Dragons face Generals in region battle
PHS Football, Team FYN Sports October 31, 2021
Ringgold, Ga — It was a rainy day and a cool night on October, 29th as the Pickens Dragons traveled up to Ringgold to take on the Heritage Generals in 7-AAAA action. Coming into the game, the Generals were in a tie for second place in the region with Northwest Whitfield, while the Dragons were in a tie for fourth in the region with Central-Carroll. Pickens, needed a win to stay in that hunt for possibly the second seed going into the playoffs. In a tough match up, the Generals came away with a 24-14 win.
The Dragons, won the toss and elected to differ to the second half. After converting a third and long, Heritage was able to put the first points on the board after a 4-yd touchdown run. With 8:20 to go in the first quarter, the Generals led Pickens, 7-0. The rest of the quarter was a stalemate and we would head to the second quarter with Heritage ahead, 7-0.
Dragons defense looking to stop the run
The second quarter mirrored the first quarter as the Generals put up the only points in the frame. At the 6:40 mark of the second quarter, Heritage got in on a 5-yd run to make it 14-0. That would be your score heading into halftime in this soggy played ball game.
Collin Kellogg swings it to Devin Hand
In the third quarter, the Generals again would add to their lead with a 44-yd field goal at the 7:43 mark to make it 17-0. After a drive that took just over five minutes of game clock, Miguel Salto punched it in for the 3-yd touchdown to put the Dragons on the board for the first time. With 2:41 left in the third, Heritage led Pickens, 17-7. That would remain the score heading to the fourth quarter.
Dragons looking to punch it in the end zone
At the 7:08 mark of the fourth quarter, the Generals tacked on points with a 7-yd touchdown run to make it 24-7. Showing the fight that they always play with, the Dragons came back with a score of their own as Devin Hand got in with a 1-yd touchdown run with 3:05 left to make it 24-14. In the end, Heritage was able to hold on for the 24-14 victory.
7-AAAA Football Standings:
Cedartown: 7-1 (4-0)
Northwest Whitfield: 6-3 (3-1)
Heritage: 6-2 (3-1)
Central-Carroll: 4-5 (1-3)
Pickens: 4-4 (1-3)
Ridgeland: 1-8 (0-4)
*Southeast Whitfield: 2-8 (0-0) *Playing a non-region schedule
For the Dragons, they will close out the 2021 regular season on the road as they take on the Northwest Whitfield Bruins. By the looks of it, Pickens, can still find themselves in the playoffs with a win next week, and with a little help from their friends over at Ridgeland if the Panthers defeat Central-Carroll. The Bruins, will be looking to wrap up the #2 seed for 7-AAAA with a win so a lot on the line next week for both sides. Kickoff is set for 7:30.
Dragons fall in a heart breaker to Lions
PHS Football, Team FYN Sports October 16, 2021
Jasper, Ga — It was another beautiful night for high school football in the north Georgia mountains as the Pickens Dragons welcomed the Central-Carroll Lions to Dragons Stadium for a big 7-AAAA showdown. This would mark the first ever meeting between these teams. Before the game, the Dragon senior football and cheerleaders were recognized for Senior Night.
The first quarter, saw both teams defenses step up as neither offense could get anything going on their respective drives. The Dragons, were able to breakthrough at the 2:48 mark of the opening quarter with a 38-yd field goal by Senior Jose Sanchez. Going to the 2nd quarter, Pickens led the Lions, 3-0.
Jose Sanchez hits the field goal attempt
The Dragons added to their lead early on in the second quarter as Sam Streicher found Isaiah Williams for a 24-yd touchdown. With 10:59 left in the first half, Pickens now led Central-Carroll, 10-0. Later on in the quarter, the Dragons were looking to add even more to their point total, but the Lions were able to pick off a pass attempt, and take it the other way for a touchdown. Going into the break, Pickens led Central-Carroll, 10-7.
Dragons defense pressures the Lions quarterback
In the third quarter, the Lions picked up their first offensive score of the ball game as the quarterback ran to the right and just barely crossed the goal line before being ruled down. The PAT attempt was no good. With 5:08 left in the third, Central-Carroll now led the Dragons, 13-10. This would be the score going to the fourth quarter.
Streicher looking for an open man
In the fourth quarter, Central-Carroll was driving to add to their lead. The Dragon defense, was able to force a turnover and give the offense a chance to regain the lead. After two back to back spectacular catches from Senior Tom Frechette and Sophomore Marcus Pike, Streicher found Senior Devin Hand in the left corner of the end zone for a 17-yd touchdown. The PAT was good and with 8:07 left in the ball game, Pickens led the Lions, 17-13. After stopping the Lions on their next possession, the Dragons took over looking to melt time off the clock and add to the lead. With the ball near the 40-yd line of the Lions, Pickens decided to go for it on 4th and 1. An early snap however through off the timing of the play and Central-Carroll would take over. After a long pass play, the Lions got it down to the Dragons 8-yd line. A run play got it down to the 1-yd line. On 3rd down the Dragons defense tightened up and stopped the QB run. On 4th down, with a little help from his running back, the Lions QB was able to get in for the touchdown. With 1:31 left on the clock and now down by three, The Dragons offense went to work. Streicher picked up a big first down on 4th down and Pickens used the sideline to their advantage. One of the bigger plays of the game was when Streicher was running out of bounds, he took a hit that looked late, but wasn’t called. That set up a 44-yd field goal attempt to tie it and send it to overtime. Unfortunately for the Dragons, the kick sailed left and was no good. Your final score, Central-Carroll 20 Pickens 17.
7-AAAA Standings:
Cedartown: 6-1 (3-0)
Northwest Whitfield: 4-3 (2-1)
Heritage: 4-2 (2-1)
Central-Carroll: 4-4 (1-2)
Pickens: 4-3 (1-2)
Ridgeland: 1-7 (0-3)
*Southeast Whitfield: 1-7 (0-0)
*Not playing a region schedule
The Dragons, will have a bye week next week as they get ready for their next game against the Heritage Generals on the road on October, 29th. Kickoff for that one is set for 7:30.
Dragons pick up road region win against Ridgeland
PHS Football, Team FYN Sports October 9, 2021
Rossville, Ga — The Pickens Dragons took to the road on Friday, October 8th to take on the Ridgeland Panthers in 7-AAAA play. The Dragons, were looking to bounce back after a tough game against Cedartown last week. The Panthers, have had a difficult start to the season, but were back home for the Homecoming. Pickens, snagged four first half interceptions and got the offense going in route to a 45-8 win.
The first quarter saw the Panthers get the ball first to begin the game. It didn’t take long for the Dragons to put points on the board as Anthony Antinozzi picked off the pass attempt, and took it all the way for the touchdown. With 11:15 left in the first quarter, Pickens led Ridgeland, 7-0. The Panthers, bounced back on their next possession as they used a long run to help set up a 1-yd touchdown run. Ridgeland then converted a 2-point conversion to take the lead, 8-7, with 9:03 left in the first quarter. The Dragons, then took the field for the first time on offense, looking to regain the lead. Regain the lead is exactly what they did as Sam Streicher found Kadyn Hampton in the corner of the end zone for the 20-yd touchdown pass. The PAT was good, and Pickens reclaimed the lead, 14-8, with 5:43 left in the first quarter. The Dragons, added to their lead as Devin Hand took the snap from behind center on 4th down and went 45-yds for the touchdown. Going to the second quarter, Pickens led the Panthers, 21-8.
Devin Hand looking for running room
The second quarter didn’t see too much scoring, but it did see the Dragons force a couple more turnovers. The lone points came from a 46-yd field goal by Jose Sanchez to give Pickens a 24-8 lead over Ridgeland at the half.
Jose Sanchez nails a 46-yd field goal
In the third quarter, both teams were finding it hard to get some consistency going with their possessions. With nothing doing for either side in the third, the Dragons continued to lead the Panthers, 24-8.
The Dragon defense forced 6 turnovers on the night
The fourth quarter saw the Dragon offense come to life. The first score of the quarter came after Streicher found a wide open Marcus Pike, who then made one man miss to get into the end zone. All together the play covered 40-yds. The PAT was good by Juan Sanchez and Pickens extended it’s lead to 31-8. At the 6:35 mark of the fourth, Streicher found Hand on the screen pass and Hand took it 65-yds for the score. The Dragons would then force the Panthers to punt deep in their own territory on their next possession. After being close several times, Pickens finally got in and blocked the punt attempt. A play later, Miguel Salto took the hand off and scored from 11-yds out. Your final from Rossville, Pickens 45 Ridgeland 8.
7-AAAA Region Standings:
Cedartown: 5-1 (2-0)
Heritage: 4-1 (2-0)
Pickens: 4-2 (1-1)
Northwest Whitfield: 3-3 (1-1)
Central-Carroll: 3-4 (0-2)
Ridgeland: 1-6 (0-2)
Southeast Whitfield: 1-7
The Dragons, will be back home next Friday as they welcome the Lions of Central-Carroll in what will be a critical game in 7-AAAA. These two teams did not get to play one another last year due to Covid issues. It will also be Senior Night for Pickens as it is the final home game of the regular season next Friday night. 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.
Dragons soar over Eagles in non-region play
PHS Football, Team FYN Sports September 11, 2021
Rome, Ga — It was a beautiful day for high school football on Friday, September 10th as the Pickens Dragons made the long trip over to Rome to take on the 2A Coosa Eagles in non-region action. These two teams have a brief history with one another having only played 5 times. The Dragons, coming into this one, had won the previous three meetings. Pickens, looked to bounce back after a tough loss last week to White County. Coosa, came in looking for their first win of the season after games against Trion and Armuchee. Behind a strong defensive effort, that included five takeaway’s, Pickens came away with a 34-10 win.
The opening kickoff saw the first turnover as the game. As Coosa was returning the kick, the Dragons forced a fumble and recovered it. Pickens cashed in on that turnover as Sam Striecher found Devin Hand in the corner of the end zone for the touchdown. Hand went up and over the defender to catch the pass. The PAT was blocked and with 10:44 left in the first quarter, the Dragons led the Eagles, 6-0. Pickens, added to their lead later on in the quarter as Hand found the end zone again. Hand, took the snap under center and got in from 2-yds out. The PAT was good this time around and the Dragons took a 13-0 lead into the second quarter.
Sam Streicher finds Devin Hand in the end zone
Both teams had shots in the second quarter, but were unable to come up with anything. Coosa, picked up their first points of the game as they hit a 27-yd field goal. With 5:13 left in the first half, Pickens now led the Eagles, 13-3. Just prior to halftime, Streicher found his target Marcus Pike, for a 13-yd touchdown. The PAT was good, and the Dragons took a 20-3 lead into the break.
The Dragons defense making the tackle
The Dragons wasted no time adding to their lead as they began the third quarter. After perfectly fielding the onside kick attempt, Pickens made quick work of their first possession in the second half. Streicher, hit Hand on the screen play, and Hand did the rest as he took it 55-yds for the touchdown. The PAT was once again successful, and the Dragons held a 27-3 advantage. That would be all the scoring that took place during the third quarter, and we’d head to the fourth quarter with Pickens ahead, 27-3.
Dragons looking to run the ball
Seconds into the fourth quarter starting, Anthony Antinozzi picked off an Eagle pass attempt and took it all the way for a Dragon touchdown. The PAT was true and Pickens held a 34-3 lead with 11:51 left in the ball game. Coosa, got into the end zone with a 39-yd touchdown run. Your final score from Coosa High School, Pickens 34 Coosa 10.
With the win, the Dragons now move to 2-1 on the season. Pickens, will be back home next week as they welcome the Union County Panthers to Jasper. It’ll be the 12th all-time meeting between these two schools. This will be the final non-region game for the Dragons before 7-AAAA play begins on October 1st.
Dragons open 2021 season with big win
PHS Football, Team FYN Sports August 28, 2021
On August 27th, 2021, the Pickens Dragons took the field for their home opener. If you have been following along in recent weeks, it suddenly became their season opener as well. The last couple of weeks have been a whirlwind for the Dragons. Last week, their scheduled season opener at Gilmer was canceled due to Covid issues. Unfortunately, they were unable to find a game, and were unable to play last week. This week, their game against Chattooga was canceled because of you guessed it, Covid issues. Here’s where it gets interesting. The Commerce Tigers had their scheduled game with Union County canceled due to Covid issues on Tuesday of this week. That Wednesday morning, Pickens finds out their scheduled game is canceled. That same day, the Tigers agreed to come to Jasper to play the Dragons on Friday, August 27th.
There is a brief history between these two teams. These two teams have faced off twice before in the early 70’s. In 1972 and 1973 to be exact with Commerce taking both games. For the first time in 48 years, and on two days notice, the Dragons and the Tigers would do battle on the football field.
The first quarter was a quarter of chances. Commerce started the game with the ball. After the Tigers converted a fake punt attempt deep in their own territory, the Dragons regrouped and forced Commerce to punt. Pickens, had their opportunities in the opening quarter as a missed field goal, and two would be touchdowns were kept off the board. Going to the second quarter, we were still tied at zero.
The Dragons defense stopping a Tiger run play
The Dragons got the scoring started in the second quarter after Sam Streicher found Kadyn Hampton on a screen pass and Hampton took it 43-yards for the touchdown. The extra point was good, and with 9:17 to go in the first half, Pickens led Commerce, 7-0. The Dragons added to their lead after they went with a little “Wild Dragon” and split the QB Streicher out wide and put WR Devin Hand under center. Hand was able to score on a 3-yd run. The extra point was no good. With 1:29 left in the first half, Pickens now led the Tigers, 13-0. After using their remaining timeouts on defense, the Dragons got the ball back with under a minute to go in the first half. Kicker Jose Sanchez, was able to drill a 40-yd field goal to give Pickens a 16-0 lead going into halftime.
Jose Sanchez kicking a 40-yd field goal
After a bit of a back and forth between the two teams, the Dragons were able to put the first points on the board in the third quarter as Streicher found Hand for a 37-yd touchdown off of a screen pass. With 3:17 left in the 3rd, Pickens now led the Commerce Tigers, 23-0. The Tigers, got on the board in the 3rd with a 43-yd touchdown run. The 2-point conversion attempt was successful. Going to the fourth quarter, the Dragons led Commerce, 23-8.
Head coach Grant Myers watches the Dragons on offense
Almost midway through the fourth quarter, Hampton found the end zone for the second time. This time, it was a 1-yd touchdown run. With 6:22 left in the game, the Dragons led the Tigers, 30-8. After recovering a fumble, Pickens cashed in with a 4-yd touchdown run by Hampton. The Dragon led over Commerce was now 37-8. The Dragons then would pick off a Tiger pass attempt and was able to take a knee and run out the remaining time on the clock. Final score from Jasper, Pickens 37 Commerce 8.
The win marks the first for first year head coach Grant Myers. The Dragons will look to continue to build off of this impressive win as they will host the White County Warriors on Friday, September 3rd. Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm.
Early mistakes costly as Dragons fall to Chattooga
PHS Football, Sports, Team FYN Sports September 12, 2020
On a very unforgettable day in american history, September 11th, the Pickens Dragons (1-0) traveled to Summerville to take on the Chattooga Indians (0-1). This was the first ever meeting between the two schools in football. Chattooga, is out of the AA classification. They were coming off of a tough loss to Adairsville 28-21. The Dragons, came in riding high after defeating their 515 rival Gilmer Bobcats 17-8. In a tough game, Pickens had their chances in the second half, but several mistakes in the first quarter were too much to overcome as Chattooga took this one, 28-14.
The Dragons started off the ball game with the first possession, but were unable to get anything going. Chattooga used a heavy dose of their run game as they chewed up several minutes on the clock as they found the end zone for the first time on the night after a 1-yd touchdown run to make it 7-0 with 3:27 left in the opening quarter. On the ensuing kickoff, Pickens couldn’t corral the ball and the Indians took over in Dragon territory. Shortly after, Chattooga connected on a 28-yd touchdown pass to make it 14-0 Indians going to the second.
Senior Sy Chadwick looking to tackle the ball carrier
The second quarter began with the Indians on offense as they were driving when the first quarter came to an end. Chattooga capped off that drive with an 8-yd touchdown pass to make it 21-0 with 11:40 left in the first half. The Dragons, got on the board for the first time in the later stages of the first half as Sam Streicher found Devin Hand for a 23-yd touchdown pass to make it 21-7 Indians with 2:14 left in the opening half. Pickens forced a turnover on Chattooga’s next possession, and looked to capitalize on it just before the half. On the first play of the drive however, Streicher’s pass would be picked off by the Indians. After a long pass play by the Indians, Chattooga scored on a 3-yd touchdown run to make it 28-7 as we hit halftime.
Sam Streicher looking for a receiver
The third quarter saw the defenses for both teams really lock in and stand their ground. The biggest threat in the third, came from the Dragons as it looked like Pickens had crossed the plain for a touchdown but the officials ruled that the ball came out before the runner was down and Chattooga would recover the fumble. The defense for the Dragons continued to get better as the game wore on and held the Indians offense in check. Going to the fourth quarter, it was still 28-7 Chattooga.
The Dragons D-line getting pressure upfront
The Dragons were driving as the third quarter came to an end, and looked to score quickly to cut into the Indians lead. On fourth down, Streicher found Jarod Whitmore for a 5-yd touchdown pass to make it 28-14 Chattooga with 10:21 left in the game. Pickens had several chances to try and cut into the lead, but the Indians were able to hold on as Chattooga took this one, 28-14.
7-AAAA Standings:
Heritage: 2-0
Northwest Whitfield: 2-0
Pickens: 1-1
Cedartown: 0-1
Central-Carroll: 0-1
Ridgeland: 0-2
The Dragons, will again be on the road next week as they head to Cleveland Georgia to take on a familiar foe in recent years, the White County Warriors. As you may know, the Warriors dropped down to AAA and are off to a 2-0 start on the season. This will be the 46th all time meeting between the two schools with White County leading the series 23-20-2. Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm.