Late game heroics sends Dragons into playoffs as 3rd seed
PHS Football, Team FYN Sports November 5, 2022
Jasper, GA — It was the last regular season home game of the 2022 season as the Pickens Dragons welcomed the Wesleyan Wolves to Jasper for Senior Night. It was a first time ever meeting between these two teams, who had a lot to play for. A win for either team would secure the #3 seed in the upcoming State playoffs. In a game that was pretty much back and forth throughout, it was the Dragons that came up clutch to pick up the 20-13 win and the 3rd seed out of 7-AAA.
The Dragons, won the toss and elected to differ to the second half. The first possession for Wesleyan did not last very long as Senior Jack Flatt made a great play on the first pass attempt by the Wolves to get the interception. The first drive for the Dragons stalled as they were unable to capitalize on the turnover. Fortunately for Pickens, the defense came up with another interception on Wesleyan’s next possession as Senior Colby Brooks got in front of the receiver and took it to the Wolves 15-yd line. Miguel Salto ended the drive after one play as he took it in for a 15-yd touchdown. The PAT was no good and with 7:52 left in the first quarter, the Dragons led the Wolves, 6-0. Wesleyan, scored their first points of the game at the 3:55 mark of the first quarter after a 25-yd touchdown pass. Their PAT was successful and the Wolves now led Pickens, 7-6, as we headed to the second quarter.
Sam Streicher looking for Brooks
In the second quarter, the Dragons defense was up to it again as a high snap caused a timing issue for the Wolves and led to a fumble recovery for Pickens. The Dragons, cashed in on the Wolves third turnover of the game as Salto found the end zone from a yard out for his second score of the game. The PAT was again missed and Pickens would go into the break leading Wesleyan, 12-7.
This snap led to a Dragons fumble recovery
With no scoring in the third quarter, we’ll pick it up in the fourth. Wesleyan got down to the Dragon 1-yd line after a big pass and catch connection by the Wolves. To their credit, the defense for Pickens, still holding on to a 12-7 lead, held Wesleyan to a 20-yd field goal that made it 12-10 Dragons with 10:23 left in the ball game. Later on in the quarter, Pickens held the Wolves again to a field goal attempt. This one, from 36 yards out. Wesleyan also connected with that kick to retake the lead, 13-12 with 3:58 left in the game.
Trailing with time running down, this Dragons team, especially the Dragon team we’ve seen as of late, was not rattled. Hoping to engineer a potential game winning drive, Juniors Sam Streicher and Marcus Pike got their connection going. Streicher looked for Pike down the sideline, which drew the flag and set up the Dragons at the Wesleyan 9-yd line. Riding the hot hand, Streicher, connected with Pike in the corner of the end zone for a 9-yd touchdown. Pickens then made the decision to go for two to try to make it a 7 point game. They did just that as Streicher found Gabe Neil, who made an incredible one handed grab with a Wolves defender wrapped around him for the 2-point conversion.
With 1:03 left in the game, it was Wesleyan’s turn to try to come up with some magic of their own. Having just gotten over into Dragon territory with just around 20 seconds left, the Wolves threw a deep pass that was picked off by Mason Stanfield. That interception, sealed the Dragons fourth consecutive win, and the #3 seed out of 7-AAA.
Final 7-AAA Standings:
Dawson: 8-2 (6-0) Region Champion #1 seed
Lumpkin: 8-2 (5-1) #2 seed
Pickens: 5-5 (4-2) #3 seed
Wesleyan: 4-6 (3-3) #4 seed
White County: 4-6 (2-4)
Gilmer: 5-5 (2-4)
West Hall: 1-9 (0-6)
Big 2nd half propels Dragons into playoffs
PHS Football, Team FYN Sports October 29, 2022
Jasper, GA — It was a beautiful Friday night for football as the Pickens Dragons hosted the White County Warriors in a critical 7-AAA game. Pickens, came into the game tied for 3rd in the region standings with Wesleyan. White County, were on the outside looking in coming into the game, but still had a shot at punching their playoff ticket. After being down early, the Dragons outscored the Warriors 48-14 to pick up their third straight win, 48-28.
The Dragons, won the opening coin toss and elected to differ to the second half. After both offenses had a crack with the ball, the Warriors struck first with a 16-yd TD pass. The PAT was good and with 4:11 left in the first quarter, White County led Pickens, 7-0. The Warriors, added on to their lead after a 73-yd touchdown run. The PAT was good and as they went into the second quarter, White County led the Dragons, 14-0.
Dragons defending the run
The Dragons, got their offense going in the second quarter as they drove down the field and finished off the drive with a 2-yd touchdown run by Miguel Salto. The PAT was good and with 8:06 left in the first half, Pickens cut the Warriors lead down to 14-7. After the Dragons forced White County to punt, Pickens started their next possession on their own 6-yd line. After a loss of a yard on first down, the Dragons took a shot down field as Sam Streicher connected with Marcus Pike, who took it the distance for a 95-yd touchdown. The PAT was good and with 4:40 left in the first half, the game was now tied at 14. With 2 seconds left in the first half, the Warriors set up for a 41-yd field goal. The kick fell short and at the half, we were tied at 14 a piece.
Dragons looking to cut the lead in half
To start the third quarter, the Dragons got the ball first. The possession didn’t last long as Salto broke through for a 56-yd touchdown. The PAT was good and with 11:08 left in the third, Pickens took it’s first lead of the game at 21-14. White County, was able to come right back and tie things up with a 3-yd touchdown run. The PAT was good and we had a tie game again at 21. With the two teams going back and forth, it was the Dragons turn as Streicher found a wide open Gabe Neil for a 43-yd touchdown pass. The PAT was good and with 6:36 left in the third, Pickens led, 28-21.
The Warriors, matched that score with a 25-yd touchdown run. The PAT was good and with 3:56 left, the game was once again tied. This time, at 28 a piece. The Dragons, got the last score the quarter as Streicher rolled to his left and found a wide open Isaiah Williams for a 20-yd touchdown. The PAT was no good and as we headed to the fourth, Pickens led White County, 34-28.
Miguel Salto receiving the hand off
A little over midway through the fourth quarter, the Dragons added to their lead as Streicher again found Williams on the exact same play. Williams would take it in from 26 yards for his second score of the game. The PAT was good and with 5:38 left in the game, Pickens led the Warriors, 41-28. After a turnover on downs by White County, the Dragons used the short field to their advantage as Colby Brooks took it in from 2 yards out on the sweep. The PAT was good and with 1:57 left in the game, Pickens now led, 48-28. That would be your final score as the Dragons make it three in a row.
7-AAA Football Standings:
Dawson County: 8-2 (6-0) *Region champions
Lumpkin County: 7-2 (3-2)
Pickens: 4-5 (3-2)
Wesleyan: 4-5 (3-2)
Gilmer: 4-5 (2-3)
White County: 3-6 (1-4)
West Hall: 1-8 (0-5)
With the win, the Dragons have earned a spot into the AAA playoffs. Pickens, will be at home again next week as they welcome the Wesleyan Wolves to Jasper for a first time meeting. This will determine the 3rd place in the region standings heading into the playoffs. Kick off is set for 7:30 pm.
Dragons use late game heroics to pick up win in home opener
PHS Football, Team FYN Sports September 17, 2022
Jasper, Ga — It was a welcome sight for Dragon fans on Friday, September 16th as the Pickens Dragons were at home for the first time during the 2022 season as they welcomed the Christian Heritage Lions for Homecoming, and the final non-region contest. It had been a rough go to start the season for the Dragons as they were on the road against three playoff caliber teams and couldn’t come away with a win. The Lions, came in looking for a win as well as they came in with a 1-2 record. After some back and forth, a late touchdown and interception by the Dragons sealed a 24-22 win.
Christian Heritage, won the toss and elected to differ to the second half. The Dragons, got the ball first and drove down the field to punch it in for the first score of the game. Freshman Landon Poole took the hand off and ran it in from 15 yards out. Pickens went for two, but were unsuccessful in the attempt. With 8:04 left in the first quarter, the Dragons held a 6-0 lead over the Lions. The Dragons added to their lead as Senior Kadyn Hampton punched it in from 4 yards out. The ensuing PAT attempt was blocked and with 2:08 left in the opening quarter, Pickens led Christian Heritage, 12-0.
The Lions answered with a screen pass from Sophomore Carter Triplett to Senior Eli Thomason went 55 yards for the score. The PAT was good and as we headed to the second quarter, the Dragons led Christian Heritage, 12-7.
Dragons on offense in the first quarter
The next drive for Pickens started as the first quarter was coming to an end. As the second quarter began, the Dragons faced a third down just inside Lion territory. The Dragons were able to convert, and end up scoring on the drive as Junior Sam Streicher found Junior Marcus Pike in the corner of the end zone for a 13-yd touchdown. The 2-point conversion attempt was no good and with 11:10 left in the first half, Pickens led Christian Heritage, 18-7. AS time expired in the first half, the Lions hit a 39-yd field goal to cut the Dragons lead down to 18-10 as we headed to the break.
Dragons on defense
The third quarter was dominated by defense as both teams kept the offenses out of the end zone. Both teams had opportunities, but could not score. Going to the fourth quarter, Pickens still led Christian Heritage, 18-10.
Isaiah Williams with the catch on the screen pass
In the fourth quarter, the scoring would resume. The Lions, got in on a 9-yd touchdown run by Sophomore Jaylon Gay. The 2-point conversion to try to tie the game was no good, and with 8:11 left in the game, the Dragons were clinging to an 18-16 lead. Christian Heritage took the lead for the first time after a 45-yd touchdown pass from Triplett to Senior Braden Koneman. Once again, the 2-point try would be unsuccessful, and with 5:08 left in the game, it was the Lions that held a 22-18 lead. Down, but not out, the Dragons offense took the field looking to send the Dragon faithful home happy. After a hold was called on the Lions, Streicher found Junior Isaiah Williams, who ripped the ball away from a defender, at the 50-yd line for a big gain.
Faced with fourth and long and the game on the line, Streicher, again made a big time throw as he connected with Senior Mason Powell, who made a fantastic sliding grab for the first down. Streicher then found Senior Colby Brooks on the screen pass and Brooks took it to the 7-yd line. Streicher, then kept it himself and got into the end zone from 7 yards out to give the Dragons the lead. The PAT was blocked, and with 47 seconds left in the ball game, Pickens led Christian Heritage, 24-22. The Lions, still had time on the clock to try to make a comeback as well. After getting near midfield, Christian Heritage had one last shot. The final pass was intercepted by Junior Mason Stanfield to end the ball game and give the Dragons a 24-22 win.
With the win, the Dragons finish off the non-region portion of their schedule at 1-3. With the non-region schedule done, the Dragons will now turn their focus to 7-AAA play next week. The Dragons will kick off region play as they travel to Dahlonega to take on the Lumpkin County Indians, who have been one of the surprise teams early on, have started the season 4-0. This will be the 39th all time meeting and the first meeting between the two schools since 2009. The Indians currently have a 3-game win streak against the Dragons. Pickens last win against the Indians came on the road in 2006. The Dragons lead the all time series 19-18-1. Kick off is set for 7:30.
Dragons fall just short in high scoring game against Mountaineers
PHS Football, Team FYN Sports August 27, 2022
Chatsworth, Ga — It was a first time match up on Friday, August 26th as the Pickens Dragons took to the road for the second straight week as they battled the North Murray Mountaineers. Both teams came into this game looking to bounce back after tough losses to open the season as the Dragons fell to Sonoraville 27-15, and the Mountaineers fell to Dalton, 49-27. In this one, it seemed like if you blinked you missed another big play or touchdown. It came down to the final seconds as North Murray came away with a 54-50 victory.
In the first quarter, the Dragons got the ball to begin the game. As the Dragons were driving, the Mountaineers forced and recovered a fumble around mid-field. North Murray cashed in on that turnover and scored on a 5-yd touchdown run. The PAT was no good and with 8:11 left in the first quarter, the Mountaineers held a 6-0 lead. Pickens, came back out on offense, looking to answer. Answer they did as Sam Streicher found Marcus Pike streaking down the near sideline for a 57-yd touchdown. The PAT was successful and the Dragons took a 7-6 lead with 7 minutes left in the first quarter. The Mountaineers, came back with a 4-yd TD run by QB Seth Griffin. The PAT was good and North Murray took a 13-7 lead going to the 2nd quarter.
Canaan Denson with the hand off
Early on in the second quarter, the Dragons finished off a scoring drive with a 9-yd TD run from Canaan Denson. The PAT was no good, and with 11:34 left in the first half, the ball game was all square at 13. The Mountaineers, countered with a second rushing touchdown from Griffin. This one from 13 yards out. The PAT was good an North Murray retook the lead, 20-13 with 7:55 left in the first half. Pickens, needed just 2 minutes and 39 seconds of game time to get into the end zone as Mason Powell ran in for a 6-yd TD. The Dragons, then went for 2 and converted it to take a 21-20 lead with 5:16 left in the first half.
The Mountaineers, retook the lead on a 29-yd TD run that needed 81 seconds of game time. North Murray, went for the 2-point conversion attempt but was unsuccessful. With 4:35 left in the first half, the Mountaineers led, 26-21. The Dragons, got back into the end zone after a 39-yd TD pass from Streicher to Powell. The 2-point try was good and Pickens retook the lead, 29-26, with 1:12 left in the first half. North Murray, went hurry up in the final minute of the first half and got in with a 7-yd TD pass. The PAT was good, and the Mountaineers took a 33-29 lead over Pickens going to the half.
Dragons defense making a stop
The scoring definitely didn’t slow down in the second half. North Murray added to their lead after a 37-yd screen pass that went for a touchdown. The PAT was good and with 9:20 left in the third quarter, the Mountaineers took a 40-29 lead. The Dragons, looked to get back into the game as Powell plowed in for a 1-yd touchdown. His third total touchdown of the game. Pickens went for 2, but the attempt was unsuccessful. With 6:46 left in the 3rd, North Murray held a 40-35 lead. On the next Mountaineer possession, they ran a pitch play that had been successful for them prior, but the Dragons blew the play up and Kadyn Hampton recovered the fumble and took it into Mountaineer territory. Pickens cashed in on the turnover after a screen pass from Streicher to Isaiah Williams went for a 21-yd touchdown. The 2-point try was successful and with 4:46 left in the third, the Dragons retook the lead, 43-40.
After getting another stop on defense, Pickens extended their lead after Streicher found Hampton and he took the screen pass 66 yards for the score. The PAT was good and the Dragons would take a 50-40 lead over North Murray heading to the fourth quarter.
Sam Streicher slings it to Kadyn Hampton on the screen play
At the 9:32 mark in the fourth quarter, Griffin found the end zone for his fourth rushing touchdown of the game to cut the Pickens lead down to 50-47. Both teams had chances throughout the final quarter, but neither offense could quite break through. The Mountaineers, got into the end zone after a 24-yd TD pass. The PAT was good, and with 55 seconds left in the game, North Murray regained the lead, 54-50. The Dragons, had 55 seconds and all three timeouts to work with. The ensuing kickoff by the Mountaineers would go out of bounds and Pickens would take over at their 35-yd line. After a couple of runs and a big play to Pike, the Dragons were set up inside North Murray territory. With the seconds dwindling, Streicher heaved the ball towards the end zone, but it was batted down and the Mountaineers came away with the 54-50 win.
The Dragons, will look to rebound after a tough couple of weeks as they will again be on the road when they head to Blue Ridge to take on the Fannin Rebels for the first time since 2011. Both teams will be looking for their first win of the 2022 season and it is surely to be an exciting one between these two 515 schools. Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm on September 2nd.
Dragons face old friends and new challenges as the ’22 season approaches
PHS Football, Team FYN Sports July 31, 2022
Jasper, Ga — The Pickens Dragons are just 12 days away from taking the field against the Rockmart Yellow Jackets in their second scrimmage in preparation for the 2022 season. The Dragons, are in a new region this year as we discussed in a prior article. While the Dragons are in a new region and new classification, the teams they are going up against are very familiar.
The 2021 Dragons went 4-5 overall and 1-4 in 7-AAAA. Despite that, they were just a game out of reaching the playoffs in a very competitive region. The Dragons, had a young, competitive bunch last season and with another year of experience under their belt, that bunch looks to take the next step in 2022.
Returning players:
The Dragons, return a vast majority of their players from the 2021 season. Returning under center is Sam Streicher. While he did battle the injury bug late in the season, Streicher finished 2021 with 1,353 yards and 13 touchdowns. He added 155 yards and 1 touchdown rushing. The leading receiver, Marcus Pike, is also back. Pike, finished with 668 yards and 5 touchdowns. The Dragons, also have their third leading receiver Isaiah Williams and their fourth leading receiver Colby Brooks back as well. The Dragons, will also have their leading rusher, Miguel Salto back toting the rock.
Defensively, the Dragons return their leading tackler from last season, Kadyn Hampton. Hampton, racked up 112 total tackles in 2021 recording 12.4 tackles per game and 12 tackles for loss. Also back, the Dragons second leading tackler, Kaleb Nicholson. Nicholson, recorded 64 tackles last season from the defensive line averaging 7 tackles per game. He also had 10 tackles for loss. The Dragons will also return Kaleb Taylor, Trevor Morgan, and Mason Powell on the defensive side.
Schedule:
As mentioned earlier, the Dragons will take on the Rockmart Yellow Jackets on Friday, August 12th at Dragons Stadium in the final tune up before the 2022 season. The Yellow Jackets, have been a very consistent, very good team for a while and have several athletes on both sides of the ball. It will be a good test in the fall scrimmage for the Dragons. Right out of the gate to start the regular season, the Dragons will head to Sonoraville to take on the Phoenix. The Phoenix, took the place of the Dragons in 7-AAAA and they have the tools to potentially make a run in 7-AAAA. What a way to open the year. From there, the Dragons travel to Murray County to take on North Murray and their really athletic bunch. The Dragons will log more miles after that as they head to Blue Ridge to take on the 2x defending region champion Fannin Rebels.
After a bye week, the Dragons finally have their home opener as they host Christian Heritage. Another team with some up and coming players that will be a good test for the Dragons. The Dragons will then get into region play in 7-AAA. With away games at Lumpkin, Dawson, and West Hall and big home games against Gilmer, White County, and Wesleyan. The Dragons have in total, 6 away games and 4 home games on the schedule. There is no easy game on this schedule either. I’m willing to bet, that’s how head coach Grant Myers and the Dragons want it.
Expectations:
With the Dragons returning many from last season’s team, they do also have some holes to fill. Kaleb Nicholson and Kaleb Taylor will sub in on the offensive line, Kadyn Hampton and Mason Powell will join Salto in the backfield. We saw during the spring scrimmage, Hampton moved from the linebacker spot to the secondary. With the Sanchez brothers, Jose and Juan moving on after graduation, the Dragons will have to see who can and will take over the kicking duties.
Then there’s the young guys. If you’ve seen the youth football scene in Pickens County the last several years, you know that a very talented group are heading into their freshman year. If you don’t know about them yet, you will soon enough. Will any of these promising players make an impact during the 2022 season? Time will tell. The immediate future is promising for the Dragons.
The Dragons are looking to get back into the playoffs and moving into a new region I believe helps that. With their non-region schedule the way it is, I firmly believe it will help them get ready for the grind that is region football. I see the Dragons making the playoffs, and possibly contending for a home playoff spot.
Record Prediction:
There is no short selling how difficult the Dragons non-region schedule is. Quite frankly I believe it is one of the tougher non-region schedules in the area. Three of the four games are on the road and all of the teams have legit chances to make the playoffs. Their schedule as a whole will be challenging in its own way. I think if the Dragons can manage a 2-2 record heading into the region portion of their schedule, they will be in a good spot. Final prediction: 7-3.
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.
Dragons pick up big region win against Raiders
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports February 9, 2022
Jasper, Ga — After the girls game, the Senior Night festivities began as Seniors from both the Nettes and Dragons basketball teams, the dance team, and the cheerleading squad were recognized. As for the boys game, this was a must win for both the Dragons and the Raiders as both came in with identical 10-13 overall records, but Pickens came in with a better region record at 4-6 while Southeast Whitfield came in with a 4-7 region record. The Dragons, defeated the Raiders in Dalton on January 14th, 64-51 and were looking for the in season sweep. After a good, hard fought back and forth, Pickens came away with a 65-60 win.
Southeast Whitfield started the game off with a bucket to make it 2-0 early. Senior Collin Kellogg tied things up a 2 a piece, then fellow Senior Caleb Bryant gave the Dragons their first lead of the night with a layup to make it 4-2. Kellogg made a shot and hit the free throw to make it 7-2 Pickens. After a 5-0 run by the Raiders to tie things up at 7, Senior Luke Rogers gave the Dragons the lead back with a bucket to make it 9-7. Bryant extended the lead after splitting a pair of free throws to make it 10-7. A bucket by the Raiders cut the lead down to 10-9. Caleb Keith, then made two free throws to make it 12-9. After a bucket and a free throw make, Southeast Whitfield tied the game back up at 12. They would then retake the lead with a bucket to make it 14-12. Camden Dunn responded with a three pointer to give the Dragons a 15-14 lead. The Raiders then reclaimed the lead after a bucket to make it 16-15. Kellogg closed out the quarter with a bucket to give Pickens a 17-16 lead going to the second quarter.
Dragons looking for a stop defensively
Keith got things going in the second quarter as he hit a three pointer to make it 20-16 Dragons. The Raiders responded with an 8-0 run to take a 24-20 lead. Both teams then traded buckets until Southeast Whitfield went on a 5-0 run to make it 31-24. Pickens closed the first half on a 7-0 run as Marcus Pike got a tough layup to fall, Bryant got another bucket, and Jaden Stewart hit a three to tie things up at 31 going to the half.
Dragons looking for offense in the second
The third quarter started off much like the first quarter did with the Raiders getting the opening bucket to retake the lead, 33-31. A quick 4-0 run from Kellogg and Kadyn Hampton gave the Dragons a 35-33 lead. After Southeast Whitfield split a pair of free throw attempts, Rogers extended the Pickens lead to 37-34 after a bucket. After the Raiders made a three pointer to again tie the ball game up, the Dragons went on a 6-0 run as Rogers made a pair of free throws and made a shot, and Bryant also made a shot to make it 43-37. A three by Southeast Whitfield put an end to the run and cut the lead down to 43-40. The two teams then again traded buckets as Stewart got the last points of the quarter with a three to make it 48-42 Dragons going to the fourth.
Dragons with the ball in the second half
The fourth quarter began with the Raiders getting a bucket to make it 48-44. Hampton answered with a bucket to make it 50-44. After Southeast Whitfield connected on a bucket and the free throw attempt, Rogers made a bucket to make it 52-47. After both teams made shots, the Raiders went on a 4-0 run to cut the Dragons lead down to 54-53. Hampton then made another tough bucket to make it 56-53. A pair of free throws by the Raiders made it 56-55. After a Stewart layup, Southeast Whitfield responded with a bucket to make it 58-57. Pickens answered that with a 5-0 run as Stewart made a three pointer and Hampton made a bucket to make it 63-57. A three pointer by the Raiders then cut the lead to 63-60. After a turnover by the Dragons, Bryant came up big with a steal and a layup at the other end to give the Dragons a 65-60 win.
Leading Scorers For The Dragons:
Jaden Stewart: 13 points
Caleb Bryant: 11 points
Kadyn Hampton: 10 points
Luke Rogers: 10 points
Collin Kellogg: 9 points
Caleb Keith: 7 points
Camden Dunn: 3 points
Marcus Pike: 2 points
7-AAAA Boys Region Standings:
Central-Carroll: 16-8 (10-2) will be the #1 seed in the region tournament
Northwest Whitfield: 21-3 (9-3) will be the #2 seed in the region tournament
Cedartown: 10-11 (7-4) will be the #3 seed in the region tournament
Pickens: 11-13 (5-6) will be either the #4 or #5 seed in the region tournament
Heritage: 9-13 (5-7) will be either the #$ or #5 seed in the region tournament
Southeast Whitfield: 10-14 (4-8) will be the #6 seed in the region tournament
Ridgeland: 8-16 (1-11) will be the #7 seed in the region tournament
One more game to go in the regular season as the Dragons will host the Cedartown Bulldogs on Thursday, February 10th in a big time region game. This is the make up game from a few weeks back as the original game could not be played due to weather. A win for the Dragons will make them the #4 seed in the upcoming region tournament. Tip off set for 7:30.
Dragons fall in a heart breaker to Lions
PHS Football, Team FYN Sports October 16, 2021
Jasper, Ga — It was another beautiful night for high school football in the north Georgia mountains as the Pickens Dragons welcomed the Central-Carroll Lions to Dragons Stadium for a big 7-AAAA showdown. This would mark the first ever meeting between these teams. Before the game, the Dragon senior football and cheerleaders were recognized for Senior Night.
The first quarter, saw both teams defenses step up as neither offense could get anything going on their respective drives. The Dragons, were able to breakthrough at the 2:48 mark of the opening quarter with a 38-yd field goal by Senior Jose Sanchez. Going to the 2nd quarter, Pickens led the Lions, 3-0.
Jose Sanchez hits the field goal attempt
The Dragons added to their lead early on in the second quarter as Sam Streicher found Isaiah Williams for a 24-yd touchdown. With 10:59 left in the first half, Pickens now led Central-Carroll, 10-0. Later on in the quarter, the Dragons were looking to add even more to their point total, but the Lions were able to pick off a pass attempt, and take it the other way for a touchdown. Going into the break, Pickens led Central-Carroll, 10-7.
Dragons defense pressures the Lions quarterback
In the third quarter, the Lions picked up their first offensive score of the ball game as the quarterback ran to the right and just barely crossed the goal line before being ruled down. The PAT attempt was no good. With 5:08 left in the third, Central-Carroll now led the Dragons, 13-10. This would be the score going to the fourth quarter.
Streicher looking for an open man
In the fourth quarter, Central-Carroll was driving to add to their lead. The Dragon defense, was able to force a turnover and give the offense a chance to regain the lead. After two back to back spectacular catches from Senior Tom Frechette and Sophomore Marcus Pike, Streicher found Senior Devin Hand in the left corner of the end zone for a 17-yd touchdown. The PAT was good and with 8:07 left in the ball game, Pickens led the Lions, 17-13. After stopping the Lions on their next possession, the Dragons took over looking to melt time off the clock and add to the lead. With the ball near the 40-yd line of the Lions, Pickens decided to go for it on 4th and 1. An early snap however through off the timing of the play and Central-Carroll would take over. After a long pass play, the Lions got it down to the Dragons 8-yd line. A run play got it down to the 1-yd line. On 3rd down the Dragons defense tightened up and stopped the QB run. On 4th down, with a little help from his running back, the Lions QB was able to get in for the touchdown. With 1:31 left on the clock and now down by three, The Dragons offense went to work. Streicher picked up a big first down on 4th down and Pickens used the sideline to their advantage. One of the bigger plays of the game was when Streicher was running out of bounds, he took a hit that looked late, but wasn’t called. That set up a 44-yd field goal attempt to tie it and send it to overtime. Unfortunately for the Dragons, the kick sailed left and was no good. Your final score, Central-Carroll 20 Pickens 17.
7-AAAA Standings:
Cedartown: 6-1 (3-0)
Northwest Whitfield: 4-3 (2-1)
Heritage: 4-2 (2-1)
Central-Carroll: 4-4 (1-2)
Pickens: 4-3 (1-2)
Ridgeland: 1-7 (0-3)
*Southeast Whitfield: 1-7 (0-0)
*Not playing a region schedule
The Dragons, will have a bye week next week as they get ready for their next game against the Heritage Generals on the road on October, 29th. Kickoff for that one is set for 7:30.
Dragons pick up road region win against Ridgeland
PHS Football, Team FYN Sports October 9, 2021
Rossville, Ga — The Pickens Dragons took to the road on Friday, October 8th to take on the Ridgeland Panthers in 7-AAAA play. The Dragons, were looking to bounce back after a tough game against Cedartown last week. The Panthers, have had a difficult start to the season, but were back home for the Homecoming. Pickens, snagged four first half interceptions and got the offense going in route to a 45-8 win.
The first quarter saw the Panthers get the ball first to begin the game. It didn’t take long for the Dragons to put points on the board as Anthony Antinozzi picked off the pass attempt, and took it all the way for the touchdown. With 11:15 left in the first quarter, Pickens led Ridgeland, 7-0. The Panthers, bounced back on their next possession as they used a long run to help set up a 1-yd touchdown run. Ridgeland then converted a 2-point conversion to take the lead, 8-7, with 9:03 left in the first quarter. The Dragons, then took the field for the first time on offense, looking to regain the lead. Regain the lead is exactly what they did as Sam Streicher found Kadyn Hampton in the corner of the end zone for the 20-yd touchdown pass. The PAT was good, and Pickens reclaimed the lead, 14-8, with 5:43 left in the first quarter. The Dragons, added to their lead as Devin Hand took the snap from behind center on 4th down and went 45-yds for the touchdown. Going to the second quarter, Pickens led the Panthers, 21-8.
Devin Hand looking for running room
The second quarter didn’t see too much scoring, but it did see the Dragons force a couple more turnovers. The lone points came from a 46-yd field goal by Jose Sanchez to give Pickens a 24-8 lead over Ridgeland at the half.
Jose Sanchez nails a 46-yd field goal
In the third quarter, both teams were finding it hard to get some consistency going with their possessions. With nothing doing for either side in the third, the Dragons continued to lead the Panthers, 24-8.
The Dragon defense forced 6 turnovers on the night
The fourth quarter saw the Dragon offense come to life. The first score of the quarter came after Streicher found a wide open Marcus Pike, who then made one man miss to get into the end zone. All together the play covered 40-yds. The PAT was good by Juan Sanchez and Pickens extended it’s lead to 31-8. At the 6:35 mark of the fourth, Streicher found Hand on the screen pass and Hand took it 65-yds for the score. The Dragons would then force the Panthers to punt deep in their own territory on their next possession. After being close several times, Pickens finally got in and blocked the punt attempt. A play later, Miguel Salto took the hand off and scored from 11-yds out. Your final from Rossville, Pickens 45 Ridgeland 8.
7-AAAA Region Standings:
Cedartown: 5-1 (2-0)
Heritage: 4-1 (2-0)
Pickens: 4-2 (1-1)
Northwest Whitfield: 3-3 (1-1)
Central-Carroll: 3-4 (0-2)
Ridgeland: 1-6 (0-2)
Southeast Whitfield: 1-7
The Dragons, will be back home next Friday as they welcome the Lions of Central-Carroll in what will be a critical game in 7-AAAA. These two teams did not get to play one another last year due to Covid issues. It will also be Senior Night for Pickens as it is the final home game of the regular season next Friday night. Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm.
Dragons pick up Homecoming win against Union County
PHS Football, Team FYN Sports September 18, 2021
Jasper, Ga — Friday, September 17th was Homecoming night for Pickens High School as the Pickens Dragons hosted the Union County Panthers for their final non-region game before region play. This was the 12th all-time meeting between the two schools with the Panthers coming away with a 28-14 win last season in Blairsville. The Dragons, used a quick start on offense to propel them to a 45-7 win over Union County.
To start the ball game, Pickens would look to surprise the Panthers with an onside kick. The Panthers were able to recover and start their first drive of the game. After a defensive stop, the Dragons took over for their first possession of the night. Pickens wasted little time getting points as Sam Streicher threaded the needle to Marcus Pike, who took it 61-yds for the touchdown. The PAT was good, and with 10:14 left in the 1st quarter, the Dragons led, 7-0. It wouldn’t take long for the Dragons to strike again as it was deja vu all over again as Streicher again found Pike wide open as the play covered 60-yds. The PAT was true and Pickens extended their lead over the Panthers to 14-0 with 8:24 left in the opening quarter. After a short punt from Union County, the Dragons took advantage and Streicher used his legs to find the end zone from 13-yds out to make it 21-0 Pickens with 5:52 to go in the first quarter. Defensively, the Dragons were able to force the Panthers to punt from inside their own end zone after a sack. The snap on the punt was low and Pickens got in and blocked it and it was recovered in the end zone by Mason Powell for the touchdown. Going to the second quarter, the Dragons found themselves up 28-0 over Union County.
Sam Streicher passing to Marcus Pike.
The scoring slowed a little in the second quarter, but the Dragons were able to add to their lead as Streicher found Devin Hand for a diving catch in the end zone. The play covered 12-yds. With 5:15 left in the first half, Pickens led the Panthers, 35-0. Union County was able to string together a pair of good plays towards the end of the first half as they were able to pick off a pass and score on a 9-yd touchdown pass on the very next play. Going into the break, Pickens were ahead of the Panthers, 35-7.
Dragons defense getting after the quarterback
Both teams, for the majority of the third, traded possessions with no points. The lone touchdown in the quarter came from Hand, who plowed into the end zone with a 5-yd run. Going to the fourth quarter, the Dragons led the Panthers, 42-7.
Sam Streicher finds Devin Hand for the touchdown
In the fourth quarter, Dragons kicker Jose Sanchez added a 42-yd field goal to make it 45-7 Pickens. The Dragons, finished the game strong and picked up their third win of the season, 45-7.
With the win, the Dragons match their win total from the 2020 season. Pickens, will now have two weeks to get ready for the start of 7-AAAA play as the Cedartown Bulldogs will come to Jasper on October, 1st. Kickoff for that game is set for 7:30 pm.
Dragons soar over Eagles in non-region play
PHS Football, Team FYN Sports September 11, 2021
Rome, Ga — It was a beautiful day for high school football on Friday, September 10th as the Pickens Dragons made the long trip over to Rome to take on the 2A Coosa Eagles in non-region action. These two teams have a brief history with one another having only played 5 times. The Dragons, coming into this one, had won the previous three meetings. Pickens, looked to bounce back after a tough loss last week to White County. Coosa, came in looking for their first win of the season after games against Trion and Armuchee. Behind a strong defensive effort, that included five takeaway’s, Pickens came away with a 34-10 win.
The opening kickoff saw the first turnover as the game. As Coosa was returning the kick, the Dragons forced a fumble and recovered it. Pickens cashed in on that turnover as Sam Striecher found Devin Hand in the corner of the end zone for the touchdown. Hand went up and over the defender to catch the pass. The PAT was blocked and with 10:44 left in the first quarter, the Dragons led the Eagles, 6-0. Pickens, added to their lead later on in the quarter as Hand found the end zone again. Hand, took the snap under center and got in from 2-yds out. The PAT was good this time around and the Dragons took a 13-0 lead into the second quarter.
Sam Streicher finds Devin Hand in the end zone
Both teams had shots in the second quarter, but were unable to come up with anything. Coosa, picked up their first points of the game as they hit a 27-yd field goal. With 5:13 left in the first half, Pickens now led the Eagles, 13-3. Just prior to halftime, Streicher found his target Marcus Pike, for a 13-yd touchdown. The PAT was good, and the Dragons took a 20-3 lead into the break.
The Dragons defense making the tackle
The Dragons wasted no time adding to their lead as they began the third quarter. After perfectly fielding the onside kick attempt, Pickens made quick work of their first possession in the second half. Streicher, hit Hand on the screen play, and Hand did the rest as he took it 55-yds for the touchdown. The PAT was once again successful, and the Dragons held a 27-3 advantage. That would be all the scoring that took place during the third quarter, and we’d head to the fourth quarter with Pickens ahead, 27-3.
Dragons looking to run the ball
Seconds into the fourth quarter starting, Anthony Antinozzi picked off an Eagle pass attempt and took it all the way for a Dragon touchdown. The PAT was true and Pickens held a 34-3 lead with 11:51 left in the ball game. Coosa, got into the end zone with a 39-yd touchdown run. Your final score from Coosa High School, Pickens 34 Coosa 10.
With the win, the Dragons now move to 2-1 on the season. Pickens, will be back home next week as they welcome the Union County Panthers to Jasper. It’ll be the 12th all-time meeting between these two schools. This will be the final non-region game for the Dragons before 7-AAAA play begins on October 1st.