made it’s way through Ellijay, we officially had a 90-minute delay & things got underway between the two teams at 9 pm.

Pickens won the toss & elected to receive the opening kickoff. After converting several 3rd down plays on the drive, the Dragons capped it off with a 27-yd touchdown run by Jarod Whitmore, giving Pickens a 7-0 lead with 9:34 left in the opening quarter. Not to be outdone, on their opening drive, Gilmer, completed a 66-yd touchdown pass to even the score at 7, with 4:04 left in the 1st. Whitmore, would find the end zone for the 2nd time in the quarter after a 51-yd touchdown scamper, to make it 14-7 Pickens, at the end of the 1st quarter.

The Bobcats, answered rather quickly to begin the 2nd quarter as they had the ball deep inside Dragon territory to start the frame. Gilmer scored on a 3-yd touchdown run at the 11:18 mark. The PAT was no good however, & Pickens still maintained a lead of 14-13. Later in the quarter, the Dragons stretched their lead out after a 23-yd touchdown pass from CJ Streicher to Whitmore. The PAT was good, & Pickens now led the Bobcats, 21-13, with 3:22 to go in the half. Gilmer was able to knock in a 26-yd field goal with 8 seconds left, to cut the Dragons lead down to 21-16 at the half.

Each team had one scoring drive in the 3rd quarter. Streicher, was able to muscle his way into the end zone from 4-yds out, to make it 28-16 Dragons with 5:52 left in the 3rd quarter. Gilmer came right back, & scored on a 3rd & goal from the 1-yd line to make it 28-23 Pickens, going to the 4th & final quarter of play.

Pickens started off the 4th quarter deep inside Bobcat territory & Whitmore was able to punch it in from 5-yds out, giving the Dragons a 35-23 lead. That lead would hold up as Pickens came away with a hard fought win from a very game Gilmer Bobcat team, 35-23.

With the win, the Dragons move over .500 for the season, & more importantly, 1-0 in 6-AAAA play. Next week, Pickens will be back home as they host the Southeast Whitfield Raiders in another big region match up. Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm next Friday.

Dragons Defeat Bobcats, Off To A 5-0 Start For First Time Since ’86

Team FYN Sports

Region play in 6-AAAA began last Friday night as the PHS Dragons varsity football team welcomed the Bobcats of Gilmer to Dragons Stadium for Homecoming. Pickens, came into the game looking to be 5-0 in a season for the first time since the 1986 season. That team, started 6-0, & finished the season 8-1-1. Prior to the game, PHS honored the fallen Gilmer Middle School principal, Larry Walker. The PHS band played a rendition of Taps & Amazing Grace, followed by the two teams coming together at midfield. After a moment of silence, we were ready to get the game underway.

The Dragons, won the toss and in a change up from recent weeks, decided to receive the opening kick off to begin the game. Pickens, wasted little time on their first possession scoring in just 35 seconds after a 23-yd TD run from senior Zach Goss to make it 7-0 with 11:25 left in the first. Junior QB CJ Streicher, added to the Dragons lead after a 52-yd TD run at the 2:51 mark of the 1st to make it 14-0 Dragons, going into the 2nd.

 

The Dragons, would find the end zone on the first play of the 2nd quarter after a 23-yd TD pass from Streicher to Brady Moore, to make it 21-0 with 11:55 left in the 1st half. Senior RB Robert Davis, found his way to the end zone after a 51-yd TD run to give the Dragons a 28-0 lead over the Bobcats with 9:31 left in the 1st half. Pickens added to the lead with a 6-yd TD run from Kaleb Ray, to make it 35-0 Dragons with 5:56 to go before the half. Streicher connected with Michael Burrell for a 31-yd TD at the 3:43 mark to give Pickens a 42-0 advantage. At the 2:40 mark, Streicher connected with Davis for and 18-yd TD, to make it 42-0 Dragons, going into the half.

 

The only scoring in the 2nd half came in the 3rd quarter. The Bobcats got on the board after a 16-yd TD run at the 6:17 mark, to make it 49-6 Dragons. With 47 seconds left in the 3rd, Jarod Whitmore scored for Pickens after a 27-yd run, to make it 55-6 Dragons. Final score, 55-6.

 

Stats:

1st Downs: 10

3rd Downs: 1/1

Total Yards: 518

Plays Ran: 33

Rushing Yards: 383

Passing Yards: 135

Takeaways: 1

CJ Streicher: 7/8 for 121 yards & 3 TD, 124 yards rushing, & 1 TD

Robert Davis: 4 rushes, 76 yards, 1 TD, 2 catches, 31 yards, 1 TD, 1 kick return for 14 yards

Kaleb Ray: 2 rushes, 43 yards, 1 TD, 3 tackles, 2 pass break ups

Jarod Whitmore: 2 rushes, 32 yards, 1 TD, 4 tackles

Zach Goss: 1 rush, 23 yards, 1 TD, 2 catches, 29 yards

Michael Burrell: 1 catch, 31 yards, 1 TD, 2 tackles

Brady Moore: 1 catch, 23 yards, 1 TD, 5 tackles

Hunter Hermann: 9 tackles, 6 solo, 3 assists, 1 TFL

Sy Chadwick: 8 tackles, 2 solo, 6 assists

Jay Jones: 7 tackles, 2 solo, 5 assists, 1 pass break up

Clayton Holland: 7 tackles, 2 solo, 5 assists

Chase Jarrett: 6 tackles, 1 solo, 5 assists, 1 fumble recovery

Logan Joiner: 7/7 on PAT

 

Pickens, will be on the road next week for the first time since their pre-season scrimmage against Denmark on August 10th when they travel to Dalton to take on the Raiders of Southeast Whitfield. Kick off is set for 7:30 pm.

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