Dragons sweep region series with White County
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports March 14, 2024
Cleveland, Ga — On Thursday, March 14th, the Pickens Dragons baseball team celebrated pi day by heading up to Cleveland, Ga to take on the White County Warriors in the third game of their 3-game set. Coming into the third game, the Dragons, had won the previous two games, 4-0. In those two games, they combined to give up just 3 hits, 1 walk, and 1 hit batsman while striking out 27 batters. The Pitching for the Dragons, continued its stellar series as A.J. Rice, Cason Cannon, and J.P. Nunn combined for a shutout in the 7-0 win.
The Dragons, got things started early in the top of the first as Connor Shouse drew a lead off walk on a full count to reach base. Shouse, would advance to 2nd on a wild pitch, and steal 3rd. Trey Payne, would drive in Shouse with an RBI ground out to make it 1-0. Pickens threatened to score more in the top half of the frame as Kam Jenkins and Dawson Holland hit back to back singles, but the Warriors would get out of it to send it to the bottom of the first.
In the bottom half of the first, Rice, the starter for the Dragons, picked up his first strikeout on three pitches. After the Warriors would reach on a 1-out double, Rice would get out of the potential jam with a ground out and a pop fly to send it to the second with Pickens leading, 1-0.
In the top of the second, Trace Ledbetter, led off by drawing a walk on four pitches. Christian Starks, would follow that up with a single to put runners at 1st and 2nd. Rice, would then move them over on a sacrifice bunt. Shouse, would bring in Ledbetter on an RBI ground out to make it 2-0. A 2-out RBI double by Trey Payne would drive in Starks to make it 3-0 Dragons going to the bottom of the second.
In the bottom of the second, Rice, would have a clean 1-2-3 inning as he forced a ground out and picked up his 2nd and 3rd strikeout. Going to the third, Pickens led White County, 3-0.
In the top of the third, Holland, kept the inning alive with a 2-out walk, but the Warriors got out of it with a ground out. In the bottom of the frame, the Warriors would reach base with a lead off single. That would be all for the Warriors in the third as Rice struck out the side to bring his total to 6. Going to the fourth, Pickens led White County, 3-0.
In the top of the fourth, Starks, picked up his 2nd hit of the night with a 1-out single. The Warriors, were able to turn an inning ending double play to send it to the bottom of the fourth. In the bottom of the inning, Rice, picked up two ground outs and his 7th strikeout in a scoreless fourth. Going to the fifth, Pickens still led White County, 3-0.
Shouse, would lead off the top of the fifth by drawing his 2nd walk of the game. He would then steal 2nd to get into scoring position. Shouse, would then swipe his second bag of the inning as he would steal 3rd, then score on an error to make it 4-0. Jenkins, would keep the inning going by drawing a 2-out walk. His courtesy runner, Nunn, would advance to 2nd on an error. The Warriors, would get out of the inning with a strikeout.
In his final inning of work, Rice, struck out the side for the second time to bring his strikeout total to 10 on the night. Going to the sixth, Pickens led White County, 4-0.
In the top of the sixth, the Dragons worked a little 2-out magic as Starks reached base after his third hit of the game. Rice, would follow that up with an RBI double to stretch the lead out to 5-0. Shouse, would then draw his third walk of the night to put two runners on. The Warriors, would get out of the sixth after forcing a pop up. Cannon, would come on in relief of Rice in the bottom of the sixth.
Cannon, would work around a 2-out single as he struck out 2 in his lone inning of work. Going to the seventh, Pickens led White County, 5-0.
Cade Sutton, would lead off the top of the seventh by drawing a walk. Jenkins, would bring him in with an RBI double to make it 6-0. Jenkins, would be thrown out at 3rd trying to stretch it to a triple. Holland, would then pick up his 2nd hit of the night as he smacked a double into center. After Holland advanced to 3rd on a wild pitch, Sam Hammontree would drive Holland in with an RBI ground out to make it 7-0 Dragons going to the bottom of the inning.
Nunn, would come on in relief of Cannon in the bottom of the seventh to finish the game off. Nunn, would toss a scoreless inning with a strikeout, a pop out, and a ground out to seal the 7-0 win and a sweep for the Dragons.
Stats for the Dragons:
Connor Shouse: 3 walks, 1 RBI, and 2 runs scored
Trey Payne: 1-4 with a double and 2 RBI
Cade Sutton: 1 walk and 1 run scored
Kam Jenkins: 2-3 with a single, a double, a walk, and 1 RBI
Dawson Holland: 2-3 with a single, a double, a walk, and 1 run scored
Sam Hammontree: 1 RBI
Trace Ledbetter: 1-3 with a walk, a single, and 1 run scored
Christian Starks: 3-4 with 3 singles, and 2 runs scored
A.J. Rice: 1-2 with a sac bunt, a double, and 1 RBI & 5 IP, 2 H, 0 BB, 0 R, 0 ER, 10 K on 71 pitches
Cason Cannon: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 BB, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 K on 14 pitches
JP Nunn: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 BB, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 K on 17 pitches
7-AAA Baseball Standings:
Pickens: 12-3 (5-1)
Lumpkin: 8-6 (4-2)
Dawson: 10-4 (4-2)
White County: 8-7 (2-4)
West Hall: 4-11 (2-4)
Wesleyan: 4-7 (1-2)
Gilmer: 6-7 (0-3)
In the series sweep against White County, Dragons pitchers combined to go 21 IP, 6 H, 1 BB, 1 HBP, 0 R, 0 ER, 40 K on 276 pitches. The Dragons will now turn to the busy week they have next week as they will play four games. The first game being a non-region game against the Fannin Rebels on Monday, March 18th at Dunn Field. First pitch set for 5:30.
Dragons win fourth straight to open Holiday Tournament
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports December 20, 2023
Blue Ridge, Ga — The Pickens Dragons came into Blue Ridge with a surge of momentum as they took on the Fannin Rebels on Tuesday, December 19th to begin the Fannin Holiday Tournament. The Dragons, looked to stretch their season high win streak to four games. The Rebels, looked to bounce back after an up and down week last week where they upset 2A #3 North Murray in overtime on Tuesday, but fell to Union County on Friday. The Dragons, would get the better of this match up defeating the Rebels, 60-39.
The Dragons scored the first four points of the game as Hayden Jones and Parker Davis hit back-to-back layups to make it 4-0. Ben Bloch, got the Rebels on the board with a bucket to cut the lead in half. The Dragons, would close the first quarter on an 11-0 run as Dodge and Parker Davis, Caleb Lanford, and McCord Purdy all scored during the run. Going to the second quarter, the Dragons led the Rebels, 15-2.
Cole Gribble, got the second quarter started with a layup to make it 15-4. After a basket by Dodge Davis, Matthew Ponton hit a three to make it 17-7. Jones and the Davis boys combined for a 6-0 run to make it 23-7. Isaiah Angel, ended the run with a layup to make it 23-9. Dodge Davis and Jamin Martin combined for a 5-0 run to make it 28-9. The Dragons, went into the half with a 30-14 lead over the Rebels.
Purdy, began the second half with a three pointer to make it 33-14. Jordan Richardson, Kolton Kaylor, and Bloch combined for a 6-0 run to cut the lead down to 33-20. Later on in the third, after both teams traded buckets, the Rebels went on a 6-0 run to close out the quarter as the Dragons led 41-28 going to the fourth.
The fourth quarter started with both teams going back and forth before Jones, Lanford, and Dodge Davis combined on a 12-0 run to make it 55-33. The Rebels would take the rest of the quarter, 6-5, as the Dragons got the win, 60-39.
The Dragons, will be back in action in Blue Ridge on Thursday, December 21st as they take on the Adairsville Tigers. Tip off is set for 5:30 pm.
Dragons defeat Indians; tied for third in 7-AAA
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports December 16, 2023
Jasper, Ga — In what was the final home game of the 2023 portion of the schedule, the Pickens Dragons took on the Lumpkin Indians on Friday, December 15th. The Dragons, came in winners of two straight, and were looking to jump to a tie for 3rd place in the region standings. The Indians, came in looking to put an end to a two game losing streak, and avoid an 0-4 start in region play. A big third quarter by the Dragons propelled them to an 81-50 win.
The Dragons, got off to a fast start in the first quarter as a 5-0 run by Dodge Davis gave Pickens an early 5-0 lead. Back to back three pointers from Landon Pierce, gave the Indians a 6-5 advantage. Preston Cox, would then split a pair of free throws to make it 7-5 Lumpkin. The Dragons, retook the lead after two free throws from Dodge Davis and a three pointer by Caleb Lanford. Dodge Davis, would give the Dragons a 12-9 lead heading to the second quarter after hitting two free throws.
The Dragons, would begin the second quarter with a 6-0 run as Hayden Jones and McCord Purdy both made baskets, and Dodge Davis hit two more free throws to make it 18-9. After Cal Faulkner and Purdy traded buckets, Faulkner and Cox combined for a 5-0 run to cut the Dragons lead to 20-16. The Dragons, would increase their lead to as much as 11 in the second quarter. They would take a 32-23 lead into the break.
Purdy, got the second half going with a three to make it 35-23. After a basket by T.J. Gaddis, Parker Davis hit a three to make it 38-25. Lanford, followed up with a pair of free throws to make it a 15 point game. The Dragons, would outscore the Indians 22-14 the rest of the way in the third. The third quarter was capped off by Jones hitting a half court buzzer beater to give Pickens a 62-39 lead going to the fourth.
The fourth quarter began with Faulkner making a bucket to hopefully jump start the Indians. Purdy and Parker Davis responded with back to back three pointers to make it 68-41. The Dragons, would out score the Indians 13-9 in the rest of the fourth as they picked up a big 81-50 win.
7-AAA Region Standings:
Gilmer: 7-2 (4-0)
Wesleyan: 6-5 (2-0)
Pickens: 6-4 (2-1)
West Hall: 3-6 (2-1)
Dawson: 5-4 (1-2)
White County: 3-8 (0-3)
Lumpkin: 2-9 (0-4)
The Dragons, will be on the road next week as they travel to Blue Ridge for three days of holiday tournament action starting on Tuesday, December 19th as they take on the Fannin Rebels. Tip scheduled for 8:30 pm.
Dragons get over .500 after defeating Rebels
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports November 29, 2023
Jasper, Ga — After a tough game against the Creekview Grizzlies last week, the Pickens Dragons came into their game against the Fannin Rebels on Tuesday, November 28th looking to get back over .500. The Rebels, were looking to get their season started off on the right foot with a road victory. The Dragons, were able to pull away in the second half to secure a 75-45 victory.
The first quarter started off as a turnover fest for both teams early on. Dodge Davis split a pair of free throws to give the Dragons a 1 point lead. The Rebels, took their first lead after a layup by Cole Gribble. After the two teams traded buckets, the Dragons would go on a small 4-0 run as McCord Purdy hit a three and Caleb Lanford made a basket to make it 15-11 Pickens. Ben Bloch, hit two free throws to cut the lead to two.
Just before the buzzer went off to end the first quarter, Purdy got off a corner jumper and got the kind home bounce to make it 17-13 Dragons going to the second.
Parker Davis, got the scoring started in the second quarter as his bucket made it 19-13. The Rebels would cut into the lead after Jordan Richardson split a pair of free throws and Gribble made a layup to make it 19-16. A 4-0 run by Parker Davis stretched the lead out to 23-16. Richardson, would hit a three to end the mini run and cut the lead to four. The Dragons, would then go on a 10-0 run as Dodge Davis, Hayden Jones, and Purdy all contributed to the run.
The Rebels, got another three from Richardson out of a time out and Bloch split a pair of free throws to make it 33-23. Jones would get the final bucket of the first half as the Dragons went into the break up 35-23.
To start the second half, Kolton Kaylor hit a three to cut the lead to nine. After both teams traded baskets, Purdy went on a 5-0 run to make it 42-28. Later on in the third, Lanford matched Purdy with a 5-0 run of his own. After Bloch ended the run with a three, Purdy again beat the buzzer as he nailed a three to make it 51-33 Dragons going to the fourth.
Dodge Davis got the scoring going for the Dragons in the fourth with a pair of free throws. After a bucket by Bloch, Nathan Wallace got his first points with a three to make it 56-35. Purdy and Lanford, hit back to back three pointers to make it 62-37. After Dodge and Parker Davis traded baskets, Jamin Martin got his name in the score book with a layup to make it 72-41. The Rebels, ended the Dragons run as Keaton Watkins and Matthew Ponton both made a pair of free throws to make it 72-45.
Montego Morgan closed out the scoring for the night as he hit a three to also get his name in the score book as the Dragons moved to 3-2 on the season winning 75-45.
Scoring for the Dragons:
McCord Purdy: 26 points
Caleb Lanford: 12 points
Dodge Davis: 12 points
Parker Davis: 10 points
Hayden Jones: 7 points
Montego Morgan: 3 points
Nathan Wallace: 3 points
Jamin Martin: 2 points
The Dragons, will be back in action on Tuesday, December 5th as they head up to Ellijay to take on the Gilmer Bobcats to begin 7-AAA play. Tip off is set for 7:30 pm.
Dragons come up short against Grizzlies
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports November 22, 2023
Jasper, Ga — After a nice 50-46 win over Sonoraville on Monday, the Pickens Dragons were back on the court to take on the Creekview Grizzlies on Tuesday, November 21st. The Dragons, came into the game at 2-1. The Grizzlies, came into the game 1-3. The game was close throughout, and it would be the away team coming away with the win, 63-58.
The first quarter started off fast as both teams came out ready to score points. Caleb Lanford, gave the Dragons their first lead of the game after a three pointer put them up 13-12. A 5-0 run by the Grizzlies gave them a 17-13 advantage. As the first quarter came to a close, McCord Purdy put up a three point attempt just before the buzzer sounded and got it to go to make it 17-16 going to the second quarter.
The Grizzlies started the second quarter on a 4-0 run to stretch their lead 21-16. After a three by Lanford, Creekview would go on a 6-0 run to make it 27-19. Dodge Davis, cut that lead down to 5 after a three to make it 27-22. The Grizzlies, would then hit a pair of free throws to make it a 7 point game. The Dragons, went on 8-0 run helped by three pointers from Purdy and Nathan Wallace. Wallace capped off the run with a steal and layup to give the Dragons a 30-29 lead.
The Grizzlies, used a 5-0 run to retake a 34-30 lead. Purdy, nailed another three to cut the lead down to one. Just as the half was about to end, the Grizzlies hit a three to make it 37-33 going to the break.
The Dragons started the third quarter out hot as Lanford, Purdy, and Wallace combined for a 7-0 run to give Pickens the 40-37 lead. The Grizzlies, would answer with a 5-0 run to retake the lead by 2. Montego Morgan split a pair of free throws to cut the lead to 1. Both teams traded three pointers to end the quarter and as they headed to the fourth, the Grizzlies led the Dragons, 45-44.
Creekview opened up the fourth with a three to stretch their lead to 4. Morgan, was at the right place at the right time as Purdy slipped on his way to the basket and Morgan was there to grab it and lay it in. a 5-0 run by the Grizzlies made it 53-46. Lanford would cut into the lead with a bucket to make it 53-48. Later on in the quarter, Lanford would hit a three to cut the Grizzlies lead down to 59-55.
Lanford would hit another three with about 9 seconds remaining, but the Grizzlies would hold on to get the win, 63-58.
All-Tournament Team:
Caleb Lanford
McCord Purdy
The Dragons, will get the rest of the week off as they will be back on the court on Tuesday, November 28th when they take on the Fannin Rebels. Tip off is set for 7:30 pm.
Dragons fall in heartbreaking shootout with North Murray
PHS Football, Team FYN Sports August 26, 2023
Jasper, Ga — It was a hot night on Friday, August 25th as the Pickens Dragons welcomed the North Murray Mountaineers to Dragons Stadium for a non-region contest. Last season, these two teams met in Chatsworth, where 104 total points were scored between the two teams as the Mountaineers took that one, 54-50. This one, started off slow, but the fourth quarter was action packed as it gets. The Mountaineers, were able to hold off the Dragons at the last second as North Murray got the win, 44-37.
The Dragons, won the toss and elected to receive the opening kick. Driving down the field, the Dragons, got on the board first as RB Miguel Salto ran it in from 18 yards out. The PAT attempt from Charlie Gibbons was blocked and with 8:02 left in the first quarter, the Dragons held a 6-0 lead. The Mountaineers, wasted little time answering as QB Skyler Williams found RB Judson Petty for a 69-yd touchdown pass. Much like the Dragons first PAT attempt, the Mountaineers first PAT attempt was blocked and with 6:54 left in the first quarter, the game was all tied at 6. Gibbons, would give the Dragons the lead with a 22-yd field goal to make it 9-6 Pickens with 2:22 left in the first quarter.
The Dragons would extend their lead just before the end of the first quarter as QB Sam Streicher found WR Landon Poole for a 21-yd touchdown. The PAT from Gibbons was good and as they headed to the second quarter, the Dragons led the Mountaineers, 16-6.
Miguel Salto receives the hand off from Streicher
In the second quarter, the Mountaineers got back into the game. A 14-yd field goal from Juan Martinez cut the Dragons lead down to 16-9 with 7:47 left in the first half. Right as the first half was about to end, Willams found Petty from 5-yds out for their second touchdown of the half. The PAT was good and as they hit halftime, Pickens and North Murray were once again tied. This time, at 16 a piece.
Dragons defense going against the Mountaineers
In the third quarter, the Mountaineers would take the lead for the first time in the ball game as Williams ran it in from 5 yards out to make it 23-16 North Murray with 9:16 left in the third. The Mountaineers, extended their lead as Williams found Petty, his favorite target, for a 24-yd touchdown. The PAT was good from Martinez and heading to the fourth quarter, North Murray led the Dragons, 30-16.
Dragons running to the near side of the field
In the fourth quarter, the Dragons got the scoring started as Salto punched it in from 6 yards out for his second score of the game. The PAT from Gibbons was good and with 10:50 to go in the game, the Dragons cut the Mountaineers lead down to 30-23. North Murray, stretched their lead out to 14 again as Williams and Petty connected for the fourth time after a 32-yd screen pass. With 9:15 left in the fourth, Pickens now trailed 37-23. Streicher, found Hayden Jones streaking down the left sideline and Jones was able to take it to the house for a 69-yd touchdown. The PAT was good and it was now, 37-30 North Murray with 8:18 left.
The Dragons, then set up for an onside attempt as McCord Purdy placed it beautifully and Pickens would recover. After the Dragons drove down field, Streicher, was scrambling around looking for an open receiver and found Senior TE Isaiah Williams for a 6-yd touchdown. The PAT from Gibbons was good and just like that, Pickens and North Murray were tied at 37 with 6:05 left in the game. On their next possession, the Mountaineers would be forced to punt as Gibbons made an impact defensively and took down Williams for the sack. Pickens, needing a big play on a third and long, drew up a TE screen for Williams who barreled his was past the first down marker.
The drive for the Dragons ended up stalling and they would have to punt. During the punt, the Mountaineers fumbled the catch and the Dragons almost came up with it, but North Murray got it back. After a long pass down field to start the drive, the Mountaineers were able to take the lead after a 5-yd TD run by Williams to make it 44-37 with 29 seconds left. On the ensuing kickoff, Martinez squibbed it, and Poole had to go pick it up. He proceeded to take the kick all the way back for a touchdown, but a holding penalty was called. Pickens, went for the hook and ladder to try to make something happen, but the Mountaineers were able to hold on to come away with the 44-37 win.
The Dragons, will be back at it next week as they host the Fannin Rebels on Friday, September 1st. Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm.
Dragons sweep Warriors after pitchers duel
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports March 18, 2023
Cleveland, Ga — It was a good day to be the teams wearing green as the Pickens Dragons took to the road to face the White County Warriors in the 3rd and final game of their region series on Friday, March 17th. Weather pushed the start time back almost 2 hours, but they were able to get the game in. The fans in attendance, were treated to a low scoring pitchers duel as the Dragons edged out a 1-0 win.
In the top of the first, the Dragons went down in order as the Warriors got 2 fly ball outs and 1 strikeout to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the frame, The Warriors lead off man reached after being hit with a pitch on a full count. Dragons starter AJ Rice, collected himself and picked up his 1st strikeout for the first out. The runner at 1st base, would then be throw out by catcher Kam Jenkins trying to swipe 2nd.
Rice, picked up his 2nd K on the next pitch to send it to the top of the second, with Pickens and White County still scoreless.
In the top of the second, the Dragons got back to back 1-out hits from Dawson Holland and Jenkins. They would be left stranded on the base paths as the Warriors were able to get a line out to center, and a strikeout to send it to the bottom of the second. In the bottom of the second, Rice would pick up his 3rd K of the night in between two fly outs to send it to the third with both teams still tied at 0.
In the top of the third, the Dragons got a pair of 1-out walks from Connor Shouse and Trace Ledbetter. The Warriors, again escaped any potential trouble as they were able to get a ground ball double play to send it to the bottom of the third. In the bottom of the third, the Warriors had a big time scoring chance with runners on the corners and nobody out. Rice, got his 4th K of the night for the first out.
The Dragons, almost turned a double play to end the inning, but they were able to get the out at home. The final out of the inning came after the batter for the Warriors reached on an infield single. The runner at 2nd tried to score on the play, but was thrown out at home to keep it deadlocked at 0 between the two teams.
In the top of the fourth, designated hitter Harlan Will, led off with a single. Ezra Faber, came on to run for Will and he would be able to take 2nd. Faber, made it to 3rd after a wild pitch. Holland, got him in with an RBI grounder to break the tie and give the Dragons a 1-0 lead over the Warriors going to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the fourth, the Warriors lead off man worked the count and reached on a walk.
Rice, got out of the inning by forcing a ground out, a fly out, and a line out to send it to the top of the fifth with the Dragons leading the Warriors, 1-0.
In the top of the fifth, the Warriors got the Dragons to go down in order with a fly out and a pair of strikeouts. In the bottom of the fifth, Rice would work around a 1-out walk as he would strikeout the side, Giving him 7 for the game. Going to the sixth, the Dragons still led, 1-0.
In the top of the sixth, Ledbetter led off with a single after working a full count. He would end up being left stranded at 3rd as the Warriors were able to get 3 straight outs to keep it at 1-0 going to the bottom of the sixth. JP Nunn, came on in relief of Rice in the bottom of the sixth to try to get the save and preserve the win for the Dragons. Nunn, struck out the side on 11 pitches to send it to the seventh with Pickens leading, 1-0.
In the top of the seventh, the Dragons would go down in order to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the seventh, Nunn was back out there to try to get the save. He was able to do just that as he got a fly out, his 4th strikeout, and a pop up to seal the 1-0 victory and the series sweep for the Dragons.
Stats for the Dragons:
Connor Shouse: 1 walk, 1 stolen base
Trace Ledbetter: 1-2 with a single and a walk
Harlan Will: 1-2 with a single
Ezra Faber: 1 run scored
Dawson Holland: 1-3 with a single and 1 RBI
Kam Jenkins: 1-3 with a single
AJ Rice: 5 IP, 1 H, 3 BB, 1 HBP, 0 R, 0 ER, 7 K on 74 pitches
JP Nunn: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K on 27 pitches
The Dragons, will go into a busy week next week knowing they’ll be in a tie for first place in the region with Dawson or with Dawson and Lumpkin depending on how Lumpkin’s series with West Hall turns out. Pickens, will begin a busy week next week on Monday, March 20th as they host the Fannin County Rebels in a make up game that had been pushed back due to weather. First pitch is set for 5:30 pm.
Dragons fall just short in high scoring game against Mountaineers
PHS Football, Team FYN Sports August 27, 2022
Chatsworth, Ga — It was a first time match up on Friday, August 26th as the Pickens Dragons took to the road for the second straight week as they battled the North Murray Mountaineers. Both teams came into this game looking to bounce back after tough losses to open the season as the Dragons fell to Sonoraville 27-15, and the Mountaineers fell to Dalton, 49-27. In this one, it seemed like if you blinked you missed another big play or touchdown. It came down to the final seconds as North Murray came away with a 54-50 victory.
In the first quarter, the Dragons got the ball to begin the game. As the Dragons were driving, the Mountaineers forced and recovered a fumble around mid-field. North Murray cashed in on that turnover and scored on a 5-yd touchdown run. The PAT was no good and with 8:11 left in the first quarter, the Mountaineers held a 6-0 lead. Pickens, came back out on offense, looking to answer. Answer they did as Sam Streicher found Marcus Pike streaking down the near sideline for a 57-yd touchdown. The PAT was successful and the Dragons took a 7-6 lead with 7 minutes left in the first quarter. The Mountaineers, came back with a 4-yd TD run by QB Seth Griffin. The PAT was good and North Murray took a 13-7 lead going to the 2nd quarter.
Canaan Denson with the hand off
Early on in the second quarter, the Dragons finished off a scoring drive with a 9-yd TD run from Canaan Denson. The PAT was no good, and with 11:34 left in the first half, the ball game was all square at 13. The Mountaineers, countered with a second rushing touchdown from Griffin. This one from 13 yards out. The PAT was good an North Murray retook the lead, 20-13 with 7:55 left in the first half. Pickens, needed just 2 minutes and 39 seconds of game time to get into the end zone as Mason Powell ran in for a 6-yd TD. The Dragons, then went for 2 and converted it to take a 21-20 lead with 5:16 left in the first half.
The Mountaineers, retook the lead on a 29-yd TD run that needed 81 seconds of game time. North Murray, went for the 2-point conversion attempt but was unsuccessful. With 4:35 left in the first half, the Mountaineers led, 26-21. The Dragons, got back into the end zone after a 39-yd TD pass from Streicher to Powell. The 2-point try was good and Pickens retook the lead, 29-26, with 1:12 left in the first half. North Murray, went hurry up in the final minute of the first half and got in with a 7-yd TD pass. The PAT was good, and the Mountaineers took a 33-29 lead over Pickens going to the half.
Dragons defense making a stop
The scoring definitely didn’t slow down in the second half. North Murray added to their lead after a 37-yd screen pass that went for a touchdown. The PAT was good and with 9:20 left in the third quarter, the Mountaineers took a 40-29 lead. The Dragons, looked to get back into the game as Powell plowed in for a 1-yd touchdown. His third total touchdown of the game. Pickens went for 2, but the attempt was unsuccessful. With 6:46 left in the 3rd, North Murray held a 40-35 lead. On the next Mountaineer possession, they ran a pitch play that had been successful for them prior, but the Dragons blew the play up and Kadyn Hampton recovered the fumble and took it into Mountaineer territory. Pickens cashed in on the turnover after a screen pass from Streicher to Isaiah Williams went for a 21-yd touchdown. The 2-point try was successful and with 4:46 left in the third, the Dragons retook the lead, 43-40.
After getting another stop on defense, Pickens extended their lead after Streicher found Hampton and he took the screen pass 66 yards for the score. The PAT was good and the Dragons would take a 50-40 lead over North Murray heading to the fourth quarter.
Sam Streicher slings it to Kadyn Hampton on the screen play
At the 9:32 mark in the fourth quarter, Griffin found the end zone for his fourth rushing touchdown of the game to cut the Pickens lead down to 50-47. Both teams had chances throughout the final quarter, but neither offense could quite break through. The Mountaineers, got into the end zone after a 24-yd TD pass. The PAT was good, and with 55 seconds left in the game, North Murray regained the lead, 54-50. The Dragons, had 55 seconds and all three timeouts to work with. The ensuing kickoff by the Mountaineers would go out of bounds and Pickens would take over at their 35-yd line. After a couple of runs and a big play to Pike, the Dragons were set up inside North Murray territory. With the seconds dwindling, Streicher heaved the ball towards the end zone, but it was batted down and the Mountaineers came away with the 54-50 win.
The Dragons, will look to rebound after a tough couple of weeks as they will again be on the road when they head to Blue Ridge to take on the Fannin Rebels for the first time since 2011. Both teams will be looking for their first win of the 2022 season and it is surely to be an exciting one between these two 515 schools. Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm on September 2nd.