Dragons clinch spot in AAA playoffs
PHS Football, Team FYN Sports October 18, 2025
Gainesville, Ga — For the first time in over a month, the Pickens Dragons were on the road as they took on the Johnson Knights in 6-AAA action. With a win, the Dragons would secure a spot in the upcoming AAA playoffs and stay in the race for a first round home game. The Dragons, using a 35 point first quarter, came away with a 49-3 win.
The Knights, would win the toss and differ to the second half. They would start the game with a successful onside kick recovery. On the first offensive play from scrimmage, McCord Purdy, would pick off the pass attempt. The Dragons, would use the run game to March down the field. Tanner Bail, would then connect with Purdy for an 11-yd touchdown. The PAT was good and with 10:05 left in the first quarter, Pickens led Johnson, 7-0.
After a stop on fourth down by the defense, the Dragons, added to their lead after a 10-yd touchdown run by Cal Morrison. The PAT was good and with 7:25 left in the first quarter, Pickens led it, 14-0. The Dragons, would extend their lead in the first quarter after a 30-yd touchdown pass from Bail to Jaxon Carver to make it 21-0 with 5:15 left in the opening quarter.
A 34-yd run by Carson Mitton at the 2:20 mark, would put the Dragons up 28-0. As the first quarter was winding down, Ezra Faber, would get into the end zone after a 21-yd run to make it 35-0 Dragons heading to the second quarter.
The Knights, would put points on the board near the end of the first half as they would hit a 27-yd field goal to make it 35-3 with 3:03 left in the second quarter. The Dragons, would score on a 13-yd touchdown run by Ike Wyngaard just before the half ended to make it 42-3 heading into the break.
With a running clock established for the second half, the Dragons, would score the lone points in the second half late in the third quarter as Morrison would score on a 13-yd touchdown run. The final from Johnson High School, Pickens 49 Johnson 3.
6-AAA Region Standings:
North Hall: 8-0 (5-0)
Pickens: 7-1 (4-1)
GAC: 6-2 (4-1)
Lumpkin: 5-3 (3-2)
Dawson: 3-5 (2-3)
Chestatee: 3-5 (1-4)
White County: 1-7 (1-4)
Johnson-Gainesville: 0-8 (0-5)
The Dragons, will be back home next week as they take on the GAC Spartans on Friday, October 24th. As you can see from the standings above, the winner will have second place all to themselves heading into the final week of the regular season. This game came down to the wire last year, and this one is shaping up to be a good one as well. Kick off is set for 7:30 pm.
Dragons split doubleheader with GAC to end regular season
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports April 18, 2025
Norcross, Ga — The regular season of high school baseball was winding down as the Pickens Dragons took to the road to take on the Greater Atlanta Christian Spartans in a doubleheader on Thursday, April 17th. By virtue of their win on Tuesday, the Dragons, locked up the #2 seed in 6-AAA with an outside shot at the #1 seed. The Spartans, came in wanting to improve their post season ranking before they go off to their tournament. The Spartans, would take game two, 5-3. The Dragons, would come back to take game three, 7-5.
Game 1:
A.J. Rice, would lead off the top of the first with a single. The Spartans, would then turn a 6-3 double play to clear the bases. Cade Sutton, would keep the inning alive with a 2-out single. Kam Jenkins, would follow that with a single of his own to put runners at 1st and 2nd. The Spartans, would get out of the first as Sutton would be caught trying to take 3rd on a double steal attempt.
Z. Koons, would lead off the bottom of the first by getting hit with the first pitch he saw. D. Watkins, would follow that up with a double to put runners at 2nd and 3rd with nobody out. The Dragons, would then decide to intentionally walk J. Bowens to load the bases. After a strikeout, S. Phillips, would bring in Koons with an RBI ground out to make it 1-0 Spartans.
T. Joiner, would then draw a walk to load the bases with 2-out. The Dragons, would get out of the first with a ground out. Heading to the second, the Spartans were ahead, 1-0.
Sam Hammontree, would look to get something started as he would draw a walk with 1-out. After a pop out for the second out, Matthew Davis, would draw a walk to put runners at 1st and 2nd. Jennings Allen, would keep the inning going for the Dragons with a 2-out single to load the bases. Rice, would give the Dragons the lead with a bases clearing 3-RBI double. Christian Starks, would then reach on an error by the short stop to put runners at the corners.
The Spartans, would get out of the second with a strikeout to send it to the bottom of the frame. In the bottom of the second, H. Glime, would lead off with a single. P. Wilson, would follow that by drawing a walk. Dragons starter Christian Starks, would force Koons to ground into a 4-3 double play. Glime, would advance to 3rd on the play. Watkins, would then drive in Glime with an RBI single to make it 3-2 Dragons.
Starks, would get out of the second with a pop out. Heading to the third, the Dragons led the Spartans, 3-2.
The Dragons, would go down in order in the top of the third after a pair of pop outs and a strikeout. In the bottom of the third, Starks, would pick up his 2nd strikeout of the game for the first out. Philips, would reach after being hit by a pitch. After a ground out, M. Lazarus, would draw a walk to put runners at 1st and 2nd. Starks, would get out of the third with his 3rd strikeout. Heading to the fourth, the Dragons still led it, 3-2.
Dawson Holland, would lead off the fourth by drawing a full count walk. He would be left stranded as the Spartans would pick up a pair of strikeouts and a fly out to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom half of the fourth, Koons, would reach with a 1-out double. After a strikeout, Koons, would advance to 3rd after a throwing error. After intentionally walking Bowens, I. Cobb, would bring in both Koons and Bowens with a 2-RBI double.
The Dragons, would get out of the fourth with a strikeout. Heading to the fifth, the Spartans led the Dragons, 4-3.
The Dragons, would again go down quietly in the top of the fifth after a ground out, a fly out, and a dropped 3rd strike. After a fly out, Lazarus, would look to get something started for the Spartans by drawing a walk. Lazarus, would then steal 2nd to advance into scoring position. Glime, would follow that by drawing a walk to put runners at 1st and 2nd with 1-out.
Dylan Walls, would then come on in relief of Starks. After picking up a strikeout for the second out, Koons, would draw a walk to load the bases. Walls, would pick up a strikeout to get out of the fifth and keep it a 4-3 game heading to the sixth.
In the top of the sixth, Hammontree, would look to get a rally going as he drew his 2nd walk of the game. Holland, would then reach on an error by the 3rd baseman. Davis, would then reach on a fielder’s choice as pitch runner Caden Kirchoff, would be forced out at 3rd for the second out. The Spartans, would get out of the sixth with a strikeout. Bowens, would lead off the bottom of the sixth with a home run to make it 5-3 Spartans.
Cobbs, would follow that up with a single. Phillips, would then reach on a fielder’s choice as pitch runner R. Umphenour, would be forced out at 2nd. Walls, would get out of the sixth after forcing a double play. Heading to the seventh, the Spartans led the Dragons, 5-3.
After a ground out and a strikeout, Sutton, kept the game alive for the Dragons by drawing a full count walk. The Spartans, were able to close things out with a ground out to take game one of the doubleheader, 5-3.
Stats for the Dragons in game one:
A.J. Rice: 2-4 with 1 single, 1 double, and 3 RBI
Christian Starks: 4.1 IP, 4 R, 4 ER, 5 H, 5 BB, 5 K on 89 pitches
Cade Sutton: 1-3 with 1 single and 1 walk
Kam Jenkins: 1-4 with 1 single
Sam Hammontree: 2 walks and 1 run scored
Dawson Holland: 1 walk
Matthew Davis: 1 walk and 1 run scored
Jennings Allen: 1-3 with 1 single and 1 run scored
Dylan Walls: 1.2 IP, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 H, 0 BB, 2 K on 28 pitches
Game 2:
The Dragons, would go down in order in the top of the first after a strikeout, a ground out, and a fly out. In the bottom of the inning, Dragons starter Ezra Faber, would work around a pair of back to back hit batsmen to get out of an early jam with a pair of ground outs and a fly out. Heading to the second, the game was tied at 0.
Kam Jenkins, would lead off the top of the second with a single. The Spartans, would clear the bases with a 4-6-3 double play. A ground out, would get the Spartans out of the second. Faber, would only need 9 pitches to get out of the bottom of the second as he picked up a pair of ground outs and a line out. Heading to the third, the game was still tied at 0.
Dawson Holland, would lead off the third by reaching on an error by the 2nd baseman. Matthew Davis, would follow that with a double to put runners at 2nd and 3rd with nobody out. After a strikeout, A.J. Rice, would reach on a fielder’s choice as Holland would be forced out at home. Christian Starks, would bring in Davis with an RBI single to make it 1-0 Dragons.
The Spartans, would get out of the third after Starks would be forced out at 2nd. Heading to the bottom of the inning, the Dragons led it, 1-0. In the bottom of the third, Z. Koons, would pick up the first hit for the Spartans with a 1-out single. Koons, would then advance into scoring position after stealing 2nd. After a line out, the Dragons would intentionally walk J. Bowens, Faber, would force a line out for the second out.
A 2-out RBI single by I. Cobbs, would bring in Koons to tie the game at 1. M. Lazarus, would then draw a walk to load the bases. Bowens, would come in to score after a wild pitch. H. Glime, would bring in both Cobbs and Lazarus with a 2-RBI single. Glime, would advance to 2nd on the throw. T. Stopher, would then be hit by a pitch to put runners at 1st and 2nd. Faber, would get out of the inning after a fly out. Heading to the fourth, the Spartans led the Dragons, 4-1.
In the top of the fourth, Dawson Lowit, would reach with a 1-out single. Sam Hammontree, would follow that with a single of his own to put runners at 1st and 2nd. Holland, would then reach on an error by the 3rd baseman. Courtesy runner Drew Dunlap, would come in to score after a wild pitch to make it 4-2. Davis, would then draw a walk to load the bases.
Pitch runner Caden Kirchoff, would come in to score as Jennings Allen would reach on a fielder’s choice. The Spartans, would get out of the fourth with a ground out. Heading to the bottom of the inning, the Spartans led the Dragons, 4-3. Daven Abernathy, would come on in relief of Faber in the bottom of the fourth. After a strikeout, Koons, would reach with a 1-out double.
D. Watkins, would then get hit by a pitch to put runners at 1st and 2nd with 1-out. Bowens, would bring in Koons with an RBI single to make it 5-3. Abernathy, would get out of the fourth with a strikeout and a fly out.Heading to the fifth, the Spartans led the Dragons, 5-3.
Cade Sutton, would look to get something going for the Dragons as he drew a walk with 1-out. Jenkins, would follow that with a single. Lowit, would then draw a walk to load the bases with 1-out. Hammontree, would then draw the third walk of the inning to bring in Sutton to make it 5-4. Holland, would draw the fourth walk of the inning as Jenkins would come in to score to tie the game at 5.
After a strikeout, courtesy runner Drew Dunlap and Hammontree, would come in to score as Allen would reach on an error by the short stop. The Spartans, would get out of the fifth after Rice would be robbed of a potential home run. Heading to the bottom of the inning, the Dragons led the Spartans, 7-5. Glime, would lead off the bottom of the fifth by drawing a a walk.
Glime, would then be caught trying to steal 2nd. After picking up a strikeout for the second out, T. Joiner, would keep the inning going by drawing a walk. Joiner, would then advance to 2nd after a passed ball. Abernathy, would get out of the fifth with a strikeout. Heading to the sixth, the Dragons led the Spartans, 7-5.
In the top of the sixth, Jenkins, would pick up his third hit of the game with a 2-out single. That would be all for the Dragons in the sixth as the Spartans would pick up a strikeout and a pair of fly outs. Phillips, would be hit by a pitch to lead off the bottom of the sixth. After a fly out, Bowens, would be hit by a pitch to put runners at 1st and 2nd with 1-out. Jenkins, would come on in relief of Abernathy.
After a single by Cobbs to load the bases, Jenkins, would pick up back to back strikeouts to keep the Dragons in front. Heading to the seventh, the Dragons led the Spartans, 7-5.
The Dragons, would go down in order in the top of the seventh after a ground out, a fly out, and a strikeout. Heading to the bottom of the inning, the Dragons still led the Spartans, 7-5. After a fly out for the first out of the bottom of the seventh, Joiner and P. Wilson would draw back to back walks to put runners at 1st and 2nd with 1-out. A passed ball, would lead to both Joiner and Wilson moving up a base.
Jenkins, would settle down and strikeout the next two batters to seal the 7-5 win for the Dragons.
Stats for the Dragons in Game two:
Christian Starks: 1-4 with 1 single and 1 RBI
Cade Sutton: 1 walk and 1 run scored
Kam Jenkins: 3-4 with 3 singles, 1 run scored and 1.2 IP, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 H, 2 BB, 4 K on 33 pitches
Dawson Lowit: 1-3 with 1 single and 1 walk
Sam Hammontree: 1-3 with 1 single, 1 walk, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored
Dawson Holland: 1 walk and 1 RBI
Matthew Davis: 1-3 with 1 double, 1 walk, and 1 run scored
Ezra Faber: 3 IP, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 H on 58 pitches
Daven Abernathy: 2.1 IP, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 H, 1 BB, 4 K on 52 pitches
Drew Dunlap: 2 runs scored
Caden Kirchoff: 1 run scored
The Dragons, finish the 2025 regular season at 25-5. They will represent 6-AAA as the #2 seed in next week’s AAA State Baseball Tournament. The Dragons, will find out their seeding and who they will be facing on Monday, April 21st. The first round best of three series, will take place at Dunn Field with a doubleheader on Friday, April 25th with the “if” game on Saturday, April 26th if necessary.
Six run first leads Dragons past Spartans
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports April 16, 2025
Jasper, Ga — Tuesday, April 15th began the final week of the regular season for high school baseball. The Pickens Dragons, kicked off a crucial three game series with the Greater Atlanta Christian Spartans. A win for the Dragons would secure the #2 seed out of 6-AAA and lock up a home playoff series in the first round of the State Tournament next week. For the Spartans, they would need to sweep the series to overtake the Dragons for the #2 spot. A six run first inning and a gem thrown by A.J. Rice, led the Dragons to a 6-1 win.
In the top of the first, Rice, the Junior Auburn commit, would work around Denzell Watkins reaching on a 1-out error, and Ian Cobbs reaching on a 2-out single as he picked up a ground out and two strikeouts in a scoreless frame. In the bottom of the first, Rice, would lead off the inning with a solo home run to left center to put the Dragons ahead, 1-0. Christian Starks, would follow that by drawing a a full count walk to reach first.
Starks, would then advance to 2nd on a passed ball. Cade Sutton, would drive in Starks with an RBI single to make it 2-0 Dragons. Kam Jenkins, would keep the line moving with a single. After a fly out, Sam Hammontree, would draw a walk to load the bases with 1-out. Dawson Holland, would bring in Sutton as he reached on a fielder’s choice. An RBI single by Ezra Faber, would drive in courtesy runner Drew Dunlap to make it 4-0.
Jennings Allen, would bring in Holland with a single to make it 5-0. Allen and Faber, would then pull off a double steal as Allen took 2nd, and Faber swiped home to make it 6-0 Dragons heading to the second.
In the top of the second, Rice, would pick up a pair of strikeouts and a ground out to bring the bats back up for the Dragons. In the bottom of the second, Sutton, would reach with a 1-out single. Jenkins, would then reach on a fielder’s choice as Sutton would be forced out at 2nd. The Spartans, would get out of the second with a ground out. Heading to the third, Pickens led GAC, 6-0.
Trace Joiner, would lead off the top of the third by reaching on an error. After a fly out, Watkins, would reach with a 1-out single to put runners at 1st and 2nd with 1-out. Courtesy runner Rider Umphenour, would then advance to 3rd after an error on a pick off attempt at 1st. Jakobi Bowens, would then draw a walk to load the bases with still just 1-out. Rice. would collect himself and strikeout the next two batters to send it to the bottom of the third.
Hammontree, would draw his 2nd walk of the game to lead off the bottom of the third. After a strikeout, Faber, would reach on a fielder’s choice as Hammontree would be forced out at 2nd. Faber, would then steal 2nd to advance into scoring position. The Spartans, would get out of the third with a pop out. Heading to the fourth, Pickens still led GAC, 6-0.
In the top of the fourth, Rice, would work around a 2-out walk drawn by Trust Stopher to pick up a strikeout and a pair of ground outs to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the fourth, Sutton, would look to get something going by drawing a a 2-out walk. The Spartans, would get out of the fourth as Sutton would be forced out at 2nd. Heading to the fifth, the Dragons led the Spartans, 6-0.
In the top of the fifth, Watkins, would reach with a 1-out single. Bowens, would then follow that with a double to put runners at 2nd and 3rd with 1-out. Dragons head coach Adam Williams, would then make the decision to intentionally walk Ian Cobbs to load the bases and to have a force out anywhere on the base paths. Henry Glime, would bring in Watkins with a sacrifice fly RBI to make it 6-1.
Rice, and the Dragons, would get out of the fifth with a ground out to send it to the bottom half of the frame. In the bottom of the fifth, Hammontree, would keep his perfect night going with a 1-out single. He would be left stranded on first as the Spartans would pick up a strikeout and a pop out to send it to the sixth with the Dragons leading, 6-1.
Rice, nearing 100 pitches for the game, came back out for the sixth. He would toss a scoreless frame with a pair of ground outs and a fly out to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the sixth, Rice, would draw a 1-out walk to reach base. Rice, would then advance to 2nd on a wild pitch. The Spartans, would get out of the sixth with a strikeout and a pop out. Heading to the seventh, Pickens still led GAC, 6-1.
Jenkins, would come on in relief of Rice in the top of the seventh. Jenkins, would sit down the Spartans in order with a pair of ground outs and a pop out to seal the win for the Dragons, 6-1.
Stats for the Dragons:
A.J. Rice: 1-3 with 1 home run, 1 walk, 1 RBI, 1 run scored, and 6 IP, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 H, 2 BB, 7 K on 104 pitches
Christian Starks: 1 walk and 1 run scored
Cade Sutton: 2-3 with 2 singles, 1 walk, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored
Kam Jenkins: 1-3 with 1 single and 1 IP, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 H, 0 BB, 0 K on 6 pitches
Sam Hammontree: 1-1 with 1 single, and 2 walks
Dawson Holland: 1 RBI and 1 run scored
Ezra Faber: 1-3 with 1 single, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored
Jennings Allen: 1-3 with 1 single
Drew Dunlap: 1 run scored
With the win, the Dragons have secured the #2 seed out of 6-AAA and a home playoff series for the first round of the AAA State Baseball Tournament. There is still a chance the Dragons win the region as they would need to sweep the series with GAC, and have North Hall drop one of their last two against Chestatee. For now, the Dragons will focus on the regular season ending doubleheader on Thursday, April 17th at GAC.
Dragons sweep War Eagles in doubleheader
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports April 12, 2025
Jasper, Ga — It was doubleheader day around 6-AAA on Friday, April 11th as both Pickens and Chestatee, as well as White County and GAC both played two after getting rained out on Thursday, April 10th. For Pickens and Chestatee, Chestatee would be the home team for the first game. The Dragons, would get wins in both games as they picked up a 4-3 win in eight innings in game one, and a 10-0 victory in six innings in game two.
Game One:
A.J. Rice, would look to get something started in the top of the first as he would draw a walk to reach base. The War Eagles, were prepared for Rice’s steal attempt, and got him out in a rundown. A fly out, would send it to the bottom of the frame. In the bottom of the first, Eli Chaffin, would reach with a 1-out double. Ethan Dunn, would then reach on a single, Chaffin, would come around to score to make it 1-0 War Eagles.
Dunn, would advance to 2nd on the play. Carter Edmondson, would then reach on a fielder’s choice as Dunn would be forced out at 3rd. Dragons starter Jackson Nunn, would get out of the first with a strikeout. Heading to the second, Chestatee led Pickens, 1-0.
Dawson Lowit, would lead off the top of the second by drawing a walk. Cade Sutton, would then follow that up with a single. Lowit, would advance all the way to 3rd on the hit. Sutton, would make the heads up play and move to 2nd on the throw to 3rd. War Eagles starter Ryland Head, would pick up a strikeout, a pop out, and a line out to get out of the jam to send it to the bottom of the second.
Trenton Eaton, would lead off the bottom of the second with a single. After a pop out, Zac Benna, would reach with a single to put runners at 1st and 2nd with 1-out. Thomas Martens, would then reach with a single. Courtesy runner Riley Nix, would be waved home, but a good throw by Christian Starks would get Nix at the plate. Heading to the third, the War Eagles, still led the Dragons, 1-0.
Jennings Allen, would lead off the top of the third with a single. Allen, would then advance to 2nd after a passed ball. Kam Jenkins, would drive in Allen with an RBI triple to tie the game at 1. After a fly out, Starks, would bring in courtesy runner Ezra Faber with a sacrifice fly RBI to give the Dragons a 2-1 lead. Head and the War Eagles, would get out of the third with a line out.
In the bottom of the third, Nunn, would work around a 2-out double by Edmondson, and a wild pitch to keep the War Eagles scoreless. Heading to the fourth, Pickens led Chestatee, 2-1.
After a pop out and a strikeout started the top of the fourth, Sam Hammontree, would keep the inning alive for the Dragons after getting hit by a pitch. Dawson Holland, would then reach with a single to put runners at 1st and 2nd with 2-out. The War Eagles, would get out of the fourth with a line out. In the bottom of the fourth, Cort Hagerman, would draw a 1-out walk to reach base. Benna, would drive in Hagerman with an RBI triple to tie the game at 2.
Parker Grant, would then reach on a fielder’s choice as Benna would be forced out at home for the second out. Martens, would bring in Grant with an RBI double to give the War Eagles a 3-2 lead. During the next at bat, Nunn, would have to unfortunately leave the game due to injury. Dylan Walls, would come on in relief of Nunn. Walls, would get out of the fourth with a strikeout as the War Eagles took a 3-2 lead into the fifth.
Jenkins, would be hit by a pitch to lead off the fifth inning. His courtesy runner, Ezra Faber, would then steal 2nd to get into scoring position. Rice, would advance Faber to 3rd after a fly out to right. Starks, would bring in Faber with a sacrifice fly RBI to tie the game at 3. Lowit, would then reach on an error by the 3rd baseman. The War Eagles, would get out of the fifth with a strikeout.
In the bottom of the fifth, Dunn, would lead off with a single. Walls, in his first full inning of relief, would pick a strikeout and force a 4-6-3 double play to send it to the sixth with the game still tied at 3.
In the top of the sixth, Hammontree, would again be hit with a pitch to reach base with 1-out. Holland, would follow that by picking up his 2nd hit of the day to put runners at 1st and 2nd with 1-out. The War Eagles, would get out of the sixth with a 6-3 double play. In the bottom of the sixth, Walls, would work around a 2-out walk drawn by Benna to pick up a pop out, a ground out, and a strikeout to send it to the seventh, still tied at 3.
In the top of the seventh, Rice, would reach with a 1-out single. Rice, would then be called out trying to steal 2nd as the field umpire ruled that Rice’s foot popped up off the bag. The War Eagles, would get out of the seventh with a fly out. In the bottom of the inning, Walls, would work around a 2-out single by Dunn as he picked up a pair of strikeouts and a ground out to send it to the eighth with the game still tied at 3.
In the top of the eighth, Lowit, would give the Dragons the lead with a lead off home run. Sutton, would follow that with a double. Faber, who came on for Matthew Davis in the fifth, would move Sutton over to 3rd with a sacrifice bunt. The War Eagles, would get out of the eighth with a pop out and a fly out as the Dragons would take a 4-3 lead into the bottom of the frame.
Walls, would come out for the bottom of the eighth looking to close things out. Walls, would pick up a pair of ground outs and a strikeout to help seal the 4-3 win for the Dragons.
Stats for the Dragons in Game One:
Kam Jenkins: 1-3 with 1 triple, 1 HBP, and 1 RBI
A.J. Rice: 1-3 with 1 single and 1 walk
Christian Starks: 2 RBI
Dawson Lowit: 1-3 with 1 home run, 1 walk, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored
Cade Sutton: 2-4 with 1 single and 1 double
Ezra Faber: 2 runs scored
Sam Hammontree: 2 HBP
Dawson Holland: 2-4 with 2 singles
Jennings Allen: 1-3 with 1 single and 1 run scored
Jackson Nunn: 3.2 IP, 3 R, 2 ER, 8 H, 0 BB, 2 K on 58 pitches
Dylan Walls: 4.1 IP, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 H, 1 BB, 6 K on 75 pitches
Game Two:
Prior to game two beginning, the Dragons recognized two special people in Hudson and Kodi as it was Pink Out Night. Two young men representing both families, would throw perfect strikes for the ceremonial first pitch to the applause of the crowd.
In the top of the first, Dragons starter Christian Starks, would strike out the side to send it to the bottom half of the inning. In the bottom of the first, Starks, would be hit by a pitch with 2-outs to keep the inning going. The War Eagles, would get out of the first with a ground out to send it to the second with the game still scoreless.
In the top of the second, Starks, would pick up his 4th strikeout, a ground out, and a pop out in a scoreless frame. In the bottom of the second, Cade Sutton, would lead off with a single. Sutton, would then steal 2nd to get into scoring position. Matthew Davis, would follow that with a single to put runners at the corners with nobody out. The Dragons, would then pull off a double steal as Davis took 2nd and Sutton took home to make it 1-0.
After a pop out, Dawson Holland, would then drive in Davis with an RBI triple to make it 2-0 Dragons. Holland, would then get caught in a rundown between 3rd and home for the second out. Jennings Allen, would keep the inning going by reaching on an error by the 2nd baseman. The War Eagles, would get out of the second with a fly out. Heading to the third, the Dragons led it, 2-0.
In the top of the third, Starks, continued his nice start with a pair of strikeouts and a fly out in a scoreless frame. In the bottom of the inning, Rice, would reach with a lead off single. He would advance to 2nd after an error by the short stop. Starks, would drive in Rice with an RBI double to make it 3-0. Dawson Lowit, would follow that with an RBI single to score Starks to make it 4-0 Dragons.
Sutton, would then reach with a double to put runners at 2nd and 3rd with nobody out. After a pop out, Sam Hammontree, would bring in pitch runner Daven Abernathy with a sacrifice fly RBI to make it 5-0. The War Eagles, would get out of the third with a fly out. Heading to the fourth, Pickens led Chestatee, 5-0.
Thomas Martens, would lead off the top of the fourth with a double. Eli Chaffin, would follow that with a single. Chaffing, would then steal 2nd to put runners at 2nd and 3rd with nobody out. Starks, would get out of the jam with a pair of strikeouts and a pop out to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the fourth, Allen, would lead off with a single.
Allen, would take 2nd to get into scoring position. Allen, would then advance to 3rd after a wild pitch. Kam Jenkins, would drive in Allen with an RBI single to make it 6-0. Rice, would then reach on a fielder’s choice as the War Eagles would force the out at 2nd. Rice, would then advance to 2nd after a wild pitch. Starks, would draw a walk to put runners at 1st and 2nd with 1-out.
Another wild pitch, would move up Rice and courtesy runner Zach Williams up a base. After a pop out for the second out, Sutton, would draw a walk to load the bases. Rice, would come in to score after a balk was called to make it 7-0 Dragons. The War Eagles, would get out of the seventh with a strikeout. Heading to the fifth, the Dragons led it, 7-0.
In the top of the fifth, Zac Benna, would reach on an error with 2-outs. Starks, would work around it as he picked up a pair of strikeouts and a ground out in a scoreless inning. In the bottom of the fifth, Hammontree, would lead off with a single. After a strikeout, Allen, would pick up his 2nd hit of the game. Pitch runner Caden Kirchoff, would come in all the way from 1st to make it 8-0. Allen, would make it all the way to 3rd on an error.
Jenkins, would bring in Allen with a sacrifice fly RBI to make it 9-0 Dragons. Rice, would keep the inning going by drawing a walk. The War Eagles, would get out of the fifth with a strikeout. Heading to the sixth, Pickens led Chestatee, 9-0.
Jenkins, would come on in relief of Starks in the top of the sixth. Martens, would reach by drawing a lead off walk. Martens, would then steal 2nd to advance into scoring position. Chaffins, would follow that by drawing a walk of his own to put runners at 1st and 2nd with nobody out. After forcing an infield fly, Jenkins, would pick up back to back strikeouts to send it to the bottom of the inning.
Drew Dunlap, pitch hitting for Lowit, would draw a lead off walk to begin the bottom of the sixth. Dunlap, would then advance to 2nd on a passed ball. After a strikeout, Walker, would by hit by a pitch to put runners at 1st and 2nd with 1-out. Kirchoff, would then reach on a bloop single to load the bases. Dunlap, would come in to score on a wild pitch to give the Dragons a 10-0 win in six innings.
Stats for the Dragons in Game Two:
Kam Jenkins: 1-3 with 1 single, 2 RBI and 1 IP, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 H, 2 BB, 2 K on 25 pitches
A.J. Rice: 1-3 with 1 single, 1 walk, and 2 runs scored
Christian Starks: 1-2 with 1 double, 1 walk, 1 HBP, 1 RBI, 1 run scored and 5 IP, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 H, 0 BB, 10 K on 82 pitches
Dawson Lowit: 1-3 with 1 single and 1 RBI
Drew Dunlap: 1 walk and 1 run scored
Cade Sutton: 2-2 with 1 single, 1 double, 1 walk, and 1 run scored
Matthew Davis: 1-3 with 1 single and 1 run scored
Sam Hammontree: 1-2 with 1 single, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored
Caden Kirchoff: 1-1 with 1 single and 1 run scored
Dawson Holland: 1-3 with 1 double
Jennings Allen: 2-3 with 2 singles and 2 runs scored
The Dragons, winners of ten in a row, will look to finish the season strong as they prepare for the final series of the regular season as a three game set with the GAC Spartans begins on Tuesday, April 15th at Dunn Field. The first pitch is scheduled for 5:55 pm.
Dragons lose heart breaker to GAC in region championship
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports February 16, 2025
Jasper, Ga — There was a bug fight feel in the atmosphere on Saturday, February 15th as the Pickens Dragons took on the GAC Spartans for the Boys 6-AAA Region Championship. These two teams were the top two seeds coming into the tournament, and showed why that was the case throughout the week. This game, would come down to the wire as the Spartans, would hold on at the very end to pick up a 66-64 win.
Parker Davis, would get things going with a layup to put the Dragons ahead early. A long two pointer by Mario Hill Jr, would tie the game up at 2. Dodge Davis, would make his presence known early as he would make the layup through contact. He would complete the and-1 play to make it 5-2 Dragons. After Vinh Nguyen and Parker Davis traded layups, Mikey Carpenter, would complete an and-1 play to tie the game at 7.
A pair of free throws by Dodge Davis, would give the Dragons a 9-7 lead. An 8-0 run by the Spartans, would put them in front, 15-9. Back to back buckets by Dodge Davis, would cut the Spartan lead down to 15-13. The Spartans, would close out the first quarter with a 5-0 run to make it 20-13 heading to the second quarter.
Dodge Davis, would cut into the lead with a basket to make it 20-15. After a layup by Baer Bailey, Caleb Lanford, would hit a three to cut the lead to 22-18. Parker Davis, would follow that up with a layup to cut the lead down to two. A 5-0 run by the Spartans, would make it 27-20. The Dragons, would then go on a 15-0 run to retake the lead, 35-27. Nguyen, would split a pair of free throws to close out the first half as the Dragons led it, 35-28.
Carpenter and Nguyen, would open up the second half with a 5-0 run to cut the lead down to two. A bucket by Lanford, would make it 37-33. Ledger Kincaid and Brock Barton, would both make a pair of free throws as the Dragons led it, 39-35. A three pointer by Carpenter, would cut the lead down to one. A basket from McCord Purdy, would bring it back to a three point game.
Carpenter, would then hit another three to tie the game up at 41. A 6-0 run by the Dragons, would give them a 47-41 lead. A 5-0 run by the Spartans, would make it 47-46. After Purdy split a pair of free throws, Carpenter and Hill Jr, would close out the third quarter with back to back three pointers to give the Spartans a 52-48 lead heading to the fourth.
A pair of free throws by Parker Davis, would cut the lead down to two. After Nguyen and Barton traded baskets, Hill Jr and Kincaid, would hit back to back threes to make it 60-52. The Dragons, would then go on a 6-0 run, to cut the lead down to 60-58. A three by Adrian Hughes, would make it 63-58. Parker Davis, would answer that three with one of his own to make it 63-61.
After several intentional fouls by the Dragons, Hill Jr, would go to the line for two shots. He would make both to put the Spartans up 65-61. With time dwindling down, Barton, would hit a three from the edge of the mid court logo to cut the lead to 65-64. Hill Jr, would go back to the line where he would split a pair of free throws to make it 66-64.
With 5 seconds left on the clock, Purdy, raced from one end of the floor to the other and got a good look at a potential game tying shot, but it would not fall as the Spartans would hang on for the 66-64 win.
Leading scorers for the Dragons:
Dodge Davis: 22 points
Parker Davis: 18 points
Brock Barton: 10 points
Caleb Lanford: 7 points
McCord Purdy: 7 points
The Dragons, will now have to wait and see where they end up in the rankings for the AAA State Tournament. They will be a #2 seed heading into the tournament. They could end up as the #10 seed, but we will have to just wait and see when the GHSA releases their rankings and bracket as to where the Dragons will officially end up.
Dragons use big second half to move on to 6-AAA Championship
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports February 15, 2025
Jasper, Ga — There were four teams remaining on the boys side of the 6-AAA Region Tournament heading into the semifinals on Friday, February 14th. The earlier game saw the GAC Spartans, get past the Lumpkin Indians to secure a spot in the Championship game. The Pickens Dragons, took on the Trojans of North Hall. The Dragons, who were trailing at the half, used a 49-20 second half to pick up a 79-55 win.
Micah Jimerson, would connect on a short jumper to get the scoring started and give the Trojans a 2-0 lead. A layup by Brock Barton, would jump start an 11-0 run by the Dragons as Parker Davis, Caleb Lanford, and McCord Purdy also contributed to the run. A bucket by Cole Hulsey, would cut the lead to 11-4. After a basket by Parker Davis, Hulsey, would then complete an and-1 play to trim the lead down to 13-7.
Hulsey, would then score on a layup to cut the lead to four. Jamin Martin, would hit a running jumper to make it 15-9. A three by Gunner Spain, would cut the lead down to 15-12. A late bucket by Parker Davis, would make it 17-12 Dragons heading to the second quarter.
Barton, would begin the second quarter with a three pointer to make it 20-12. Hulsey and Lanford, would then trade free throw makes as the Dragons led it, 21-13. After a basket by Jimerson, Lanford, would hit a three to make it 24-15. Hulsey and Cooper Payton, would combine for a 5-0 run to cut the lead to 24-20. After a layup by Barton, the Trojans, would go on a 7-0 run to take a 27-26 lead.
Parker Davis, would put an end to the run with a pair of free throws to give the Dragons a 28-27 lead. The Trojans, would retake the lead after an 8-0 run to make it 35-28. A late basket by Barton would cut the lead down to 36-30 heading into the break.
Dodge Davis and Hulsey, would trade three point buckets to open the second half as the Trojans led it, 38-33. Purdy, would then split a pair of free throws to cut the lead down to four. After a basket by Jimerson, the Dragons, would go on an 11-0 run to retake the lead, 45-40. A bucket by Walker Davis, would end the run and cut the lead to 45-42. Dodge Davis, Lanford, and Barton would then combine for a 6-0 run to stretch the lead out to 51-42.
Hulsey, would split a pair of free throws to cut the Dragons lead down to 51-43 heading to the fourth quarter.
Spain and Jimerson, would hit back to back threes to begin the fourth quarter to cut the Dragons lead down to 51-49. The Dragons, would counter with a 7-0 run to stretch the lead out to 58-49. A bucket by Hulsey, would cut the lead to 58-51. Another 7-0 run by the Dragons, would make it 65-51. A pair of free throws by Jimerson, would cut the lead down to 65-53.
Purdy, would then make four straight free throws to give the Dragons a 69-53 lead. A basket by Walker Vining, would cut the lead to 69-55. From there, the Trojans would go on a fouling spree as Purdy, Dodge Davis, and Lanford, would combine to make 8 straight free throws. A late steal and bucket by Parker Davis to end the game, would seal a 79-55 win for the Dragons.
Leading scorers for the Dragons:
Dodge Davis: 20 points
Caleb Lanford: 15 points
McCord Purdy: 15 points
Parker Davis: 14 points
Brock Barton: 9 points
Jamin Martin: 2 points
The Dragons, will now shift their attention to the GAC Spartans as they will battle for the 6-AAA Region Championship on Saturday, February 15th. Tip off is set for 7:30 pm.
Davis brothers combine for 50 as Dragons sweep Spartans
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports January 29, 2025
Norcross, Ga — The Pickens Dragons, took to the road for the final time during the ’24-’25 season as they battled the Greater Atlanta Christian School Spartans on Tuesday, January 28th. Coming into the game, the Dragons, were 20-0 and 10-0 in 6-AAA. The Spartans, were 15-5 and 7-2 in 6-AAA. The Dragons, got 26 from Dodge Davis and 24 from Parker Davis in route to a 76-50 win over the Spartans.
Parker Davis, got the scoring started with a layup to make it 2-0 early. A layup by Baer Bailey, would tie the game up at 2. From there, the Dragons would go on an 11-0 run as Dodge Davis, Caleb Lanford, MCord Purdy, and Parker Davis would all combine to give Pickens a 13-2 lead. The Spartans, would counter with a 5-0 run as Vinh Nguyen would hit a three and Bailey would make another lay in to make it 13-7.
A three by Lanford, would stretch the lead to 16-7. After a pair of free throws from Ledger Kincaid, Mario Hill Jr would make a basket to cut the lead to 16-11. A three by Dodge Davis, would temporarily put an end to the Spartans run. Hill Jr and Kincaid would then team up again to go on a 5-0 run to make it 19-16. A layup by Dodge Davis would give the Dragons a 21-16 lead heading to the second quarter.
Purdy would get things going in the second quarter with a three to make it 24-16. Nguyen and Hill Jr, would then combine for a 6-0 run to cut the lead to 24-22. Parker Davis, would then make back to back shots to give the Dragons a 28-22 lead. After a couple of fouls by both teams, Hill Jr., would step to the line and make both free throws. Mikey Carpenter, would then get his name in the score book to make it 26-24.
The Dragons, would close out the first half with Lanford hitting a three, and Parker Davis completing an and-1 play to give Pickens a 34-26 lead at the half.
The Dragons, would begin the second half by going on a 6-0 run as Parker Davis would make a layup, Dodge Davis would split a pair of free throws, and Brock Barton would hit a three to make it 40-26. A three by Bailey, would put an end to the run and make it 40-29. Later on in the quarter, Barton, the Davis brothers, and Lanford, would help stretch the lead out to 51-37.
A three by Hill Jr., would make it 51-40. The Davis brothers, would go on a 6-0 run to end the third quarter as the Dragons took a 57-40 lead into the fourth.
The Spartans, would start the fourth quarter by hitting a three to make it 57-43. After Parker Davis and Hill Jr. traded baskets, Parker Davis, would complete another and-1 play to make it 62-45. Kincaid, would hit a three to make it 62-48. A 5-0 run by Dodge Davis, would make it 67-48. After a basket by Bailey, the Dragons, would close out the game on a 9-0 run to pick up a 76-50 victory.
Leading scorers for the Dragons:
Dodge Davis: 26 points
Parker Davis: 24 points
Caleb Lanford: 13 points
Brock Barton: 7 points
McCord Purdy: 6 points
6-AAA Boys Basketball Standings:
Pickens: 21-0 (11-0)
Lumpkin: 14-8 (8-3)
GAC: 15-6 (7-3)
North Hall: 12-9 (5-5)
Dawson: 7-14 (4-6)
White County: 4-17 (3-7)
Chestatee: 4-17 (3-7)
Johnson-Gainesville: 1-17 (0-10)
The Dragons, will begin a three game home stand to close out the regular season beginning with a game against the White County Warriors on Friday, January 31st. The Dragons, defeated the Warriors back on January 3rd. Tip off is set for 7:30 pm.
Barton and Davis combine for 55 in win against GAC
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports January 10, 2025
Jasper, Ga — The Pickens Dragons, were back inside the Dragons Den on Thursday, January 9th as they took on the Greater Atlanta Christian Spartans in another 6-AAA match up. This game, was originally scheduled for Friday, January 10th, but the impending weather forced it to be moved up a day to Thursday. The Dragons, came into the game with a 15-0 overall record and 5-0 in region play. The Spartans, came into the game 11-4 overall and 4-1 in region play. The Dragons, raced out to a nice lead and used that to pick up an 87-60 win.
The first quarter started with the Dragons going on a 10-0 run to begin the game. Senior Brock Barton, would get that run started with 3 of his 8 first quarter points. The Davis brothers, Dodge and Parker, added 7 and 6 points respectively in the quarter. A smothering Dragons defense, allowed just 4 points in the first quarter. Heading to the second quarter, the Dragons led the Spartans, 21-4.
Barton, would open up the scoring in the second quarter as he would hit his third three of the first half to make it 24-4. After a bucket by the Spartans, Caleb Lanford, who scored his 1,000th career point on Tuesday in the win against Johnson, nailed a three to make it 27-6. Scoring wise, the second quarter was closely contested as the Dragons outscored the Spartans, 23-20. At the half, the Dragons led it, 44-24.
Barton’s good night continued in the third quarter as he led with 10 points. Dodge Davis contributed 8 points in the quarter, and Lanford added 3 points. The third quarter was another nice back and forth quarter between the two teams as the Dragons outscored the Spartans, 21-20 in the quarter. Heading to the fourth, the Dragons were still on top, 65-44.
The fourth quarter saw the Dragons put on a little bit of a show as there were dunks off of fast breaks and alley oops off of set plays. McCord Purdy would also show off his passing ability with a behind the back pass that would lead to a layup. The Dragons, would outscore the Spartans, 22-16 in the fourth on their way to an 87-60 victory.
Scoring leaders for the Dragons:
Brock Barton: 28 points (6 threes)
Dodge Davis: 27 points (3 threes)
Caleb Lanford: 16 points (4 threes)
Parker Davis: 12 points
Jamin Martin: 2 points
McCord Purdy: 2 points
6-AAA Boys Basketball Standings:
Pickens: 16-0 (6-0)
Lumpkin: 11-6 (5-1)
GAC: 11-5 (4-2)
North Hall: 10-7 (3-3)
Dawson: 5-12 (2-4)
White County: 3-13 (2-4)
Chestatee: 2-14 (1-4)
Johnson-Gainesville: 1-11 (0-5)
The Dragons, were set to take on Walton on Saturday, January 11th, but the impending weather forced all school activities for Saturday to be cancelled. No word on if that game will be made up or not. The Dragons, will now turn their attention to Tuesday, January 14th as they take to the road to battle the Dawson Tigers in another 6-AAA ball game. Tip off is set for 7:30 pm.
Dragons defeat Spartans in first time meeting
PHS Football, Team FYN Sports October 26, 2024
Norcross, Ga — The Pickens Dragons, were in win and stay alive mode on Friday, October 25th as they made the long trip down to Norcross to take on the Spartans of Greater Atlanta Christian in a first time ever match up between region 6-AAA foes. It was Senior Night for GAC as they honored Senior players, managers, trainers, cheerleaders, and band members. As for the game, the Dragons were able to withstand a major blow in the fourth to comeback and pick up a massive win, 28-25.
The Dragons, won the toss, but elected to differ to the second half. The Spartans, would drive the ball down the field, taking up nearly half of the first quarter with them. The Dragons, would hold the Spartans to a 24-yd field goal. GAC, would take a 3-0 lead with 6:44 left in the opening quarter. The Dragons, would use their run game during their first possession of the game as Carson Mitton would cap off the drive with a 16-yd touchdown run.
The PAT from McCordy Purdy was good and with 3:23 left in the first quarter, Pickens led GAC, 7-3. The Spartans, were looking to retake the lead as the first quarter came to a close with the Dragons ahead, 7-3.
At the 10:40 mark of the second quarter, the Spartans would retake the lead after a 4-yd touchdown run by QB Denzell Watkins. The PAT was good and the Spartans led the Dragons, 10-7. Later on in the quarter, the Dragons, had a chance of their own to retake the lead before the half as they had the ball near the goal line of GAC. With around 20 seconds left in the half, a pass attempt was tipped and picked off in the end zone by the Spartans. GAC led it, 10-7 at the half.
The Dragons, got the ball in first in the third quarter and would retake the lead as Hayden Jones connected with Purdy and Purdy would take it 49 yards to the house for the touchdown. The PAT by Purdy was good and with 11:17 left in the third, Pickens led GAC, 14-10. A perfectly placed pooch kick by Purdy on the ensuing kick off would be recovered by the Dragons on the GAC 18-yd line. The Dragons, would turn that into points as Mitton would power his way in with a 3-yd touchdown run. The PAT was good and Pickens led GAC, 21-10.
Later on in the third quarter, the Dragons were looking to again add to their lead as they were down near the 1-yd line of GAC as the quarter came to a close.
The Spartans, were able to stop the Dragons on 4th and goal from the 1-yd line to begin the fourth quarter. The Spartans would then need only one play to score as Pierce Wilson would scamper 99 yards for the touchdown. GAC, would then connect on a two point conversion attempt to make it 21-18 with 11:40 left in the game. After the Dragons were forced to punt, the Spartans again scored on a long play as Watkins found Jaden Henry for a 92-yd touchdown. The PAT was good and with 9:09 left in the game, the Spartans had their first lead since the second quarter, 25-21.
After the Dragons were forced to punt on their next possession, the Spartans took over looking to drain the clock and add to their lead. With under 5 minutes to go in the game, the Dragons caught the break they were looking for as they would recover a fumble by the Spartans. The Dragons, would drain a little bit of the clock as Jones would run to the left and reach the ball across the goal line for a 3-yd touchdown. The PAT from Purdy was good, and with 1:03 left in the game, Pickens led GAC, 28-25.
The Spartans, would get just past midfield with 10 seconds left and had the ball on 4th down. Watkins, would scramble to his left looking to throw, but the pass would come up short and the Dragons would hold on to defeat GAC, 28-25.
6-AAA Football Standings:
North Hall: 7-2 (6-0) Region Champions
GAC: 4-5 (4-2)
Lumpkin: 6-3 (4-2) clinched playoff berth
Pickens: 5-4 (3-3) (defeated Dawson, Johnson, and GAC lost to White County, North Hall, and Chestatee)
Dawson: 4-5 (3-3) (lost to Pickens, GAC, and Lumpkin defeated Johnson, White County, and Chestatee)
Chestatee: 4-5 (3-3) (defeated Johnson, Pickens, and White County lost to North Hall, Lumpkin, and Dawson)
White County: 2-7 (1-5) eliminated
Johnson, Gainesville: 0-9 (0-6) eliminated
As you can see, the standings are a little bunched up heading into the final week of the regular season next week. The Dragons, will welcome the Lumpkin County Indians to Jasper on Friday, November 1st in what has turned into a very important game for both teams. For the Dragons, they’ll need a win against Lumpkin, and a GAC win over Chestatee to get into one of the top 4 slots. For Lumpkin, a win over Pickens and a Chestatee win over GAC, would vault them into the 2 seed. A lot to play for for both teams next Friday night. Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm.