Dragons defeat Generals to begin region series
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports March 23, 2022
Jasper, Ga — Coming off of a series with Northwest Whitfield last week which saw the Dragons take two of three from the Bruins, Pickens began a series with the Heritage Generals on Tuesday, March 22nd. Heritage, swept the Southeast Whitfield Raiders two weeks ago, but did not participate in region play last week. The Generals, came into the game with a 9-5 overall record and 3-0 in 7-AAAA play. The Dragons, came into the game with an identical 9-5 overall record and a 4-2 record in 7-AAAA play. Off the strength of big time pitching performances by Connor Shouse and JP Nunn, the Dragons came away with a 5-1 win over the Generals in game 1 of the series.
Sophomore Ga Tech commit Connor Shouse, got the start for the Dragons in game 1 of the series. After giving up a lead off walk, Shouse was able to regroup as he would collect his first two strikeouts of the game and send us to the bottom of the first, still 0-0. In the bottom of the first, Shouse led off with a single to the right side. Shouse then took 2nd after a passed ball. He would be left at 2nd as the Generals were able to force a pop up to 3rd, a strikeout, and a ground out to send us to the top of the second, still scoreless.
In the top of the second, Heritage was again able to draw a lead off walk. After the walk, Shouse collected himself and struck out the side to send it to the bottom of the frame. In the bottom of the second, the Dragons were able to get on the board with a couple of runs. Tyler Payne worked the count full then drew a 1-out walk, Trey Payne then hit a single, James Tilley followed that up with a single of his own to load the bases. Colby Brooks, reached on a fielder’s choice as courtesy runner Cason Cannon and Trey Payne came around to score to make it 2-0. Shouse then drew a four pitch walk, and Trace Ledbetter followed with a single to again load the bases. Brooks came in to score after Anthony Antinozzi reached on an error to make it 3-0. The Generals, were able to force a fly out to center as we’d head to the top of the third with Pickens now leading Heritage, 3-0.
In the top of the third, Heritage, was able to force yet another lead off walk. Their third in three innings. The Dragons got a big double play after the walk as Ledbetter gathered the ground ball, stepped on first, then fired it to Tilley at second to complete the double play. Shouse then ended the top half of the third with his 6th strikeout of the game. In the bottom of the third, Cade Sutton led off by reaching on an error. After a beautiful bunt by Tyler Payne, Sutton found himself at 2nd. Trey Payne then reached on a 4 pitch walk to put runners at 1st and 2nd with just 1 out. Tilley, reached first on a fielder’s choice, which allowed Sutton to come in and score to make it 4-0 Dragons. Brooks, then nearly beat out a grounder to the third baseman as they’d go to the top of the fourth, with Pickens leading the Generals, 4-0.
In the top of the fourth, Shouse picked up his 7th strikeout of the game to begin the top half of the frame. While the pitches weren’t missing by much, Heritage was able to draw a walk for the 4th time to put a runner at 1st. After the walk, Shouse then collected his 8th strikeout for the second out of the inning. After the Generals picked up their first hit of the ball game, Shouse ended the top half of the fourth with his 9th strikeout to send us to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the fourth, Heritage got it’s first clean inning of the game as they were able to force two fly outs and a ground out to send it to the fifth with the Dragons ahead, 4-0.
In the top of the fifth, Shouse forced two ground outs and picked up his 10th strikeout in a clean top half of the frame to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the fifth, Sutton reached on a 1-out single. Tyler Payne reached on a 4-pitch walk to put runners on 1st and 2nd with 1-out. The runners then moved up to 2nd and 3rd as Trey Payne grounded out to first. Tilley, drove in the courtesy runner Cannon to make it 5-0 Pickens. Tilley, advanced to 2nd on the throw home and the Dragons had runners at 2nd and 3rd with 2-outs. Heritage, got out of the inning after a fly out to right field and they’d go to the top of the sixth with Pickens now leading the Generals, 5-0.
In the top of the sixth, JP Nunn came on in relief of Shouse. Heritage picked up a run on 3 hits in the top of the inning to cut the Dragons lead to 5-1. In the bottom of the frame, Ledbetter reached on a 1-out single. Antinozzi reached on a walk to put runners on 1st and 2nd with 1-out. The Generals, forced to pop outs to send it to the seventh with the Dragons ahead, 5-1.
In the top of the seventh, Nunn worked around a lead off walk as he picked up his 2nd and 3rd strikeout and left that runner stranded to end the ball game and seal the win for the Dragons in game 1 of the series, 5-1.
Stats For The Dragons:
Connor Shouse: 1-3 with a single and a walk (5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 10 K, 4 BB, 81 pitches)
Trace Ledbetter: 2-4 with 2 singles
Anthony Antinozzi: 1 walk
Cade Sutton: 1-4 with a single and 1 run scored
Tyler Payne: 2 walks, and 1 sacrifice bunt
Trey Payne: 1-2 with a single, a walk, and 1 run scored
James Tilley: 2-3 with 2 singles and 1 RBI
Colby Brooks: 2 RBI and 1 run scored
Cason Cannon: 2 runs scored
7-AAAA Baseball Standings:
Heritage: 9-6 (3-1)
Pickens: 10-5 (5-2)
Cedartown: 9-6 (5-2)
Northwest Whitfield: 8-7 (2-2)
Central-Carroll: 10-7 (3-4)
Ridgeland: 6-7 (2-4)
Southeast Whitfield: 3-14 (1-6)
The Dragons and Generals, will now turn their attention to the doubleheader that is set for Friday, March 25th at Heritage. The first game of the doubleheader has a first pitch time of 4:30 pm. The second game will follow shortly after the first game concludes.
Dragons will be the #4 seed in next week’s region tournament
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports February 11, 2022
Jasper, Ga — After the girls game was over, we were set for a big time battle between the Pickens Dragons and the visiting Cedartown Bulldogs. Coming into the game, the Dragons were 11-13 overall and 5-6 in 7-AAAA play. The Bulldogs, came in at 10-11 overall and 7-4 in 7-AAAA play. Cedartown defeated Pickens earlier in the season on December 7th in a close game, 55-52. In what was a physical game played by both teams, the Dragons came away with a 52-48 win.
Both teams struggled a bit to start the first quarter until Junior Kadyn Hampton broke the scoreless streak with a layup to make it 2-0 Pickens. Cedartown got it’s first points of the game after a three pointer to take their first lead, 3-2. The Dragons answered with a 7-0 run as Senior Luke Rogers and Sophomore Caleb Keith made layups and Sophomore Camden Dunn hit a three to make it 9-3. After the Bulldogs split a pair of free throws, the Dragons went on a little 3-0 run as Dunn hit a jumper and Rogers split a pair of free throws to make it 12-4. Cedartown made a bucket to make it 12-6 Pickens going to the second quarter.
Jaden Stewart with the ball for Pickens
The Bulldogs started the second quarter off on a 10-0 run to retake the lead, 16-12. A three pointer by Sophomore Marcus Pike cut the lead down to 16-15. After the two teams traded free throw makes, Pike made a layup plus the free throw after being fouled to give the Dragons a 20-18 lead. After Cedartown went down and tied the game up at 20, Pickens went on a 7-0 run Rogers made a layup, Junior Jaden Stewart hit a three, and Pike continued his hot quarter with another layup to make it 27-20. The Bulldogs countered that with a 14-0 run to reclaim the lead, 34-27. Stewart made a layup to make it 34-29 going into the break.
Dragons on defense in the second quarter
The third quarter was a low scoring frame for both teams and that would end up benefiting the Dragons. Senior Caleb Bryant got things going by splitting a pair of free throws, Hampton, who had been battling foul trouble, made a layup to cut the Bulldog lead down to 34-32. Cedartown ended the mini 3-0 run with a three pointer to make it 37-32. Those would be the only points for the Bulldogs in the third as Pickens went on a 7-0 run to end the quarter capped off by Stewart beating the clock with a layup to give the Dragons a 39-37 lead going to the fourth.
Dragons on offense in the third
The fourth quarter began with the Dragons continuing their run from the third quarter as Stewart and Bryant made back to back layups to give Pickens a 43-37 lead. Cedartown came right back with a pair of three pointers to tie the game up at 43 a piece. Rogers then gave the Dragons the lead back with a pair of free throws to make it 45-43. After a technical foul was called on Pickens, the Bulldogs split the technical free throws and made a layup to give Cedartown a 46-45 lead. On the next trip down, Dunn hit a massive three pointer to give the Dragons a 48-46 lead. The Bulldogs, came right back down the floor and tied the ball game back up at 48. Rogers, came up clutch with another layup to give Pickens a 50-48 lead. Cedartown, then went to the line for a pair of free throws. The first one was no good. With little time left, the second one had to be missed intentionally. In a scramble for the ball, it went out of bounds last touched by the Bulldogs. Rogers would receive the in-bounds pass and was fouled. The Dragons big man went to the line and hit both free throws to give Pickens the 52-48 win.
Leading Scorers For The Dragons:
Jaden Stewart: 14 points
Luke Rogers: 13 points
Camden Dunn: 8 points
Marcus Pike: 8 points
Kadyn Hampton: 4 points
Caleb Bryant: 3 points
Caleb Keith: 2 points
7-AAAA Boys Region Standings:
Central-Carroll: 16-8 (10-2) #1 seed in region tournament
Northwest Whitfield: 21-3 (9-3) #2 seed in region tournament
Cedartown: 10-12 (7-5) #3 seed in region tournament
Pickens: 12-13 (6-6) #4 seed in region tournament
Heritage: 9-13 (5-7) #5 seed in region tournament
SE Whitfield: 11-14 (4-8) #6 seed in region tournament
Ridgeland: 8-16 (1-11) #7 seed in region tournament
With the win, the Dragons secured the #4 seed in next week’s 7-AAAA Region Tournament. They will take on the #5 seed Heritage Generals on Tuesday, February 15th in the first round. Heritage defeated the Dragons in both regular season match ups with the game in Jasper being very close. This game, and every other Region Tournament game next week will be played at Northwest Whitfield.
Generals defeat Dragons in tough region contest
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports January 26, 2022
Jasper, Ga — After the game between the Nettes and Lady Generals was over, it was time for the Pickens Dragons and the Heritage Generals to take the floor. Coming into the game, the Dragons held a record of 9-11 (3-4) while the Generals came in at 8-9 (4-4). Both teams were looking for a win to stay in the thick of the 7-AAAA standings race with only a couple weeks left until the region tournament. The first meeting between these two in December went the way of the Generals as they defeated the Dragons 56-31 at Heritage. In what was a very physical game, a tough fourth quarter led to the Generals coming away with a 49-46 win.
The first quarter got off to a very rough start for both teams as turnovers and missed shots were the theme to begin the game. Heritage, finally broke the drought and went on a 4-0 run to give them the lead. A bucket by Collin Kellogg got the Dragons on the board and cut the Generals lead in half. Heritage would respond by going on a 6-0 run to make it 10-2. A free throw make by Luke Rogers made it 10-3 Generals going to the second.
Luke Rogers looking for a teammate
To start the second quarter, Rogers again split a pair of free throws to make it 10-4. After a three pointer by the Generals, the Dragons went on a 9-0 run powered by two three pointers from Jaden Stewart, and Rogers converting an and-1 to tie things up at 13. The tie didn’t last long as the Generals got an and-1 of their own to retake the lead, 16-13. The Dragons ended the first half on a 5-0 run as Stewart hit his third three pointer of the quarter and Caleb Keith made a layup just before the buzzer to give Pickens an 18-16 lead at the break.
Dragons defending the Generals
The third quarter began with Caleb Bryant hitting two free throws to make it 20-16. Caleb Keith kept the run going with a three pointer to make it 23-16. All together, the Dragons went on a 10-0 run to take the first lead of the game. Heritage answered with a 4-0 run to make it 23-20. After the two teams traded buckets, Pickens went on a 7-0 run as Kadyn Hampton contributed 4 points, and Camden Dunn hit a three to make it 37-25 Dragons. The Generals then got a bucket to cut the lead down to 37-27. Rogers got a bucket to drop as Pickens took a 39-27 lead over Heritage into the fourth.
Dragons with the ball in the third
The Generals started the fourth quarter on a 7-0 run to cut the Dragons lead down to 39-34. Rogers then countered with a 5-0 run on his own as he made two field goals and made a free throw to make it 44-34. A 13-0 run from Heritage would flip the game and give the Generals their first lead since the second quarter at 47-44. Rogers and Hampton both split a pair of free throws to make it 47-46. A pair of free throws from Heritage made it 49-46. The Dragons had a couple final chances for a game tying three pointer, but they would fall short and the Generals would come away with the win, 49-46.
7-AAAA Region Standings:
Central-Carroll: 13-6 (7-1)
Northwest Whitfield: 17-3 (6-3)
Cedartown: 7-9 (5-3)
Heritage: 9-9 (5-4)
Pickens: 9-12 (3-5)
Southeast Whitfield: 8-12 (2-6)
Ridgeland: 7-12 (1-7)
A two game road trip for the Dragons starts on Friday, January 28th as they will travel up to Rossville to take on the Ridgeland Panthers. Earlier this month, the Dragons came away with a 61-58 win over the Panthers in Jasper. Tip off for this one is set for 7:30.
Dragons just short in comeback attempt against Lions
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports December 11, 2021
Jasper, Ga — After the girls game, it was time for the boys teams to take the court. Coming into the game, the Dragons were 2-4 overall and 0-1 in 7-AAAA play while the Central-Carroll Lions came in at 3-1 overall and 1-0 in region play. After getting down early, the Dragons fought back in the fourth quarter, but the Lions held on for a 60-48 win.
In the first quarter, Luke Rogers got the scoring started for Pickens as he hit one of two free throws. From there, Central-Carroll would go on a 10-0 run to make it 10-1. Rogers stopped the run with a bucket to make it 10-3. The Lions then went on a 5-0 run to stretch their lead out to 15-3. The Dragons then countered with a 7-0 run getting a three pointer by Jaden Stewart, and two buckets from Collin Kellogg to make it 15-10. After a three pointer by Central-Carroll, Pickens got a bucket from Kadyn Hampton to make it 18-12 Lions going to the second quarter.
Dragons with the ball in the 1st quarter
The saw quarter saw both teams trade buckets back and forth early on. The Dragons then cut a 23-16 deficit, to just a one possession game at 23-20 after buckets from Rogers and Stewart. The Lions would go on an 8-0 run to make it 31-20. After two free throws from Stewart, Central-Carroll closed the first half on a 4-0 run to make it 35-22 at the break.
Dragons defending the Lions
After a 4-0 start to the third quarter by the Lions, the Dragons got four points back after a free throw from Rogers, and a three pointer from Stewart to make it 39-26. After Central-Carroll hit four free throws, Pickens went on a 6-0 run aided by two buckets from Rogers, and a bucket from Stewart to make it 43-32. The two teams then traded a pair of buckets to make it 45-34 Lions. As the third quarter was coming to a close, Stewart launched a prayer from well behind half court and nailed it to make it 45-37 going to the fourth.
Jaden Stewart getting a screen
Stewart, would open up the fourth quarter the same way he ended the third quarter to cut the Lions lead down to 45-40. After a bucket by Central-Carroll, the Dragons got a three pointer from Kellogg to make it 47-43. The Lions, then went on an 8-0 run to make it 55-43. From then on the teams would each score five points as Central-Carroll came away with a 60-48 win.
Leading scorers for Pickens:
Jaden Stewart: 19 points
Luke Rogers: 14 points
Collin Kellogg: 11 points
7-AAAA Region Standings:
Central-Carroll: 4-1 (2-0)
Heritage: 3-3 (2-0)
Southeast Whitfield: 3-2 (1-0)
Cedartown: 1-2 (1-1)
Ridgeland: 1-4 (0-1)
Northwest Whitfield: 5-2 (0-2)
Pickens: 2-5 (0-2)
On Tuesday, December 14th, the Dragons will be back on the road as they head up to take on the Generals of Heritage. Pickens will look to put an end to their recent struggles and pick up their first region win. Tip off set for 7:30.
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 fall to Generals in game 3 after tough 7th inning
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports March 30, 2021
Pickens County Ga — A little while after game 2 of the series between the Pickens Dragons and the Heritage Generals ended, the third and final game of the series began. The Dragons, came into the game looking for their first series win in region play. Having lost their first region game in game 2, the Generals came into game 3 looking to maintain first place in 7-AAAA. After a difficult and emotional top of the 7th, Heritage took the 3rd game of the series, 16-4.
In the top of the 1st, Dragons starter Tee Knight, needed 10 pitches to get out of the top half of the frame. In the bottom of the 1st, the Dragons got a 1-out hit from Anthony Antinozzi, but that would be all as we headed to the 2nd inning, still tied at 0.
In the top of the 2nd, the Generals plated 4 runs to take a 4-0 lead over Pickens. In the bottom half of the 2nd, Drake Sutton led off by drawing a walk. Sutton, then advanced to 3rd after a pick off attempt got past the Heritage first baseman. With 1-out, Trace Ledbetter drove in Sutton to make it 4-1 Generals going to the top of the 3rd.
In the top of the 3rd, Hunter White came on in relief of Knight. White, held the Generals scoreless to send the bats of Pickens back to the plate. In the bottom of the 3rd, Seth Densmore would be hit by a pitch, but nothing would come of it as we’d head to the 4th, stil 4-1 Heritage.
Let’s skip to the bottom of the 5th inning. The score still 4-1 Generals. James Tilley got things going by drawing a walk. Connor Shouse, followed by drawing a walk of his own. Antinozzi then followed by reaching on an error. Tilley would score on the play. White, then drove a single to right field. Shouse would score on the play, but courtesy runner Colby Brooks would be thrown out at the plate for the first out. Densmore, then drove in White with an RBI double to tie the game at 4.
In the top of the 6th, JP Nunn came in for the Dragons and sat the Generals down on just 7 pitches. In the bottom of the 6th, the Generals were able to get the Dragons in order as we headed to the 7th, game deadlocked at 4.
In the top of the 7th, some unfortunate events happened if you were a Dragons fan. Nunn, forced a dribbler down the first base line. A bang/bang play at the first base bag with the runner being called safe. Nunn then tried a pick off attempt at first base. Ledbetter, appeared to tag the runner before he got back to the bag. The field umpire however called the runner safe. This, led to the flood gates being opened for the Generals. Heritage, scored a total of 12 runs in the top half of the 7th to make it 16-4. Pickens went quietly in the bottom of the 7th as the Generals took game 3, 16-4.
7-AAAA Baseball Standings:
Heritage: 12-4 (5-1)
Cedartown: 10-6 (7-2)
Northwest Whitfield: 14-4 (4-2)
Central-Carroll: 10-6 (5-4)
Pickens: 9-8 (3-6)
Southeast Whitfield: 8-9 (2-7)
Ridgeland: 3-9 (1-5)
The Dragons, will be right back at it this afternoon as they travel down to Polk County to begin a 3-game series with the Cedartown Bulldogs. As you see in the standings above, the Bulldogs currently sit in the 2nd spot in the region with Pickens sitting in 5th. First pitch for this one set for 5:30 pm.
Dragons take game 2 against Heritage
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports March 30, 2021
Pickens County, Ga — We had Monday night baseball on Monday, March 29th as the Pickens Dragons hosted the Heritage Generals for game 2 and 3 of their 3-game series. The doubleheader, was originally scheduled for Friday, March 26th, but the storms that blew through on Thursday, March 27th, forced the doubleheader to be moved to Monday. The Dragons, got runs in the 1st, 4th, and 6th innings as they took game 2 against the Generals, 6-2.
In the top of the 1st, Dragons starter Connor Shouse, picked up two strikeouts as we would head to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the frame, Shouse led off with a single. In a long at bat, Anthony Antinozzi, drew a walk to put runners on 1st and 2nd. With 1-out, Seth Densmore drove in courtesy runner Colby Brooks to make it 1-0. Drake Sutton, brought in a run to make it 2-0 Dragons going to the 2nd.
In the top of the 2nd, the Generals cut the Pickens lead in half after a walk and a hit led to a run to make it 2-1. In the bottom of the inning, Heritage sat the Dragons down quietly to send the game to the 3rd inning with Pickens ahead, 2-1.
In the top of the 3rd, Shouse forced three pop outs from the Generals and got out of the 3rd with an 8-pitch frame. In the bottom half of the 3rd, the Dragons got hits from Hunter White and Densmore with 2-outs, but were unable to bring a run home as we’d head to the 4th, still 2-1 Pickens.
In the top of the 4th, another walk and hit for the Generals led to Heritage tying things up at 2 a piece. In the bottom of the inning, Jarod Whitmore would lead off with a single. With 1-out, Parker Rhodes laid down a beautiful bunt to have runners on the corners at 1st and 3rd. With 2-outs, James Tilley would drive in Whitmore to regain the lead for the Dragons at 3-2, going to the 5th.
In the top of the 5th, Tilley came on in relief of Shouse, who pitched very well. Tilley, got out of the top of the 5th in 14 pitches with no damage down. In the bottom of the 5th, the Dragons got a lead off single from Antinozzi, but that would be all. Going to the 6th, the Dragons led the Generals, 3-2.
Much like Shouse in the top of the 3rd, Tilley needed just 8 pitches in the top of the 6th to retire the side. In the bottom of the 6th, Whitmore drew a 1-out walk, Trace Ledbetter got on with a 1-out single, and Rhodes drew another 1-out walk to load the bases. Tilley, then got drilled in the back with a pitch as Whitmore came in to make it 4-2. After a 2nd run would score, Shouse brought in a 3rd run to make it 6-2 Dragons going to the 7th.
In the top of the 7th, Tilley, had a somewhat long half inning with 20 pitches, but kept Heritage off the board as the Dragons took game 2 of the series, 6-2.
With the win, the Dragons picked up their 9th win of the season and their 3rd in 7-AAAA play. After the 2nd game against the Generals, the Dragons were slotted in 5th place in the region standings.
Close game 1 between the Dragons and Generals
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports March 24, 2021
Ringgold, Ga — The Pickens Dragons (8-7, 2-5) traveled to Ringgold in Catoosa County on Tuesday, March 23rd to begin a 3-game set in the 7-AAAA region with the Heritage Generals (11-3, 4-0). Coming into the series, the Dragons have run into some tough luck with some close losses, but came into the series with some momentum after a 7-2 win over Northwest Whitfield in game 3 of the series on Friday. Heritage, came into the series having spent the last week in out of region play. The Generals swept Southeast Whitfield two weeks ago. In another close ball game, the Generals were able to come away with a 6-5 win.
In the top of the 1st, Freshman Connor Shouse, who went 6-6 in the doubleheader against Northwest Whitfield on Friday, continued his hot hitting by leading off with a single. With 1-out, Hunter White was able to break up a double play attempt and reached 1st base. Seth Densmore then followed with a 2-out single. Heritage, was able to get out of the inning and keep it tied at zero. In the bottom of the 1st, the Generals used a long inning to take an early lead. Heritage, scored 4 runs on 3 hits to take a 4-0 lead going to the 2nd.
The Dragons would go quietly in the top of the 2nd as it remained 4-0 Generals. In the bottom half of the frame, Heritage plated another run to extend their lead out to 5-0 going to the 3rd.
In the top of the 3rd, the Generals again held the Dragons scoreless to keep it at 5-0. In the bottom of the 3rd, Densmore, now in his second full inning of relief, needed 13 pitches to send us to the top of the 4th, still 5-0 Heritage.
In the top of the 4th, the Dragons got things going. White, led off with a walk. Densmore, then would be hit by a pitch. After White advanced to 3rd and courtesy runner Colby Brooks advanced to 2nd, Drake Sutton drove in White with an RBI single. With 1-out, Sutton attempted to steal 2nd. While he was caught stealing, Brooks was able to come home on the throw. Going to the bottom of the inning, the Generals lead was now, 5-2. In the bottom of the 4th, Sutton came on in relief for Pickens. Sutton, would be able to get out of a little jam to keep the score, 5-2, going to the top of the 5th.
In the top of the 5th, the Dragons were unable to get things going as it would still be 5-2 going to the bottom of the frame. Sutton, needed only 10 pitches to retire the Generals in the bottom of the 5th. Going to the top of the 6th, Heritage still led Pickens, 5-2.
In the top of the 6th, the Dragons held a walk-a-thon. In total, the Dragons drew four walks in the top half of the 6th. The 4th walk of the inning, drawn by Trace Ledbetter, brought in White to make it 5-3 Generals. In the bottom of the 6th, Heritage would get that run back as we headed to the top of the 7th, with the Generals leading the Dragons, 6-3.
In the top of the 7th, the Dragons made their comeback attempt. James Tilley, led off by reaching on an error, Shouse, then followed with a double. With 2-out, Densmore drove in both Tilley and Shouse with a single to make it 6-5. Brooks, now running for Densmore, stole 2nd and the Dragons had the tying run in scoring position. The Generals, were able to force a ground out to preserve the win, 6-5.
Dragons Stats:
Connor Shouse: 2-4 with a single, a double, and 1 run scored
Hunter White: 2 walks and 2 runs scored
Seth Densmore: 2-2 with 2 singles, 1 hit by pitch, 1 walk, and 1 RBI
Drake Sutton: 1-4 with a single and 1 RBI
Jarod Whitmore: 1 walk
Trace Ledbetter: 1 walk and 1 RBI
James Tilley: 1 run scored
Colby Brooks: 1 run scored
The Dragons and Generals, will face each other in Jasper on Friday, March 26th as games 2 and 3 of the series will be played. Game 2 of the series has a first pitch time of 5:30. Game 3 will be played shortly after the conclusion of game 2.
Tilley, big 6th inning lift Dragons past Bruins
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports March 20, 2021
Tunnel Hill — The Pickens Dragons (8-6, 2-4) were looking to salvage the series with the Northwest Whitfield Bruins (12-3, 2-1) after the Bruins took the first two games of the 3-game set. Behind a masterful performance from James Tilley and scoring 6 runs in the last two innings, the Dragons were able to pick up a 7-2 win over the Bruins.
In the top of the 1st, Connor Shouse kept his hot start going from game 2 with a lead off walk. Hunter White then hit a 1-out single. Seth Densmore then followed with a walk. Drake Sutton, was then hit by a pitch as Shouse would come in to score. Pickens, would leave the bases loaded, but the Dragons took a 1-0 lead going to the bottom of the inning. Northwest Whitfield was able to tie things up in the bottom of the 1st. Going to the 2nd, the Dragons and Bruins were tied at 1.
In the top of the 2nd, Shouse drew his second walk of the game with two outs. Shouse, stole 2nd, but was left stranded at 2nd after Northwest Whitfield forced a fly out. In the bottom of the frame, Tilley needed just 6 pitches to retire the Bruins and send us to the 3rd, still tied, 1-1.
In the top of the 3rd, Densmore and Sutton were both hit by pitches to put runners at 1st and 2nd with just 1 out. The Bruins, like they have throughout the series, got out of another jam and sent us to the bottom of the 3rd, still 1-1. In the bottom of the 3rd, Tilley improved upon his impressive outing by picking up his 4th strikeout of the game. Going to the 4th, Pickens and Northwest Whitfield were still tied at 1.
With 1-out in the top of the 4th, the Dragons had Parker Rhodes at 3rd and Shouse at 1st. The Bruins were able to force a double play to send us to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom half of the 4th, Northwest Whitfield took advantage of two Dragon errors to take a 2-1 lead. Tilley, didn’t let it get to him as he picked up his 5th and 6th strikeout to help keep the Bruin lead at only 2-1, going to the 5th.
In the top of the 5th, White got on base after reaching on an error. White, would then be thrown out at 2nd on the steal attempt. Densmore then drew a 1-out walk. The Bruins then got back to back strikeouts to send us to the bottom of the frame. In a half inning where Tilley threw 23 pitches, he and the Dragons somehow kept the Bruins from scoring to keep the score at 2-1.
In the top of the 6th, Pickens finally broke through. Trace Ledbetter led off the top half of the inning by getting hit by a pitch. With 1-out, Tilley was also hit by a pitch to put runners at 1st and 2nd. After a passed ball allowed the runners to move up a base, the hot hitting Shouse drove both runs in with a 2-RBI single. Anthony Antinozzi, kept the line going by reaching on an error. White, followed with a single to score both runs. Densmore then drew his 2nd walk of the game. White came into score after a single by Sutton. A 2nd run attempted to score behind White, but was thrown out. Going to the bottom of the 6th, the Dragons now led the Bruins, 6-2. In the bottom of the inning, Tilley once again faced a little trouble, but a couple of strikeouts help he and the Dragons get out of it with no damage done to send us to the 7th, Pickens on top, 6-2.
In the top of the 7th, Tilley got things going with a 1-out walk. Shouse followed with his 3rd single of the game. Antinozzi, drove in a run home to make it 7-2 Dragons going to the bottom of the inning. White came on in relief of Tilley who threw 106 pitches in 6 innings of work. White, was able to retire the Bruins in the bottom of the 7th to seal the win for the Dragons in game 3, 7-2.
7-AAAA Baseball Standings:
Cedartown: 9-4 (6-0)
Heritage: 10-2 (3-0)
Northwest Whitfield: 12-3 (2-1)
Central-Carroll: 7-6 (2-4)
Pickens: 8-6 (2-4)
Ridgeland: 3-9 (2-4)
Southeast Whitfield: 8-7 (1-5)
Next week, the Dragons will be back in action on Tuesday as they begin a series with the Heritage Generals. Heritage, was out of region play this week. Game 1 of the 3-game set, will be on Tuesday, March 23rd at Heritage. First pitch is set for 5:30.
Dragons pour in 93 points, advance to State Tournament
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports February 16, 2021
Pickens, County Ga — The second season started tonight as the Pickens Dragons welcomed the Southeast Whitfield Raiders to the Dragons Den for the first round of the 7-AAAA Region Tournament. The winner, punched their ticket to the 4A State Tournament and clinched a spot in the Region Semi-finals on Thursday. The Dragons, came in as the #3 seed in the tournament, while the Raiders came in as the #6 seed. In what was a total team effort, the Dragons came away with a 93-44 win.
Early in the first quarter, the Dragons jumped out to a 4-0 lead after buckets from Luke Rogers and Owen Moss. The Raiders, were able to tie things up after a free throw and three pointer. Pickens then went on a 16-0 run to make it 20-4. The Dragons got buckets from Tucker Lowe, Jaden Stewart, and Moss during the run. The two teams traded buckets to end the first quarter as the Dragons took a 25-10 lead to the second quarter.
The Dragons played intense defense on Tuesday
Early in the second quarter, A three pointer by Stewart and a free throw from Noah Sutton got the scoring going for the Dragons as they led it, 29-10. After a bucket by the Raiders, Sutton hit another free throw, made a bucket, Moss made a bucket, and Ean Goodwin made two free throws to make it 36-12. A bucket by Southeast Whitfield stopped the 7-0 run and made it 36-14. Pickens then went on a 10-0 run to make it 46-14. Goodwin, Lowe, Caleb Bryant, and Collin Kellogg all contributed to the run. The Raiders, made a bucket just before the end of the first half to make it 46-16 Dragons going to the break.
Dragons with the ball on offense
It was the Noah Sutton Show in the third quarter of this one. Sutton, got the scoring started with a 4-0 run to make it 50-16. After a free throw by the Raiders, Sutton hit a pair of free throws to make it 52-17. Sutton would then go on to make another bucket and a free throw to make it 55-19. All in all, Sutton scored 15 of the Dragons 36 third quarter points as Pickens took an 82-34 lead into the fourth.
Noah Sutton with 15 points in the 3rd
The second unit for the Dragons took over in the fourth quarter as they helped close this one out by outscoring the Raiders 11-10 in the frame. Final in Jasper, Pickens 93, Southeast Whitfield 44.
Dragons Leading Scorers:
Noah Sutton: 19 points
Ean Goodwin: 18 points
Tucker Lowe: 17 points
Jaden Stewart: 14 points
Owen Moss: 8 points
The Dragons, have now secured a spot in the 4A State Tournament. They advance to the 7-AAAA Region Tournament Semi-Finals where they will face the #2 seed Heritage Generals on Thursday at 5:30 pm. The game will be played at Northwest Whitfield. The Pickens Dragonettes, will follow the Dragons on Thursday as they take on the #4 seed Heritage Lady Generals in the second girls semi-final game. That one is set to tip off at 7 pm.
Dragons fall in another nail biter to Heritage
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports January 16, 2021
Ringgold, Ga — After a tough game against Central-Carroll on Tuesday, the Pickens Dragons traveled up to Ringgold to take on a Heritage Generals team that suffered their first region defeat at the hands of Cedartown earlier in the week. The first time these two teams met was on December 8th where the Generals grabbed the win after a buzzer beating shot. Like the first meeting, the second meeting came down to the wire as well. After a wacky final few seconds, the Heritage Generals came away with a 48-43 win.
The first quarter started off very slow for both teams as neither could find points early on. Around the 5 minute mark of the opening quarter, Heritage ended the drought with a bucket to make it 2-0. Luke Rogers tied it up for the Dragons with a bucket of his own. After a three pointer by the Generals, Rogers hit two free throws, and Noah Sutton made a bucket to give Pickens a 6-5 lead. A free throw by Heritage sent us to the second quarter with a 6-6 tie.
Dragons looking for an opening on offense
The Dragons, went on a 5-0 run to start the second quarter as Owen Moss made a bucket, and Jaden Stewart nailed a three pointer to give Pickens the 11-6 lead. The Generals and Dragons traded 4-0 runs and Pickens continued to lead, 15-10. Another 4-0 run by Heritage cut the lead to 15-14, until Moss hit another bucket to make it 17-14. The Generals countered with another bucket, but left enough time on the clock for Will Roland to drive all the way to the basket and lay it in just before the buzzer went off and the Dragons took a 19-16 lead into the break.
Luke Rogers with the block
To start the third quarter, the Generals made a bucket to again cut the Dragon lead to one. Roland carried the momentum of his buzzer beating make into the early second half as he hit a three to give Pickens the 22-18 lead. A 4-0 run by Heritage tied things up a 22 a piece as these two teams kept going back and forth. After the Generals made a run to take a 29-26 lead, Rogers hit a three pointer to tie things back up. The two teams traded buckets for the rest of the quarter as Heritage would take a 37-36 lead into the fourth.
Noah Sutton receives the pass
After a 3-0 run by the Generals to start the fourth quarter, Noah Sutton made back to back buckets to tie things up at 40. Heritage countered that with a 4-0 run to go up 44-40. After a free throw from Sutton, Moss picked the ball off at mid-court and made the layup to cut the General lead down to 44-43. After two free throws from Heritage, the Dragons found themselves down 46-43. Pickens took a timeout to discuss the in-bounds play. The pass, intended for Sutton, ended up being picked off by the Generals and they would lay it up at the buzzer to come away with a 48-43 win.
Dragons leading scorers:
Luke Rogers: 14 points
Noah Sutton: 9 points
Owen Moss: 6 points
Will Roland: 5 points
Tucker Lowe: 4 points
7-AAAA Boys Basketball Standings:
Heritage: 10-5 (7-1)
Northwest Whitfield: 10-4 (4-2)
Cedartown: 5-8 (4-2)
Pickens: 7-7 (4-3)
Central-Carroll: 9-6 (2-2)
Ridgeland: 3-9 (1-6)
Southeast Whitfield: 2-12 (0-6)
The Dragons, will be back home on Saturday afternoon as they welcome the Adairsville Tigers to the Dragons Den. Tip off is set for 4:30 pm.
Dragons fall to Lions after tough fourth quarter
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports January 13, 2021
Jasper, Ga — After the Nettes defeated the Lady Lions, the Pickens Dragons took the court to take on the Lions of Central-Carroll. After a tough non-region loss to Dawson on Saturday, the Dragons were looking to bounce back against a region opponent who they had already defeated once earlier in the season. Central-Carroll came in winners of two straight, including a big home win over Northwest Whitfield. After a back and forth ball game, the Lions used a strong start to the fourth quarter to get the 66-54 win over the Dragons.
In the opening quarter, Central-Carroll’s Jacobi Almon got the scoring started with a three pointer. Noah Sutton, quickly answered on the other end for the Dragons as he put in a wide open bucket. The Lions went on a mini 4-0 run to give them an 11-7 lead in the middle of the quarter. Pickens countered with a 5-0 run to reclaim the lead, 12-11. After Central-Carroll quickly retook the lead 13-12, the Dragons ran off another quick 5 points after a bucket by Sutton and a three pointer by Tucker Lowe, to take a 17-13 lead. The Lions ended the first quarter on a 7-2 run to give them a 20-19 lead going to the second.
Owen Moss with the basketball
The second quarter saw the same back and forth action that the first quarter had with both teams taking turns scoring. Central-Carroll went on a 5-0 run to take a 31-26 lead. The largest for both teams at that point. Pickens cut the Lions lead to 31-30 with buckets from Sutton and Moss. After a bucket from Central-Carroll, Lowe went on a personal 4-0 run to give the Dragons a 34-33 lead. The Lions’ Joseph Bell hit a three near the end of the half to give Central-Carroll a 36-34 lead going to the break.
Dragons on defense against the Lions
Midway through the third quarter, after cutting into the Lion lead and making it 43-41, Central-Carroll went on a 6-0 run to give them a 49-41 lead. A three pointer by Lowe cut the lead down to 49-44. The Dragons used a trio of free throw to cut the Lion lead down to 51-47 as we hit the fourth quarter.
Pickens looking for an open shot
In the fourth quarter, Xavier Adams of Central-Carroll went on a personal 9-0 run to make it 60-47 Lions. After a tough start to the quarter for the Dragons, Moss was able to hit a three to cut the lead to 60-50. From then on, Central-Carroll was able to make a couple of late free throws to pick up the win, 66-54.
Dragons leading scorers:
Tucker Lowe: 14 points
Owen Moss: 14 points
Noah Sutton: 12 points
Luke Rogers: 7 points
7-AAAA Boys Basketball Standings:
Heritage: 9-5 (6-1)
Pickens: 7-6 (4-2)
Northwest Whitfield: 9-4 (3-2)
Cedartown: 4-8 (3-2)
Central-Carroll: 9-5 (2-2)
Ridgeland: 3-8 (1-5)
Southeast Whitfield: 2-11 (0-5)
Pickens, will be back on the road on Friday night as they match up against the Generals of Heritage. This will be the second game of their home and home series for the regular season. Heritage took the first game on a last second shot last month. Tip time for this one is set for 8:30 pm.
Dragons lose heart breaker in final seconds
Featured Stories, Sports, Team FYN Sports December 11, 2020
Jasper, Ga — On December 8th, the Pickens Dragons welcomed the Heritage Generals to the Dragons Den for a 7-AAAA battle. Pickens, came into the game 2-1 overall after beating Copper Basin and Fannin in the annual Thanksgiving Tournament. The Dragons were supposed to take on the Lions of Central Carroll last Friday, but Covid issues on Central’s part moved that game to the 14th. This would be the Dragons first game in a week. Heritage, came in 2-4 overall, but already 2-0 in region play. This one, came down to the wire.
The first quarter started off very slow for both teams as there were as many fouls as points in the beginning. Both the Generals and Dragons took turns with the lead a couple of times. After a free throw from Heritage, the Generals took a 14-13 lead over Pickens going to the second quarter.
Dragons working on offense
After exchanging free throws in the early portion of the second quarter, the Dragons opened up a 6 point lead with two straight three pointers from Will Roland to go up 21-15. To close out the first half, the Generals went on a 14-4 run to take a 29-25 lead into the break.
Will Rowland hit two three pointers in the 2nd quarter
In the third quarter, the Dragons went on a 5-0 run to tie things up with the Generals at 30 a piece. Heritage would take a 6 point lead, Pickens cut it to 2 at one point, but as the third quarter came to a close, the Generals took a 46-41 lead over the Dragons going to the fourth.
Senior Tucker Lowe with a three pointer
In the fourth, the Dragons were on the comeback trail. Trailing by 5, Tucker Lowe hit a three pointer, and went one for two at the free throw line to cut the Heritage lead down to 46-45. The Generals then went on a small 4-0 run to make it 50-45. Owen Moss came back with a layup, Lowe hit a three to tie it, and Jaden Stewart, who had bad luck all game long, got a three pointer to fall to make it 53-50 Pickens. Heritage came back with another 4-0 run to make it 54-53 Generals. Luke Rogers then gave Pickens the lead back with a layup to make it 55-54. After a pair of fouls by the Generals, Lowe headed to the free throw line. He would make 1 of 2 to extend the Dragons lead to 56-54. After a Heritage timeout, they were able to hit a three pointer to take a 57-56 lead. A last second attempt at half court by Pickens fell short, and the Generals came away with the win.
Top scorers for the Dragons:
Owen Moss: 17 points
Tucker Lowe: 12 points
Noah Sutton: 11 points
Will Roland: 6 points
Luke Rogers: 4 points
Jaden Stewart: 4 points
7-AAAA Boys Standings:
Heritage: 3-4 (3-0)
NW Whitfield: 2-2 (1-0)
Cedartown: 1-2 (1-0)
Central-Carroll: 1-1 (0-0)
Pickens: 2-2 (0-1)
Ridgeland: 1-3 (0-1)
SE Whitfield: 1-4 (0-1)
Pickens, will be back home on Friday night as they host the Ridgeland Panthers for another 7-AAAA game. It will be Senior Night on Friday for the Dragons who will recognize 7 seniors. Tip off is set for 8:30.
Dragons pick up big region win over Ridgeland
Sports, Team FYN Sports November 11, 2020
Jasper, Ga — It was a rare Saturday night football game as the Pickens Dragons welcomed the Ridgeland Panthers to Dragons Stadium. It was the first game for the Dragons since playing at Cedartown on October 16th. Coming into the game, Pickens was 2-4 overall and 0-1 in region play. The Ridgeland Panthers, came in with an overall record of 1-6, but tied for second place in 7-AAAA at 1-1. Traditionally, the games between Pickens and Ridgeland have been very exciting and very competitive. This one, was no different. Overcoming not having played in twenty-two days and missing some players, the Dragons came away with a 27-18 win.
Pickens, as they have for the majority of the season, won the coin toss and elected to receive. The Dragons, came out in their version of the wildcat offense to begin their opening drive with Senior running back Jarod Whitmore taking the snaps at the QB position. The opening drive ended in points for Pickens as Whitmore ran it in from 5-yds out to give the Dragons an early 7-0 lead. The defense for the Dragons did a good job in the opening quarter against what can be an explosive Panther offense. Going to the second quarter, Pickens led Ridgeland 7-0.
RB Jarod Whitmore taking the snap for the Dragons
In the second quarter, both teams, especially the Dragons, had chances for points, but just couldn’t connect. At the 6:40 mark of the second quarter, the Panthers broke through with a 5-yd TD run. The PAT was no good and Pickens kept the lead, 7-6. The Dragons had another good chance just before the half, but we would head into the break with Pickens ahead of Ridgeland, 7-6.
The Dragons defense was aggressive all night
The Panthers, got the ball first to start the second half and turned their first possession into points after a 50-yd TD run. the two-point conversion attempt was no good. With 10:33 left in the third, Ridgeland took the lead for the first time, 12-7. The Dragons came back with a good drive of their own as Junior Collin Kellogg, who took over at QB after the first possession of the game for Pickens, found Whitmore streaking down the middle of the field for a 28-yd TD. With 5:53 left in the third, the Dragons were back on top, 14-12. As time was running off the clock in the third, the Panthers scored on a 40-yd run. The snap on the PAT attempt was mishandled and the try was no good. Going to the fourth, Ridgeland held an 18-14 lead over Pickens.
Kellogg played well at QB for the Dragons
The Dragons were down, but definitely not out as they turned their first possession of the fourth quarter into points. After a bad snap pushed Pickens from the 6-yd line to the 22-yd line, a holding penalty was called on the Dragons on their fourth down play. The penalty was accepted, and the ball was moved back, making it fourth and goal from the Ridgeland 32-yd line. Kellogg, lofted it up to the left corner of the end zone where Senior WR Mykel Hand fought two Panthers defenders and came down with it to give the Dragons the lead. With 8:51 left in the game, Pickens went ahead, 20-18. On the ensuing kickoff, and without his regular kickers, Dragons head coach Jeff Nelson decided to go for an onside. The gamble paid off as Pickens recovered it. The Dragons cashed in on the recovery as Sophomore Kadyn Hampton took it in from 20-yds out. The PAT was good, and Pickens extended their lead over the Panthers to 27-18. Needing a big play, Ridgeland turned to the passing attack. Junior Conor Browning, picked off a pass attempt, and helped seal the win for the Dragons. The final, 27-18 Pickens.
7-AAAA Standings:
Cedartown: 6-2 (3-0)
Central-Carroll: 5-2 (1-1)
Pickens: 3-4 (1-1)
Northwest Whitfield: 6-2 (1-2)
Ridgeland: 1-7 (1-2)
Heritage: 4-4 (1-2)
Next week, the Dragons will again be at home as they welcome the Heritage Generals to Dragons Stadium. The game will be on Friday, November 13th. Kickoff is set for 7:30 in this 7-AAAA match up.
Dragons split doubleheader, win series against Heritage
PHS Baseball, Sports, Team FYN Sports March 12, 2020
Originally scheduled for Friday, the doubleheader between the Pickens Dragons and the Heritage Generals got bumped up to Wednesday night due to uncertainty around the weather. After playing their first 13 games of the season at home due to the weather, this doubleheader would mark the first true road games for the Dragons baseball team in 2020. Pickens picked up the win in the first game 11-1, while the Generals came back to take the second game, 4-0.
Game One:
After both teams were held scoreless in the first inning, the Dragons were first on the board in the top of the second as starting pitcher Chad Pacas sent a 1-0 pitch deep over the fence in left center and designated hitter Drake Sutton brought in the RBI to make it 2-0 Pickens. In the bottom of the inning, Pacas collected his first strikeout and needed nine pitches to send us to the third with the Dragons ahead 2-0.
In the top of the third, the Dragons took advantage of some timely hitting and a couple of miscues made by the Generals. Pickens plated three runs in the frame to make it 5-0. In the bottom half of the inning, Pacas picked up his second strikeout and needed eight pitches to send us to the fourth with the Dragons on top, 5-0.
Chad Pacas on the mound for Pickens
After the Dragons went down quietly in the top of the fourth, Heritage picked up their first hit and first run in the bottom of the inning to cut the lead to 5-1 as we headed to the top of the fifth.
After third baseman Tyler Vreeland led off the top of the fifth with a walk, catcher Austin Chester brought him in with an RBI single to make it 6-1 Dragons. A weather delay that lasted around 50 minutes or so followed the top of the fifth. After the weather had cleared and they were ready to get the bottom of the fifth started, Pacas looked rejuvenated. Pacas picked up his third strikeout and again needed an eight pitch inning to send us to the sixth with Pickens ahead, 6-1.
Tyler Vreeland batting for the Dragons
In the top of the sisth, the Dragons plated five runs as Vreeland walked in a run for the RBI, Pacas picked up his second RBI with a single, Chester knocked in two with a two RBI single, and Sutton walked in another run for his second RBI of the game to make it 11-1. In the bottom of the sisth, Pacas capped it off with his fourth strikeout to give the Dragons the 11-1 win in six innings in game two (game one of the day) to give Pickens the series win.
Stats:
Brady Moore: 1-4 with a single and two runs scored
Hunter White: 1-4 with a single and one run scored
Tyler Vreeland: 2-3 with one single, two walks, one RBI, and two runs scored
Chad Pacas: 2-3 with a home run, a single, a walk, two RBI, and one run scored and 6 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 K, 65 pitches
Austin Chester: 3-4 with three singles, and three RBI
Seth Densmore: two walks:
Colby James: one sacrifice bunt, one single
Drake Sutton:two walks, and two RBI
Alex Snelgrove: one hit by pitch
Game Two:
After about a 15 minute break, game two of the day and game three of the series was ready to get underway. In the top of the first, Brady Moore led off with a single. That would be all the Dragons were able to get in their half of the first. In the bottom of the inning, the Generals plated one run on two hits. Dragons starter Alex Snelgrove did a good job of limiting the damage to just the one run and getting out of a bases loaded jam. Going to the second, Heritage led Pickens 1-0.
After catcher Austin Chester led off the top of the second by getting hit with a pitch, and Drake Sutton drew a 1-out walk, the Dragons were unable to push across a run as the Generals got out of the jam. After giving up a single in the bottom of the second, Snelgrove settled down and got out of the bottom of the frame with no harm done. Going to the third, Heritage still led the Dragons 1-0.
Alex Snelgrove pitching for the Dragons
In the top of the third, third baseman Tyler Vreeland drew a 2-out walk, but would be left stranded at second to end the top half of the frame. Snelgrove collected his third strikeout in the bottom of the inning as he continued to limit the Generals bats. Going to the fourth, Heritage still led Pickens 1-0.
Chester led off the top of the fourth by reaching on an error, Colby James followed with a single as the Dragons had runners on first and third with no outs. James then made his way to second after a passed ball. No runs came across to score however as the Generals somehow got out of that jam to keep their lead at 1-0. Snelgrove kept rolling in the bottom of the fourth as he picked up strikeout number four and five in the frame. Going to the fifth, the Dragons still trailed Heritage 1-0.
In the top of the fifth, Moore led off with a single, then advanced to second on a passed ball. Hunter White would then bunt him over to third as the Dragons once again had the game tying runner in scoring position. The Generals, again got out of the pickle with a strikeout and a fly out to send us to the bottom of the frame. In the bottom of the fifth, despite hitting two batters, Snelgrove kept his composure and got out the frame with no damage done and send us to the sixth, still 1-0 Heritage.
Dragons up to bat in game three of the series
In the top of the sixth, the Dragons went down in order as they were running out of chances to tie the game up. In the bottom of the sixth, the Generals plated three runs to make it 4-0 Heritage as we would head to the top of the seventh.
In the top of the seventh, Snelgrove nearly hit one over the fence but would end up with a 1-out triple. Missed opportunities was the story in game three of the series for the Dragons as Snelgrove would be left stranded at third and the Generals took game three, 4-0.
Stats:
Brady Moore: 2-4 with two singles
Hunter White: sacrifice bunt
Tyler Vreeland: one walk
Austin Chester: one hit by pitch
Colby James: 1-3 with a single
Drake Sutton: one walk
Alex Snelgrove: 1-3 with a triple and 5 IP, 3 H, 1 BB, 1 R, 1 ER, 5 K on 86 pitches
6-AAAA Standings:
(These are not the final standings for the week as Northwest Whitfield and Lafayette have one more game and Ridgeland and Southeast Whitfield have two more games in their series)
Pickens: 13-2 (5-1)
Northwest Whitfield: 5-7 (4-1)
Heritage: 4-10 (3-3)
Ridgeland: 5-4 (2-2)
Lafayette: 5-6 (1-1)
Gilmer: 3-10 (0-3)
Southeast Whitfield: 6-6 (0-4)
Next week, the Dragons will continue their region schedule as they begin as series with their neighbors to the north, the Gilmer Bobcats. This will be the final series of games between the two schools as region opponents for quite some time. Game one is set for Tuesday at Pickens with a first pitch time of 5:30.