The Pickens Dragons open their 2013 season with a home game against the Sonoraville Phoenix on Friday, August 30th. The game, which is set to start at 7:30 p.m., will match the second straight season that these two teams opened the season by facing off with each other, as the Dragons’ opened the Chris Parker era with an impressive 50-21 at Sonoraville last year.Pickens looks prepared to start the season off right with a solid outing against the Phoenix, who would go on to post a 1-9 record in 2012. Although the team has lost several key players from last season, including offensive linemen Ryan Chastain and Tatem Dean as well as wide receiver Titus Henderson, the Dragons still seem ready to take their program to the next level thanks to a potent offense and an underrated defense.

The key for the Dragons in Friday’s game is simple: put Sonoraville in a hole early on. Seven of the team’s nine losses in 2012 saw their defense give up thirty points or more, so forcing the Phoenix’s offense to try and put up points will really put the squad in a bind early on. If quarterback Tanner Brumby and running back Shannon Brooks are able to jumpstart the offense, those in attendance can definitely expect another big win for Pickens.

Prediction: The Dragons show Sonoraville no mercy in this matchup, slashing through the opposing defense for almost 400 yards of offense in a game that will look a lot like the Dragons’ scrimmage against Fannin. Final Score Pickens 63, Sonoraville 20