Dragons punch ticket to first ever state championship
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports May 15, 2026
Calhoun, Ga — For the first time since the tournament started, the Pickens Dragons, were on the road as they made their way to Calhoun to begin a three game series with the Yellow Jackets on Thursday, May 14th. The winner, would punch their ticket to Columbus and the 3A State championship. The Dragons, behind some clutch hitting and some big time pitching, were able to sweep the doubleheader, 4-2 and 11-5 to advance to their first ever state championship.
Game One:
Jennings Allen, would look to get things started in the top of the first with a 1-out single. Kam Jenkins and AJ Rice, would then draw back to back walks to load the bases. Truitt Grubbs, would reach on a fielder’s choice as Allen would be forced out at home. Christian Starks, would then reach on an error that allowed courtesy runner Caden Kirchoff to score. R. Baxter and the Yellow Jackets, would get out of the first with a ground out.
In the bottom of the first, C. Ware, would reach with a 1-out single. Rice, the Dragons starter, would pick up a pop out and a strikeout to send it to the second with the Dragons leading, 1-0.
In the top of the second, Robert Turner, would try to start a two out rally with a single. He would then steal 2nd to advance into scoring position. The Yellow Jackets, would get out of the second with a line out. Rice, would strike out the side in the bottom half of the second to send it to the third with the Dragons still leading, 1-0.
The Dragons, would go down in order in the top of the third after a pop out, a ground out, and a strikeout. Rice, would bring his strikeout total to seven for the game as he would strike out the side for the second straight inning. Heading to the fourth, it was still 1-0 Dragons.
In the top of the fourth, Everett Grubbs, would reach after an error. The Yellow Jackets, would turn a double play to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the fourth, the Yellow Jackets stung. Ware, would lead off by drawing a walk. H. Chadwick, would put the Yellow Jackets on top with a 2-run home run. Baxter, would keep the inning alive with a 2-out single. Rice, would get out of the fourth with a strikeout.
In the top of the fifth, Turner, would reach with his second hit of the day with a 1-out single. Turner, would then move up to 2nd after a balk was called. After a strikeout, Turner, would steal 3rd. The Yellow Jackets, would get out of the fifth with a pop out. Rice, would settle down nicely in the bottom of the fifth as he would sit the Yellow Jackets in order on a strikeout, a ground out, and a pop out. Heading to the sixth, Calhoun led it, 2-1.
Rice, would help himself and his Dragon teammates out as he would lead off the sixth with a home run to tie the game at 2. After a pop out, Christian Starks, would give the Dragons the lead with a solo home run to make it 3-2. Dawson Lowit, would keep the inning going with a 2-out single. The Yellow Jackets, would get out of the sixth with a strikeout. Rice, now armed with the lead again, came out for the bottom of the sixth focused.
Rice, would fire a 1-2-3 bottom of the sixth with a pair of strikeouts and a pop out. Heading to the seventh, the Dragons led the Yellow Jackets, 3-2.
In the top of the seventh, Allen, would reach with a 1-out single. He would advance to 2nd on a throwing error. Jenkins, would drive in Allen with an RBI double to make it 4-2. Courtesy runner Kirchoff, would advance to 3rd on a line out to right field. The Yellow Jackets, would prevent any further damage by getting out of the seventh with a strikeout. In the bottom of the seventh, I. Nails, would lead things off by drawing a walk.
After a pop out, M. Peek, would draw the second walk of the inning to put runners at 1st and 2nd with 1-out. A wild pitch, would advance both Nails and Peek up a base. Rice, would gather himself, and pick up a strikeout and a pop out to seal the game one win for the Dragons, 4-2.
Stats for the Dragons in Game One:
Robert Turner: 2-4 with 2 singles and 2 steals
Jennings Allen: 2-4 with 2 singles and 1 run scored
Kam Jenkins: 1-3 with 1 double, 1 walk, and 1 RBI
Caden Kirchoff: 1 run scored
AJ Rice: 1-3 with 1 home run, 1 RBI, 1 run scored, 1 walk, and 7 IP, 3 H, 2 R/ER, 3 BB, 13 K on 107 pitches
Christian Starks: 1-3 with 1 home run, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored
Dawson Lowit: 1-3 with 1 single
Game Two:
For the second game, the Dragons, were the home team and the Yellow Jackets, were the visitors. In the top of the first, C. Stewart and C. Ware, would draw back to back walks to lead off the inning. A wild pitch, would advance both runners up a base. After a strikeout, R. Hood, would drive in both Stewart and Ware with a 2-RBI single. Dragons starter Christian Starks, would get out of the first with back to back strikeouts.
In the bottom of the first, Kam Jenkins, would look to get something started as he would be hit by a pitch with two outs. Yellow Jackets starter, M. Peek, would get out of the first with a ground out. Heading to the second, Calhoun led Pickens, 2-0.
Peek, would lead off the top of the second by drawing a walk. After a wild pitch moved courtesy runner E. Bryant up to 2nd, M. Zander, would drive in Bryant with an RBI double to make it 3-0. Starks, would pick up a strikeout for the first out of the inning. Stewart, would draw his 2nd walk of the game to put runners at 1st and 2nd with 1-out. Jackson Nunn, would come in to pitch for the Dragons to try and get the final two outs of the second.
Nunn, would force a pop out for the second out. After an intentional walk to load the bases, Nunn, would pick up a strikeout to send it to the bottom of the inning. Truitt Grubbs, would lead off the bottom of the second by drawing a walk. T. Grubbs, would then steal 2nd to advance into scoring position. Starks, acting as the DH, would draw a walk as well to put runners at 1st and 2nd with nobody out.
Everett Grubbs, would then be hit by a pitch to load the bases. Dawson Lowit, aka “Boogie”, would bring in T. Grubbs after being hit by a pitch to make it 3-1. Peek, would get out of the jam by striking out the side to send it to the third with the Yellow Jackets leading, 3-1.
In the top of the third, Nunn, would toss a 1-2-3 scoreless frame as he picked up a pair of strikeouts and a ground out. In the bottom of the third, the Dragons struck. Jenkins, would draw a lead off walk. Courtesy runner Caden Kirchoff, would then steal 2nd and advance to 3rd on a wild pitch. Kirchoff, would come in to score on a second wild pitch to cut the lead to 3-2. AJ Rice, would pick up the first hit of the game for the Dragons with a single.
T. Grubbs, would draw his 2nd walk of the game to put runners at 1st and 2nd with nobody out. Rice, would move up to 3rd after a pop out to right. T. Grubbs, would then steal 2nd. Rice, would come in to score on a throwing error to tie the game at 3. E. Grubbs, would draw the third walk of the inning to put runners at 1st and 2nd with 1-out. After a strikeout, Matthew Davis, would drive in T. Grubbs with an RBI single to make it 4-3 Dragons.
E. Grubbs would advance to 3rd on the play and Davis, would advance to 2nd on the same play. Robert Turner, would bring in both E. Grubbs and Davis with a 2-RBI double to make it 6-3. The Yellow Jackets, would get out of the third with a strikeout. Heading to the fourth, the Dragons were now ahead, 6-3.
In the top of the fourth, the Yellow Jackets, looked to get a 2-out rally going as Stewart, would reach with a single. Ware, would follow that up by drawing a walk. Nunn, would get out of the fourth with a strikeout. In the bottom of the inning, Jenkins, would reach with a lead off single. Courtesy runner Kirchoff, would then advance to 2nd on a wild pitch. The Yellow Jackets, would get out of the fourth with a ground out, a strikeout, and a line out.
In the top of the fifth, I. Nails, would reach 2nd on an error with one out. Nails, would then try to steal 3rd, but would be thrown out by Jenkins for the second out. R. Baxter, would keep the inning alive with a 2-out double. Turner, would come in to pitch for the Dragons and would get out of the fifth after a ground out on the first pitch. In the bottom of the fifth, the Dragons, broke things open.
Drew Dunlap, who came in to pitch hit for E. Grubbs, would lead off the bottom of the fifth by getting hit by a pitch. Lowit, would follow that up by getting hit by a pitch for the second time to put runners at 1st and 2nd. Davis, would reach on a single. Dunlap, would come around to score on a throwing error to make it 7-3. Tanner Bail, who came in to run for Lowit, would advance to 3rd and Davis, would advance to 2nd on the play.
Turner, would drive in Bail with a sacrifice fly RBI to make it 8-3. Davis, would be thrown out at home trying to score on a wild pitch. Jennings Allen, Jenkins, and Rice, would draw back to back to back walks to load the bases. T. Grubbs, would then draw his third walk of the game to bring in Allen to make it 9-3. Starks, would drive in both Kirchoff and Rice with a 2-RBI double to make it 11-3 heading to the sixth.
In the top of the sixth, Zander, would reach with a lead off single. B. Davis, would then draw a walk to put runners at 1st and 2nd with nobody out. Zander and Davis, would then move up a base on a wild pitch. Stewart, would bring in Zander with an RBI single to make it 11-4. E. Grubbs, would come in to pitch for the Dragons and he would strikeout the side to send it to the bottom of the inning.
E. Grubbs, would lead off the bottom of the sixth by drawing a walk. J. williams, who came in to pitch for the Yellow Jackets in the bottom of the fifth, would pick up a pair of strikeouts and a pop out to get out of the sixth. Heading to the seventh, the Dragons led it, 11-4.
Nails, would lead off the top of the seventh by drawing a walk. After a pop out and a strikeout, Nails, would advance to 2nd on a wild pitch. Zander, would bring in Nails with an RBI single to make it 11-5. E. Grubbs, would force a pop out for the third out and the Dragons would take game two, 11-5 to sweep the series and advance to the 3A State Championship.
Stats for the Dragons in Game Two:
Robert Turner: 1-4 with 1 double, and 3 RBI
Jennings Allen: 1 walk and 1 run scored
Kam Jenkins: 1-1 with 1 single, 2 walks, and 1 hit by pitch
Caden Kirchoff: 2 runs scored
AJ Rice: 1-3 with 1 single, 1 walk, and 2 runs scored
Truitt Grubbs: 3 walks, 2 steals, 1 RBI, and 2 runs scored
Christian Starks: 1-3 with 1 double, 1 walk, and 2 RBI
Everett Grubbs: 2 walks, 1 hit by pitch, 1 run scored, and 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R/ER, 1 BB, 4 K on 36 pitches
Drew Dunlap: 1 hit by pitch, and 1 run scored
Dawson Lowit: 2 hit by pitch, 1 RBI
Tanner Bail: 1 run scored
Matthew Davis: 2-4 with 2 singles, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored
Jackson Nunn: 3.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R/ER, 1 BB, 4 K on 56 pitches
The Dragons, will now turn their attention to the defending 3A champs, the Troup County Tigers, who swept Peach County to advance to the State Championship. The Dragons, were eliminated by the Tigers in game three of the Final Four last season. The three game series will begin with a doubleheader on Saturday, May 23rd in Columbus at Synovus Park. The doubleheader is scheduled for 5 and 7:30 with the “if” game set for Monday, May 25th at 5 pm.
Calhoun City Schools undaunted by distance learning
Community April 4, 2020For Calhoun City Schools, the last two weeks of distance learning, despite the quick implementation, has been “outstanding,” according to Michelle Taylor, Superintendent of Calhoun City Schools.
Michelle Taylor, Superintendent of Calhoun City Schools says her staff, students, and parents have worked together to make distance learning work.
“Our leadership team has done an outstanding job working with our students, staff and parents to continue learning as our buildings have closed,” she said. “Calhoun City Schools’ parents have been rockstars. They are communicating their needs with teaches and the schools and we are working together to make the best of this evolving situation.”
Governor Brian Kemp ordered schools to remain closed for the remainder of the school year on April 2. Included in that is all spring sporting events, including some recruiting events, according the Georgia High School Association.
What is coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a large group of viruses that can cause illness in animals and humans. Some coronaviruses commonly circulate in the United States and usually cause upper respiratory symptoms such as cough or runny nose, although some can cause more serious illness. The 2019 novel (new) coronavirus causes the illness coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
What is COVID-19?
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a disease that was identified in Wuhan, China, and is now being spread throughout the world. People are encouraged to take common-sense precautions to prevent the spread of all infectious diseases, including COVID-19.
According to the Georgia Department of Health website, Gordon County currently has 21 cases, including two deaths. Georgia has 6,160 cases, 201 deaths, and 1,239 hospitalizations related to the virus.
Technology focus
The system has 4,200 students from preschool to 12th grade and 92-percent, or 3,864 with internet access and 73-percent or 3,066 with access to an electronic device. Taylor said they have sent Chromebooks and iPads to the students who needed them.
While they can’t meet like they did in this earlier photo, Calhoun City Schools will continue to foster Yellow Jacket spirit despite school buildings being closed.
“We are hopeful that this gap will decrease by the end of the week,” she said, adding they are encouraging all students to move to the online platform so they will not have to use paper packets.
Mike Afdahl is over technology for the students and encourages parents and students who need Chromebook support to complete a Google Form, offered in Spanish and English.
Families receiving Free-and-Reduced lunch can apply for Internet with AT&T and Comcast. Normally $5 or $10, those companies are offering their low-income access free for 60 days.
Calhoun City Schools have been distance learning since March 18, after schools were closed on March 18. The original plan was to re-open the schools on March 31, but as the COVID-19 cases increased, the date was moved further and further back until the decision was made to close schools for the remainder of the school year.
“We had a relatively smooth start,” said Taylor.. “Teachers and staff designed and produced content overnight and we had a plan in place on Friday (March 13), and finalized the plan on the 17th to roll out to families on the 18th.”
She said her concern at the moment is teachers and students will need more time to acclimate to the new delivery model.
Keeping the spirit alive
Calhoun City Schools mascot.
Anyone living in Calhoun can attest to spirit radiating from Calhoun City Schools. The Yellow Jackets are a solid part of the landscape in the city and keeping that spirit alive during the pandemic is important.
“We’ve had ‘Learn from Home’ Spirit Week where we try to connect with students and family through fun, spirited days. Students and parents have sent us photos and videos to post online and on social media,” Taylor said.
Graduation concerns being heard
The question all seniors and their parents have, regardless of system, is “Will there be a graduation ceremony?”
For Taylor, is imperative that seniors get their night.
“Calhoun City Schools’ Board of Education is committed to recognizing the Class of 2020 at a graduation ceremony,” she said.
However, safety is an issue and one that can’t be ignored or compromised.
“We’re not sure of the date but we will host the graduation ceremony when it is safe to do so.”
Calhoun seniors will have graduation, but the date has yet to be determined.
Graduation isn’t the only question facing seniors and to some extent, juniors. SAT testing has been cancelled through May with the earliest possible testing dates to be in June. However, even the June dates aren’t set in stone as the testing centers monitor the situation.
“We fully expect seniors will move forward with scholarship application and an honors ceremony to announce scholarship recipients will be held either online or at a ceremony when safe to do so.”
Students with special needs
For students with special needs, who often receive a variety of extra assistance, including speech therapy, occupational therapy and physical therapy, support is continuing. Head of special education, Hayley Gilreath said teachers, therapists and service providers are making daily and weekly contact with students using Remind, telephone, Zoom and Google meetings. Those using special communication devices are receiving additional support. Those unable to access the technology due to their disability have been receiving packets, manipulatives and tasks to complete at home.
School psychologists and diagnosticians are keeping in touch with all parents whose child is in the process of an evaluation and the school will complete the evaluations if they have enough data and will hold others until school is back in session.
Meetings have continued, with 12 annual Individual Educational Plan (IEPs) meetings being conducted by phone conference or other virtual tools. The nurses are also staying in touch with medically fragile students.
Food deliveries
The schools have provided 34,018 meals so far, including breakfast and lunch over the past two weeks. According to Kim Kiker, the schools will deliver six breakfasts and six lunches on Friday, April 3 to cover spring break. Then starting on April 13, they will decrease to three deliveries per week to limit employee exposure. The plan is to deliver a hot breakfast, hot lunch, cold breakfast, cold lunch on Monday for Monday and Tuesday. On Wednesday, they will deliver a hot breakfast and lunch and on Thursday, they will deliver a hot breakfast and lunch along with a cold breakfast and lunch for Friday.
Maintenance and renovations
Work continues at the city schools, according to Tom Griffith, head of the department. Some summer priorities have been moved up that can accomplished while the buildings are closed to students and teachers. For instance, HVAC systems are being replaced, work continues on the medical clinic, and the middle school gym was recently finished.
Future plans for distance learning
As for the future, Taylor said she sees distance learning becoming a part of the education system in Calhoun City schools.
“Our teachers are becoming more comfortable with online learning an see the benefits for providing a “flipped” classroom to assist students at school and at home. We will definitely use online learning for future inclement weather days.”