Dragons suffer first loss of 2025 season
PHS Football, Team FYN Sports September 27, 2025
Jasper, Ga — On Friday, September 26th, the Pickens Dragons were in front of the home crowd yet again as they took on the Trojans of North Hall in a pivotal game in 6-AAA. Both teams came into the game with identical 5-0 overall records and 2-0 records in region play. In the end, it would be the Trojans who remained unbeaten as the defending region champions came away with a 38-0 win.
The Trojans, would get the ball first and would use the run game with a sprinkling of a screen game to head down the field into scoring position. The Trojans, would get into the end zone after a 9-yd touchdown run by Justin Allen. The PAT was good and with 8:43 left in the first quarter, North Hall led Pickens, 7-0. Neither team could get anything going for the rest of the quarter. Heading to the second quarter, the Trojans led it, 7-0.
The Trojans, would add to their lead at the 9:09 mark of the second quarter as they were able to connect on a 32-yd field goal to make it 10-0. Later on in the second quarter, the Trojans would tack on more points after a 14-yd touchdown run by Parker Carlton to make it 17-0 with 3:34 left in the half. The Dragons, looking to get something going before the half, would get into field goal range with 1 second left in the quarter.
The field goal attempt would be pushed to the left and after one half of play, the Trojans led the Dragons, 17-0.
The Trojans, would add to their lead in the third quarter with a 1-yd touchdown run to make it 24-0 with 2:37 left in the quarter. Heading to the fourth, the Trojans led the Dragons, 24-0.
The Trojans, would cap off the game with a pair of rushing touchdowns in the fourth quarter as the defending 6-AAA champions would come away with a 38-0 win.
6-AAA Region Standings:
North Hall: 6-0 (3-0)
GAC: 5-1 (3-0)
Pickens: 5-1 (2-1)
Lumpkin: 4-2 (2-1)
Chestatee: 3-3 (1-2)
Dawson: 1-4 (0-2)
Johnson-Gainesville: 0-5 (0-2)
White County: 0-6 (0-3)
The Dragons, will be off next week as they get ready to take on the Chestatee War Eagles on Friday, October 10th at home. Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm. In fact, everyone with the exception of Dawson and Johnson are off next week. The Dragons, will look to stay towards the top of the standings when they return to action in two weeks.
Dragons defeat Tigers, sets up showdown against North Hall
PHS Football, Team FYN Sports September 20, 2025
Jasper, Ga — The Pickens Dragons, began a three game home stand on Friday, September 19th as they welcomed the Dawson Tigers to Dragons Stadium for Homecoming. The Dragons, came into the game with a 4-0 overall record and 1-0 in 6-AAA play. The Tigers, came into the game with a 1-2 overall record. This was their first game in region play. The two teams went back and forth for the majority of the game, but it would be the Dragons that would pull away and pick up a 34-23 win.
The Tigers, would get the ball first to start the ball game. After a screen pass from QB Gunnar Weaver to Paxton Phillips helped set up the Tigers in Dragon territory, the Dragon defense would hold the Tigers and force a four and out. The Dragons, would be forced to punt on their first possession of the game. They would go for a fake punt attempt, but the Tigers would intercept it.
The Dragons defense, would make another stand and force a 25-yd field goal attempt by the Tigers. Jacob Felkai, would hit the field goal to put the Tigers on top, 3-0 with 4:06 left in the first quarter. After another punt by the Dragons, the Tigers would be forced to punt for the first time. A fantastic return by Ezra Faber, set the Dragons up in deep Tiger territory.
Ike Wyngaard, would score on a 20-yd touchdown run. The PAT was good and the Dragons would head into the second quarter with a 7-3 lead.
Early on in the second quarter, as the Tigers were driving to potentially cut the lead to one or take the lead, the Dragons defense used the tip drill to perfection as a pass was deflected into the arms of Landon Poole, who took it to the house for an 82-yd pick six. The PAT was good and with 9 minutes left in the half, Pickens led Dawson, 14-3. The Tigers, would answer with a touchdown on their next possession as Weaver ran it in from three yards out.
The PAT was no good. With 6:46 left in the half, the Dragons lead was cut to 14-9. The Dragons, would add to their lead just before halftime as McCord Purdy would nail a 44-yd field goal to make it 17-9 Dragons at the break.
After neither team could get anything going in the third quarter, the Dragons would stretch out their lead early in the fourth quarter after an 80-yd touchdown run by Wyngaard. The PAT was good and with 10:45 left in the game, Pickens led Dawson, 24-9. The Tigers, would answer that with a 37-yd touchdown pass from Weaver to Brody Sorensen. The two point conversion attempt failed and with 9:02 left in the game, the Dragons led it, 24-15.
The Dragons, would add three to their lead as Purdy would connect on his second 44-yd field goal of the game to make it 27-15 with 7:33 left to go. The Tigers, would once again cut into the Dragons lead after a 14-yd touchdown run by Weaver. The two point conversion attempt was successful and with 4:13 left in the game, the Dragons lead was cut to 27-23.
The Dragons, would respond quickly as Tanner Bail, who came in for Hayden Jones earlier in the game, connected with McCord Purdy for a 79-yd touchdown pass. Purdy’s PAT was good and with 3:50 left in the game, the Dragons were ahead, 34-23. The Dragons defense, was looking for one more stop as the Tigers were looking to keep the game alive. Pickens, got the stop it needed and came away with the win, 34-23.
6-AAA Football Standings:
Pickens: 5-0 (2-0)
North Hall: 5-0 (2-0)
GAC: 4-1 (2-0)
Lumpkin: 3-2 (1-1)
Dawson: 1-3 (0-1)
Johnson-Gainesville: 0-4 (0-1)
Chestatee: 2-3 (0-2)
White County: 0-5 (0-2)
The Dragons, will be back home again on Friday, September 26th for the second of three straight home games as they welcomed the North Hall Trojans. As you see in the standings above, North Hall is also undefeated on the season. They are also a top ten ranked team in AAA depending on which poll you look at. It will be a massive game for both teams next week and could likely determine how the top of the region shapes up. Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm.
Dragons win series finale against Trojans
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports March 15, 2025
Gainesville, Ga — The Pickens Dragons, came into game three against the North Hall Trojans on Friday, March 13th just looking for a little momentum after a pair of tough losses. After going up 5-0 early, the Dragons, would get an insurance run in the top of the seventh as they would hang on to pick up the win, 6-3.
A.J. Rice, would lead off the game with a single. Rice, would then steal 2nd to move into scoring position with 1-out. Rice, with 2-outs, would swipe 3rd. Kam Jenkins, would reach on an error as Rice would come in to score to make it 1-0. Dawson Lowitt, would keep the inning going with a double. The Trojans, would get out of the first with a ground out.
In the bottom of the first, Dragons starter Christian Starks, would pick up a strikeout for the first out. Ty Kemp, would then draw a 1-out walk. After Starks collected his second strikeout of the inning, Kemp, would steal 2nd to get into scoring position. Kenny Foudy, would then draw a 2-out walk. Kemp, would advance to 3rd on the wild pitch. Starks, would get out of the first with a fly out. Heading to the second, Pickens led North Hall, 1-0.
Matthew Davis and Ezra Faber, would lead off the top of the second with back to back singles. Davis, would be forced out at 3rd as Jennings Allen would reach on a fielder’s choice. Faber and Allen, would move up a base after a passed ball. Rice, would drive in Faber with an RBI single. Starks, would help himself out by bringing in Allen with a sacrifice fly. Rice, would advance to 2nd on the play.
Cade Sutton, would bring in Rice with an RBI single to make it 4-0. Sutton, would advance to 2nd on the play. Jenkins, would keep the inning alive by drawing a walk. Lowitt, would drive in Sutton with an RBI single to make it 5-0 Dragons heading to the bottom of the frame. The Trojans, would look to get back into the game as Thomas Davis would be hit with a pitch, and Custis Honeycutt, would reach with a single to lead off the bottom of the second.
After a fly out, Cole Cable, would be hit with a pitch to load the bases with 1-out. Mills Lothridge, would drive in both Davis and Honeycutt with a 2-RBI single. Starks, would come back with a strikeout for the second out. Cable, would then come in to score after a wild pitch. Smith Mcgarvey, would keep the inning going with a 2-out walk. Starks and the Dragons, would get out of the second as Sutton would step on 3rd to force out Lothridge.
Dawson Holland, would lead off the top of the third by reaching on an error. Trojans starter Jake Beard, would pick up a fly out, a line out, and his 2nd strikeout as Holland would be left stranded at 1st. Heading to the bottom of the third, Pickens led North Hall, 5-3. Starks, had a nice bounce back in the bottom of the third as he would sit the Trojans down in order with a pair of fly outs and a ground out to send it to the fourth, with the Dragons ahead, 5-3.
Beard, would toss his first 1-2-3 inning in the top of the fourth as he picked up a ground out and a pair of fly outs to send it to the bottom of the inning. Beard, would lead off the bottom of the fourth by reaching base on an error. Starks, would work around it with a strikeout and a pair of line outs. Heading to the fifth, the Dragons led the Trojans, 5-3.
Jenkins, would lead off the fifth by drawing his 2nd walk of the game. The Trojans, would then turn a double play and pick up a ground out to get out of the inning. Starks, who really settled down since the second inning, picked up a fly out and a pair of strikeouts in a scoreless bottom of the fifth. Heading to the sixth, Pickens still led North Hall, 5-3.
Davis, would pick up his 2nd hit of the game to lead off the top of the sixth. After a strikeout, Davis, would advance all the way to 3rd as Allen would be out at 1st on a ground out. Davis, would attempt to come home on a ball that got by the catcher, but he would be tagged out to send it to the bottom of the sixth, Dragons leading, 5-3. Starks, would pick up two quick fly outs in the bottom of the sixth.
Beard, would keep the inning alive for the Trojans with a 2-out single. His courtesy runner, Brayden Allen, would then steal 2nd to get into scoring position. Starks, now over 100 pitches for the game, would get out of the sixth with a strikeout to send it to the seventh with the Dragons leading the Trojans, 5-3.
Rice, would lead off the top of the seventh with a double. His third hit of the game. After a line out and a strikeout, Rice, would advance to 3rd on a wild pitch. Jenkins, on a 3-2 count, would drive in Rice with a 2-out RBI double to make it 6-3 Dragons heading to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the seventh, Jenkins, would come on in relief of Starks to try and close this one out.
After a strikeout for the first out, Kemp, would draw a walk. Jenkins, would shake that off to strikeout the next to batters to seal the 6-3 win for the Dragons in game three.
Stats for the Dragons:
A.J. Rice: 3-4 with 2 singles, 1 double, 2 steals, and 3 runs scored
Christian Starks: 1 sacrifice fly RBI & 6 IP, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 H, 3 BB, 2 HBP, 7 K on 107 pitches
Cade Sutton: 1-4 with 1 single, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored
Kam Jenkins: 1-2 with 1 double, 2 walks, and 1 RBI & 1 IP, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 H, 1 BB, 3 K on 21 pitches
Dawson Lowitt: 2-4 with 1 single, 1 double, and 1 RBI
Matthew Davis: 2-3 with 2 singles
Ezra Faber: 1-3 with 1 run scored
Jennings Allen: 1 run scored
6-AAA Baseball Standings:
North Hall: 9-4 (5-1)
Dawson: 10-5 (5-1)
Pickens: 12-3 (4-2)
Lumpkin: 9-5 (3-3)
GAC: 6-6 (3-3)
Chestatee: 4-11 (3-3)
White County: 6-8 (1-5)
Johnson-Gainesville: 2-13 (0-6)
The Dragons, will be back in 6-AAA action next week as they begin a three game series with the Lumpkin Indians on Tuesday, March 18th at Dunn Field. The first pitch is scheduled for 5:55 pm.
Missed opportunities costly in Dragons loss to Trojans
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports March 14, 2025
Jasper, Ga — The Pickens Dragons, came into their game against the North Hall Trojans on Thursday, March 13th looking to even up the series after a tough defeat on Tuesday in the series opener. After a bit of a weather delay, the game would get going and as you would expect, was tightly contested. The Trojans, would use some more late inning heroics to pull off another 3-2 win over the Dragons.
Starting pitcher for the Dragons, Ezra Faber, would work around a 1-out single as he would force a ground out, a pop out, and pick up his first strikeout of the game to send it to the bottom half of the first. In the bottom half of the first, A.J. Rice, would lead off by drawing a four pitch walk. Rice, would then advance to 2nd on a wild pitch. Trojans starter Smith McGarvey, would make a nice play on a come backer by Christian Starks for the first out.
Cade Sutton, would draw a four pitch walk to put runners at 1st and 2nd with 1-out. Rice, would steal 3rd to put runners at the corners. Kam Jenkins, would then draw a full count walk to load the bases. McGarvey, would pick up a strikeout for the second out. Matthew Davis, would then draw a bases loaded walk to bring in Rice to make it 1-0. Sam Hammontree, would follow by drawing another walk to bring in Sutton to make it 2-0 Dragons.
The Trojans, would then make a pitching change as starting 1st baseman Micah Jimmerson, would come on in relief of McGarvey. Jimmerson, would get the Trojans out of the first as Hammontree would be forced out at 2nd. Heading to the second, Pickens led North Hall, 2-0.
Faber, would pick up a fly out, and his 2nd strikeout for the first two outs of the second inning. A lined shot by Custis Honeycutt, that just got past Rice at short, would keep the inning alive for the Trojans. Campbell Payton, would then draw a walk to put runners at 1st and 2nd with 2-out. An RBI single by Jake Beard, would bring in Honeycutt to make it 2-1. Faber, would get out of the second with a ground out.
In the bottom of the second, Rice, would reach with a 1-out single. He would be left stranded at 1st however as Jimmerson would pick up a fly out and a strikeout to send it to the third with the Dragons leading the Trojans, 2-1.
The Trojans, were looking to tie or even take the lead as Ty Kemp and McGarvey, would draw back to back walks to begin the top of the third. Faber, would get out of the third after picking up his 3rd strikeout, and a 5-3 double play to send it to the bottom of the inning. Jenkins, would lead off the bottom of the third with an infield single. Dawson Holland, would then drive one to deep right field, which allowed courtesy runner Coleman Keener, to advance to 2nd.
Jimmerson, would again escape with no damage done as he picked up a pop out and a fly out to send it to the fourth with the Dragons still leading, 2-1.
In the top of the fourth, Faber, would work around a 1-out single by Honeycutt, as he picked up a pop out, a fly out, and his 4th strikeout to send it to the bottom of the frame. In the bottom of the fourth, Dawson Lowitt and Jennings Allen, would lead off with back to back singles. Rice, would bunt pitch runner Caden Kirchoff and Allen over to put runners at 2nd and 3rd with 1-out.
Kirchoff, would get caught in a rundown for the second out. The play allowed Allen to advance to 3rd, and Starks to 2nd. Jimmerson, would get out of the inning with a ground out to send it to the fifth with the Dragons still ahead, 2-1.
Daven Abernathy, would come on in relief of Faber in the top of the fifth. He would pick up a ground out for the first out. After a 1-out single by Kemp, Abernathy would get McGarvey to fly out to left field. Kenny Foudy, would give the Trojans the lead with a 2-run home run. Abernathy, would bounce back with a strikeout to send it to the bottom of the fifth with the Trojans leading, 3-2.
In the bottom of the fifth, Holland, would reach with a 1-out single. He would be left stranded as Jimmerson, would pick up a pop out and a ground out to send it to the sixth with the Trojans leading, 3-2.
In the top of the sixth, Abernathy, would strikeout the side to send it to the bottom half of the inning. In the bottom of the sixth, Rice, would look to get something started as he would be hit by a pitch with 2-outs. Jimmerson and the Trojans, would get out of the sixth with a fly out to send it to the seventh with North Hall leading Pickens, 3-2.
In the top of the seventh, Abernathy, in his third inning of relief, would pick up his 5th strikeout, and a pair of fly outs in a scoreless frame to send it to the bottom of the seventh. In the bottom of the seventh, Jimmerson, would get the Dragons in order as the Trojans would come away with another 3-2 win.
Stats for the Dragons:
A.J. Rice: 1-1 with 1 single, 1 walk, 1 HBP, 1 steal, and 1 run scored
Cade Sutton: 1 walk and 1 run scored
Kam Jenkins: 1-3 with 1 single, and 1 walk
Dawson Holland: 1-4 with 1 single
Matthew Davis: 1 walk and 1 RBI
Sam Hammontree: 1 walk and 1 RBI
Dawson Lowitt: 1-3 with 1 single
Jennings Allen: 1-3 with 1 single
Ezra Faber: 4 IP, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 H, 4 K, 3 BB on 62 pitches
Daven Abernathy: 3 IP, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 H, 5 K, 0 BB on 41 pitches
The Dragons, will look to end the series on a good note as game three takes place on Friday, March 14th back at North Hall. The first pitch is scheduled for 5:55 pm.
Dragons fall in final inning in series opener against Trojans
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports March 12, 2025
Gainesville, Ga — It was the start of arguably the biggest series in 6-AAA as the Pickens Dragons traveled down to Gainesville to take on the North Hall Trojans on Tuesday, March 11th. The Dragons, came into the game 11-1 overall, 3-0 in 6-AAA, and ranked 2nd in AAA. The Trojans, came in at 7-3 overall, 3-0 in 6-AAA, and ranked 4th in AAA. The game would live up to the hype as the final inning saw the lead change hands twice as it would be the Trojans who would come away with the win in game one, 3-2.
The Dragons, were looking for some early 2-out magic in the top of the first as Cade Sutton and Kam Jenkins would reach on back to back singles to put runners at 2nd and 3rd. Trojans starter Campbell Payton, would induce a ground ball for the 3rd out to send it to the bottom of the inning. Dragons starter A.J. Rice, would strikeout the side in the bottom of the frame to send it to the second with the score still tied at 0.
Dawson Holland, would lead off the top of the second by reaching on an error. A 1-out single by Dawson Lowitt, would put runners at 1st and 2nd. Jennings Allen, would then reach on a fielder’s choice as Lowitt would be forced out at 2nd. Holland, would move up to 3rd on the play. The Trojans, would get out of the inning after picking off Allen at 1st. Rice, would continue his hot start to the game in the bottom of the second.
Rice, would force a ground out in addition to picking up his 4th and 5th strikeouts in a scoreless bottom of the second. Heading to the third, Pickens and North Hall were still tied at 0.
The Dragons, would go down in order in the top half of the third after a pop out, a ground out, and a fly out. In the bottom of the frame, Custis Honeycutt, would pick up the first hit of the game for the Trojans as he would lead off with a double. A sacrifice bunt by Payton, would move Honeycutt over to 3rd. Rice, would get out of the jam by inducing a ground ball and forcing a pop out to send it to the fourth with the game still scoreless.
In the top of the fourth, Jenkins would reach 1st with a lead off walk. Matthew Davis, would then reach on a fielder’s choice as courtesy runner Zach Williams, would be forced out at 2nd. After a fly out by Holland, Sam Hammontree looked to keep the inning alive with a single, however, Davis, would be thrown out at 2nd to send it to the bottom of the fourth.
The Trojans, looked to get something going in the bottom of the fourth as they drew a pair of walks and picked up their 2nd hit of the game to load the bases with 1-out. After Rice picked up his 6th strikeout for the 2nd out, Smith McGarvey, would come in to score the game’s first run after a wild pitch. Rice, would force a fly out to limit the damage and send it to the fifth with the Trojans leading, 1-0.
Lowitt, would lead of the top of the fifth with his 2nd hit of the day, but would be thrown out at 2nd trying to stretch it into a double. Payton, would pick up his 3rd and 4th strikeout of the game to send it to the bottom of the inning. Rice, would bounce back in the bottom of the fifth as he would strikeout the side to send it to the sixth with the Trojans still ahead, 1-0.
Christian Starks, would lead off the sixth by drawing a walk. Sutton, would follow with his 2nd hit of the game to put runners at 1st and 2nd. Starks, would be forced out at 3rd as Jenkins reached on a fielder’s choice. After a line out by Davis, Holland, would reach as the ball would fall out of the center fielders glove allowing Sutton to score to tie the game at 1.
Rice, would carry that momentum over to the bottom of the sixth as he would force a fly out, and pick up his 10th and 11th strikeout of the game to send it to the seventh with the score tied at 1.
Lowitt, would lead off the top of the seventh by drawing a walk. Caden Kirchoff, would then come in to pitch run for Lowitt. Allen, would follow that up with a single to put runners at 1st and 2nd with nobody out. After a strikeout of Rice for the first out, Starks, would reach on an error that would allow Kirchoff to come in and score to give the Dragons a 2-1 lead. Allen and Starks, would end up at 2nd and 3rd after the play.
Mills Lothridge, who came on in relief of Payton, would limit the damage as he would force a ground out, and pick up a strikeout to send it to the bottom of the seventh. Rice, looking to finish the game, picked up his 12th strikeout of the game and a fly out for the first two outs of the seventh. Honeycutt, would tie the game with a solo home run to left field.
McKinley Kemp, would keep the inning going with a 2-out single. Cole Cable, would follow that by drawing a walk. Lothridge, would then drive in pitch runner Brayden Martin with an RBI single to give the Trojans a 3-2 win in game one.
Stats for the Dragons:
A.J. Rice: 6 2/3 IP, 3 R, 3 ER, 4 H, 12 K, 2 BB on 107 pitches
Christian Starks: 1 walk
Cade Sutton: 2-4 with 2 singles and 1 run scored
Kam Jenkins: 1-3 with 1 single and 1 walk
Dawson Holland: 1-3 with 1 single and 1 RBI
Sam Hammontree: 1-3 with 1 single
Dawson Lowitt: 2-2 with 2 singles and 1 walk
Jennings Allen: 1-3 with 1 single
Caden Kirchoff: 1 run scored
The series will shift to Dunn Field on Thursday, March 13th as the Dragons will look to tie the series as they host the Trojans for game 2. The first pitch is scheduled for 5:55 pm.
Dragons sweep Warriors to begin region play
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports March 8, 2025
Cleveland, Ga — The Pickens Dragons, took to the road on Friday, March 7th as they took on the White County Warriors in the third and final game of the series. After taking the first two games of the series, the Dragons, were looking for the series sweep. After getting runs from the 2nd-5th inning, the Dragons, picked up the win in the series finale, 8-1.
The Dragons, would go down in order in the top half of the first as Warriors starting pitcher, Shelton Ramey, would force a ground out, a fly out, and pick up his first strikeout of the game. In the bottom of the first, Trevor Butler, would draw a lead off walk. Dragons starting pitcher, Christian Starks, would induce a 6-3 double play to clear the bases. Caleb Campbell, would keep the inning alive for the Warriors as he drew a 2-out walk.
Starks, would get out of the first inning with his first strikeout of the game. Heading to the second inning, Pickens and White County, were tied at 0.
In the top of the second, Kam Jenkins, would lead off with a hustle double as the ball would fall in between several Warriors in no mans land. Matthew Davis, would move the courtesy runner Zach Williams over to 3rd with a ground out. After Ramey picked up a strikeout for the 2nd out, Williams, would come in to score after a wild pitch to give the Dragons a 1-0 lead. Ramey, would pick up his 3rd strikeout of the game to send it to the bottom of the second.
In the bottom of the second, Starks, would toss a scoreless frame as he picked up his 2nd and 3rd strikeout of the game, and fielded a comebacker for the ground out. Heading to the top of the third, Pickens led White County, 1-0.
Ezra Faber, would lead off the top of the third by working a full count walk to reach 1st. A double by Jennings Allen, would put runners at 2nd and 3rd with nobody out. A.J. Rice, would bring in Faber with an RBI ground out to make it 2-0 Dragons. Allen, would advance to 3rd on the play. Allen, would then come in to score on a wild pitch to make it 3-0 heading to the bottom of the third.
In the bottom of the third, Starks, would pick up two quick outs with a ground out and a strikeout. Butler, would keep the inning going by drawing his 2nd walk of the game. Starks, would get out of the inning with a fly out. Heading to the fourth, Pickens led White County, 3-0.
Davis, would add to the Dragons lead in the top of the fourth as the lefty would pull one over the right field fence for a solo home run to make it 4-0. Ramey, would get out of the fourth with a pair of ground outs. In the bottom of the fourth, Campbell, would lead off by drawing his 2nd walk of the game. After picking up his 5th strikeout, Brady Gaddis, would draw a walk. John Bannon, would pick up the Warriors first hit of the game to load the bases with 1-out.
Starks, would do a good job of settling in and calming himself down as he would pick up his 6th and 7th strikeout of the game to keep the Warriors scoreless. Heading to the fifth, Pickens led White County, 4-0.
In the top of the fifth, Allen, would reach with a 1-out double. Rice, would follow that up by drawing a walk to put runners on 1st and 2nd with 1-out. After a strikeout, Cade Sutton, would send a shot down the right field line for a 2-RBI triple as both Allen and Rice would come in to score. Jenkins, would keep the inning alive for the Dragons by drawing a walk.
Davis, would then reach on a two base error as both Sutton and courtesy runner Zach Williams, would come in to score in the play to make it 8-0 Dragons heading to the bottom of the fifth.
Daven Abernathy, would come on in relief of Starks in the bottom of the fifth. The Warriors, would threaten a big inning yet again as they would load the bases. Abernathy, would work around a pair of walks and a single to keep the Warriors scoreless. Heading to the sixth, the Dragons led it, 8-0.
In the top of the sixth, Sam Hammontree, would lead off by drawing a walk. Caden Kirchoff, would come in to pitch run for Hammontree. Warriors relief pitcher, Josh Adams, would pick up a strikeout and two fly outs to keep the Dragons off the board. In the bottom of the sixth, Abernathy, in his second inning of relief, would force three ground outs in a scoreless frame. Heading to the seventh, the Dragons led the Warriors, 8-0.
Dawson Lowitt, would lead off the top of the seventh with a single. Chase Hulsey, who would come in to pitch run for Lowitt, would steal 2nd to get into scoring position. After a pair of strikeouts, Williams, would draw a 2-out walk. Hulsey, would advance to 3rd on a passed ball to put runners at 1st and 3rd. Adams, in his 2nd inning of relief, would strikeout the side to send it to the bottom of the seventh.
In the bottom of the seventh, Kam Jenkins, would come on in relief of Abernathy. Carter Nguyen, would lead off the inning with an infield single. Butler, would then draw his 3rd walk of the game to put runners at 1st and 2nd with nobody out. Alex Freeman, would then reach on an error to load the bases. After Jenkins would strike out Campbell for the first out, Ramey, would bring in Nguyen with an RBI ground out to make it 8-1.
Jenkins, would close out the game with his second strikeout of the inning as the Dragons would pick up the win, 8-1. The Dragons, sweep the series, 3-0.
Stats for the Dragons:
A.J. Rice: 1 walk, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored
Christian Starks: 4 IP, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 H, 7 K, 5 BB on 69 pitches
Dawson Lowitt: 1-1 with 1 single
Cade Sutton: 1-3 with 1 triple, 2 RBI, and 1 run scored
Kam Jenkins: 1-2 with 1 double, and 1 walk & 1 IP, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 H, 2 K, 1 BB on 25 pitches
Matthew Davis: 1-3 with 1 home run, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored
Sam Hammontree: 1 walk
Ezra Faber: 1 walk and 1 run scored
Jennings Allen: 2-3 with 2 doubles and 2 runs scored
Chase Hulsey: 1 steal
Zach Williams: 1 walk and 2 runs scored
Daven Abernathy: 2 IP, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 H, 1 K, 2 BB on 31 pitches
6-AAA Baseball Standings:
Pickens: 11-1 (3-0)
Lumpkin: 9-2 (3-0)
North Hall: 7-3 (3-0)
Dawson: 8-4 (3-0)
White County: 5-6 (0-3)
GAC: 3-6 (0-3)
Johnson-Gainesville: 2-10 (0-3)
Chestatee: 1-11 (0-3)
The Dragons, will begin probably the most important series of the season as they will travel down to Gainesville to start a three game set with the North Hall Trojans. Most polls have the Dragons and Trojans #2 and #3 in AAA. Game one, will be on Tuesday, March 11th at North Hall. First pitch scheduled for 5:55 pm.
Dragons use big second half to move on to 6-AAA Championship
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports February 15, 2025
Jasper, Ga — There were four teams remaining on the boys side of the 6-AAA Region Tournament heading into the semifinals on Friday, February 14th. The earlier game saw the GAC Spartans, get past the Lumpkin Indians to secure a spot in the Championship game. The Pickens Dragons, took on the Trojans of North Hall. The Dragons, who were trailing at the half, used a 49-20 second half to pick up a 79-55 win.
Micah Jimerson, would connect on a short jumper to get the scoring started and give the Trojans a 2-0 lead. A layup by Brock Barton, would jump start an 11-0 run by the Dragons as Parker Davis, Caleb Lanford, and McCord Purdy also contributed to the run. A bucket by Cole Hulsey, would cut the lead to 11-4. After a basket by Parker Davis, Hulsey, would then complete an and-1 play to trim the lead down to 13-7.
Hulsey, would then score on a layup to cut the lead to four. Jamin Martin, would hit a running jumper to make it 15-9. A three by Gunner Spain, would cut the lead down to 15-12. A late bucket by Parker Davis, would make it 17-12 Dragons heading to the second quarter.
Barton, would begin the second quarter with a three pointer to make it 20-12. Hulsey and Lanford, would then trade free throw makes as the Dragons led it, 21-13. After a basket by Jimerson, Lanford, would hit a three to make it 24-15. Hulsey and Cooper Payton, would combine for a 5-0 run to cut the lead to 24-20. After a layup by Barton, the Trojans, would go on a 7-0 run to take a 27-26 lead.
Parker Davis, would put an end to the run with a pair of free throws to give the Dragons a 28-27 lead. The Trojans, would retake the lead after an 8-0 run to make it 35-28. A late basket by Barton would cut the lead down to 36-30 heading into the break.
Dodge Davis and Hulsey, would trade three point buckets to open the second half as the Trojans led it, 38-33. Purdy, would then split a pair of free throws to cut the lead down to four. After a basket by Jimerson, the Dragons, would go on an 11-0 run to retake the lead, 45-40. A bucket by Walker Davis, would end the run and cut the lead to 45-42. Dodge Davis, Lanford, and Barton would then combine for a 6-0 run to stretch the lead out to 51-42.
Hulsey, would split a pair of free throws to cut the Dragons lead down to 51-43 heading to the fourth quarter.
Spain and Jimerson, would hit back to back threes to begin the fourth quarter to cut the Dragons lead down to 51-49. The Dragons, would counter with a 7-0 run to stretch the lead out to 58-49. A bucket by Hulsey, would cut the lead to 58-51. Another 7-0 run by the Dragons, would make it 65-51. A pair of free throws by Jimerson, would cut the lead down to 65-53.
Purdy, would then make four straight free throws to give the Dragons a 69-53 lead. A basket by Walker Vining, would cut the lead to 69-55. From there, the Trojans would go on a fouling spree as Purdy, Dodge Davis, and Lanford, would combine to make 8 straight free throws. A late steal and bucket by Parker Davis to end the game, would seal a 79-55 win for the Dragons.
Leading scorers for the Dragons:
Dodge Davis: 20 points
Caleb Lanford: 15 points
McCord Purdy: 15 points
Parker Davis: 14 points
Brock Barton: 9 points
Jamin Martin: 2 points
The Dragons, will now shift their attention to the GAC Spartans as they will battle for the 6-AAA Region Championship on Saturday, February 15th. Tip off is set for 7:30 pm.
Dragons to face Trojans in 6-AAA Semifinals
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports February 13, 2025
Jasper, Ga — The boys side of the 6-AAA Region Tournament began on Wednesday, February 12th as teams were looking to punch their ticket officially to the AAA State Tournament. Earlier games during the day saw North Hall defeat Dawson, Lumpkin defeat White County, and GAC defeat Chestatee. Pickens, the hosting school, took on the Johnson Knights. The Dragons, would pick up a 67-47 win to advance to the Semifinals.
The first quarter saw Dodge Davis takeover early as he would score 15 points in the frame. His brother Parker, would chip in 5 points and McCord Purdy would add a layup. The Knights, would look to gain some momentum as the quarter came to an end. Heading to the second quarter, the Dragons led the Knights, 22-8.
The second quarter was a nice back and forth as the Dragons just did outscore the Knights, 18-13 in the quarter. Parker Davis and Purdy, paced the scoring for the Dragons with 6 points a piece. Jamin Martin would add 3 points, and Dodge Davis and Caleb Lanford would each score 2 points. Heading into half time, the Dragons led the Knights, 40-21.
The third quarter saw the Dragons spread out the scoring a bit. Lanford, would lead the way with a pair of threes. Brock Barton and Martin would both add a three, Dodge Davis would get a bucket and a free throw, Purdy and DJ Mitchell would both make layups, and Parker Davis would make a pair of free throws. The Dragons, outscored the Knights, 21-11 in the third to take a 61-32 lead into the fourth.
For the Knights, the fourth quarter was their best offensively as they would outscore the Dragons 15-6 in the frame. Martin, would score all 6 points in the quarter for the Dragons. The Knights, were led by Cruz Gobert and Monty Young. The Dragons, would come away with the win, 67-47.
Leading scorers for the Dragons:
Dodge Davis: 20 points
Parker Davis: 12 points
Jamin Martin: 12 points
McCord Purdy: 10 points
Caleb Lanford: 8 points
Brock Barton: 3 points
DJ Mitchell: 2 points
The Dragons, will now shift their focus to Friday, February 14th as they will take on the Trojans of North Hall in a 6-AAA Region Tournament Semifinal game. The winner, will advance to the Championship game on Saturday, February 15th, where they will take on the winner of the GAC vs Lumpkin game. Tip off for the game against the Trojans is set for 8:30 pm.
Dragons sweep Indians to move to 19-0
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports January 23, 2025
Jasper, Ga — The Pickens Dragons, welcomed the Lumpkin County Indians to the Dragons Den for a battle of two of the top three teams in 6-AAA on Wednesday, January 22nd. This game, was originally scheduled for Tuesday, the 21st, but the latest round of winter weather forced it to be moved back a day. The rest of the region, is still looking to see when games that were scheduled for Tuesday, can be played. The Indians, came into the game 12-7 overall and 6-2 in 6-AAA. The Dragons, came into the game 18-0 overall and 8-0 in 6-AAA. While it wasn’t their cleanest of games, the Dragons, still came away with a 67-39 win.
The first quarter started with Caleb Lanford hitting a pair of free throws to put the Dragons up 2-0. Ga Tech WR signee Cal Faulkner, would get the scoring started for the Indians with a layup through contact. He would make the free throw to give the Indians a 3-2 lead. After a basket by Brock Barton, Jackson Pulley, would hit a three to make it 6-4. McCord Purdy would answer with a three on the other end to make it 7-6 Dragons.
A pair of free throws by Landon Pierce, would give the Indians an 8-7 lead. Parker Davis, would then also make a pair of free throws to give the Dragons a one point lead. A layup by Dodge Davis, would give Pickens an 11-8 lead. After a bucket by Faulkner, Barton, Parker Davis, and Jamin Martin would combine for a 7-0 run to make it 18-10 Dragons. Faulkner, would put an end to the run with a basket to cut the lead to 18-12.
Barton, would then get a shot to fall through contact and hit the free throw to make it 21-12. A late basket by Hagen Glenn just before the buzzer, made it 21-14 as they would head to the second quarter.
The second quarter would start with Pierce and Parker Davis each receiving a technical foul for trash talking after Pierce was called for a separate foul. Martin, would hit a three to make it 24-14 Dragons. A bucket by T.J. Gaddis, would cut the lead to 8. Parker Davis, would then go on a 6-0 run to stretch the lead out to 30-16. Faulkner and Purdy, would then exchange threes as the Dragons led, 33-19. A late basket by Faulkner, made it 33-21 Dragons at the half.
The second half began with Pierce making back to back threes to cut the lead down to 33-27. The Dragons, would then go on a 5-0 run as Barton would make a layup, and Lanford would hit a three to make it 38-27. After a bucket by Faulkner, Parker Davis, Barton, and Martin would combine to go on a 10-0 run to make it 48-29. The Indians, would close the third quarter on a 5-0 run as Faulkner would make a jump shot and Pulley would hit a three to make it 48-34 heading to the fourth.
The fourth quarter started with the Dragons going on an 11-0 run to make it 59-34. Barton, Lanford, and the Davis brothers all contributed to the run. After a basket by Faulkner, the Dragons would go on a 7-0 run to make it 66-36. A bucket by the Indians would make it 66-38. Both teams, would each make a free throw to end the game as the Dragons picked up the win, 67-39.
Leading scorers for the Dragons:
Brock Barton: 17 points
Parker Davis: 14 points
Caleb Lanford: 10 points
Jamin Martin: 10 points
McCord Purdy: 8 points
Dodge Davis: 6 points
Camden Jones: 1 point
Aiden Mumaw: 1 point
The Dragons, are set to travel to Hall County on Friday, January 24th to take on the North Hall Trojans. The Trojans, much like the rest of the region outside of Pickens and Lumpkin, haven’t been able to play this week due to weather related postponements. Game time for Friday is set for 7:30 pm.
Dragons score 100 points in win against Trojans
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports December 14, 2024
Jasper, Ga — Much like the Nettes, it was the final home game of the 2024 portion of the season for the Pickens Dragons as they took on the Trojans of North Hall on Friday, December 13th. Both teams, were coming off big wins and the winner of this one would find themselves atop the 6-AAA standings. The Dragons, scored no less than 20 points in every quarter on their way to a 103-40 win.
The Dragons, started off the game with a quick bucket as Parker Davis won the tip, Brock Barton grabbed it, tossed it to Dodge Davis, who would score a tough basket to make it 2-0. A bucket by Cole Hulsey, would tie the game up at 2. After a basket by McCord Purdy gave the Dragons the lead, Hulsey, would go on a 4-0 run to make it 6-4 Trojans. A 10-0 run by the Dragons would give them a 14-6 lead. Hulsey, ended the run with a bucket to make it 14-8.
The Dragons, would then go on a 5-0 run to stretch the lead to 19-8. A pair of free throws by Hulsey, would cut the lead down to 9. The Dragons, would close out the first quarter on a 6-0 run as they led the Trojans, 25-10 heading to the second quarter.
The Trojans, would finally get someone other than Hulsey in the score book to begin the second quarter as Cole Brooks would make a layup to cut the lead to 25-12. A three pointer from Brock Barton, would make it 28-12. That would kickoff a 17-0 run by the Dragons as they led it, 42-12. A pair of free throws by Brooks, would make it 42-14. After a three pointer from Montego Morgan, the Trojans, would hit a late bucket to make it 45-16 at the half.
The second half started with Dodge Davis scoring back-to-back baskets to make it 49-16. A pair of free throws from Walker Vining, would make it 49-18. After a layup by Barton, Hulsey, would go on a 5-0 run to make it 51-23. Barton, would then complete an and-1 play to make it 54-23. Later on in the third, the Dragons, would go on a 12-0 run to stretch the lead out to 75-31. Max Young, would split a pair of free throws to make it 75-32 going to the fourth.
Dodge Davis, again got the scoring going as he opened up the fourth quarter with a bucket to make it 77-32. After Vining split a pair of free throws, the Dragons, would go on another 12-0 run to make it 89-33. A free throw make by Drew Cronan, would put an end to the run. After the two teams traded baskets, the Dragons would go on a mini 4-0 run to make it 96-36.
After Cronan again split a pair of free throws, A 7-0 run by the Dragons would make it 103-37. Cronan, would hit a late three pointer as the final score in this one would be Pickens 103 North Hall 40.
Scoring leaders for the Dragons:
Dodge Davis: 23 points
Brock Barton: 21 points
Parker Davis: 17 points
McCord Purdy: 13 points
DJ Mitchell: 8 points
Montego Morgan: 8 points
Caleb Lanford: 6 points
Jamin Martin: 4 points
Aiden Mumaw: 2 points
Caden Kirchoff: 1 point
6-AAA Boys Basketball Standings:
Pickens: 8-0 (3-0)
GAC: 6-3 (2-1)
North Hall: 5-3 (2-1)
Lumpkin: 5-4 (2-1)
Dawson: 3-6 (1-2)
White County: 3-6 (1-2)
Chestatee: 1-8 (0-3)
Johnson, Gainesville: 0-8 (0-3)
Much like the Nettes, the Dragons will end the 2024 portion of the schedule by taking part in a pair of tournaments. The first tournament, will be the War Lodge Invitational at Sequoyah High School where they will take on Alcovy and Seckinger. First up, Alcovy on Friday, December 20th. Tip off is set for 5:30 pm.
Dragons fall short in come back attempt at North Hall
PHS Football, Team FYN Sports September 29, 2024
Gainesville, Ga — It was a rare Saturday afternoon football game as weather from Hurricane Helene forced many games to be moved to Saturday, September 28th. One of those games happened to be the Pickens Dragons and North Hall Trojans. It was the first meeting between the two teams since 2017, and the first time Pickens had gone to North Hall since 2016. The Dragons, would make it a two point game in the fourth, but the Trojans would pull away in the end, 43-27.
The Dragons, would pull a little trick out of their hat to start the game as McCord Purdy executed a perfect pooch kick. The Dragons would recover, and have the ball deep inside Trojan territory. The drive would stall as the Trojans would force a turnover. After the Dragons defense got a stop on the Trojans first possession, the Dragons offense drove down the field, and on 4th and goal from the 1-yd line, Hayden Jones would score with a touchdown run. The PAT was good, and with 4:01 left in the first quarter, Pickens led North Hall, 7-0.
On their next possession, the Trojans would answer with a 19-yd TD run. The Trojans, would then see an opening on the PAT attempt as they would convert the two-point conversion to make it 8-7 heading into the second quarter.
Dragons looking to punch it into the end zone
The Trojans, would add to their lead in the second quarter as they would connect on a long pass for a touchdown on 3rd and long. The PAT was good and with 9:10 left in the first half, North Hall led Pickens, 15-7. The Dragons, would come back and respond as Jones’ pass was deflected, but fell right into the arms of Landon Poole and he took it the rest of the way for a 20-yd touchdown. The Dragons would choose to go for, and make the PAT to make it 15-14.
The Trojans, would respond with a pair of scores before the first half came to an end as North Hall led Pickens, 29-14 at the break.
Dragons on defense in the 2nd quarter
The Dragons, would get the ball first to start the second half looking to cut into the Trojans lead. They would be able to do that as Jones found Purdy for a 43-yd touchdown. The PAT was good and the Dragons pulled back within a score as North now led it, 29-21. That would be the only points scored in the third quarter as the Dragons had the ball and were driving to begin the fourth quarter.
Jones would run for a first down
40 seconds into the fourth quarter, the Dragons struck as Jones broke loose for a 45-yd TD run, Pickens, would go for two to try and tie the ball game. The try would come up just short and with 11:20 left to go in the game, the Trojans led the Dragons, 29-27. North Hall, responded with a touchdown of their own to make it 36-27 with just over 6 minutes left in the game.
The Trojans, would get a turnover on downs on the Dragons next possession. On the next play, North Hall would score on a 37-yd TD pass to make it 43-27, The final from the brickyard, North Hall 43, Pickens 27.
Dragons looking to stop a pass play
The Dragons, like most of the region, will have next week off. Pickens, will have two weeks to get ready for the final stretch of the season as they will be on the road again on Friday, October 11th as they head back to the Gainesville area to take on the Chestatee War Eagles. The Dragons and War Eagles will be meeting for the first time since 2009. Pickens, leads the overall series 4-2, however Chestatee has won the last two meetings. Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm.
Dragons pick up region win at Dawson
PHS Football, Team FYN Sports September 21, 2024
Dawsonville, Ga — It was a beautiful, but warm night for high school football on Friday, September 20th as the Pickens Dragons traveled up to Dawson County to take on the Dawson Tigers. The Dragons, were coming off of a tough loss to White County last week, while the Tigers had the week off to get ready for region play. Using their ground game and a late defensive stop, the Dragons picked up their first region win, 35-23.
The Tigers, won the toss and elected to receive the opening kick off to begin the game. After a long completion from QB Preston Bannister to Dylan Edwards set the Tigers up inside the red zone, the Dragons defense settled down and held Dawson to a 24-yd field goal. With 10:07 left in the first quarter, the Tigers led, 3-0. On their first play from scrimmage, the Dragons would take the lead as QB Hayden Jones scrambled for an 80-yd touchdown. The PAT from McCord Purdy was good and the Dragons would take a 7-3 lead into the second quarter.
Dragons on defense early in the 1st quarter
The Dragons, would add to their lead at the 4:12 mark of the second quarter as RB Carson Mitton punched it in from 1-yd out. The PAT was good and the Dragons now led, 14-3. The Tigers, would answer by scoring their first touchdown of the night as a long kickoff return by Luke Smith helped set up a 10-yd TD run by Bannister. The PAT was good and the Dragons would lead it 14-10 heading into the break.
Dragons on offense in the 2nd quarter
The second half began with the Dragons getting the ball. The offense, would March down the field as Jones would connect with Freshman WR Sawyer Purdy several times during the drive including a 10-yd touchdown. The PAT was good and with 9:59 left in the third quarter, the Dragons led the Tigers, 21-10. Later on in the third, the Dragons would block and recover a field goal attempt by the Tigers.
The Tigers, would get the ball back on the next play after an interception by Smith. Dawson would turn that interception into points as RB Cody McBrayer scored on a 10-yd TD run. The PAT was good and with 4:24 left in the third, Pickens led Dawson, 21-17. The Dragons, would respond to that score with a 45-yd TD run by Jones. His 2nd of the night. The PAT by Purdy was good. Heading to the fourth, the Dragons led the Tigers, 28-17.
Dragons looking to stop the run
A couple of minutes into the fourth quarter, the Tigers would score on a 1-yd TD run by Bannister. His 2nd of the game. Dawson, would then choose to go for two to cut the lead down to 3. The Dragons, were able to stop McBrayer short on the conversion attempt as Pickens now led it, 28-23 with 8:54 left in the game. Later in the fourth, the Dragons would stretch their lead out as Landon Poole would score a 6-yd touchdown. The PAT was good and with 3:58 left to go in the game, the Dragons led the Tigers, 35-23.
Jones throwing the ball to Landon Poole
Penalties would help the Tigers drive down the field, who were looking to cut into the lead with the clock draining. Pickens, got the stop it was looking for as they would pick up the win, 35-23.
6-AAA Region Standings:
North Hall: 3-2 (2-0)
GAC: 2-3 (2-0)
Lumpkin: 3-2 (1-1)
White County: 2-3 (1-1)
Pickens: 3-2 (1-1)
Dawson: 1-3 (0-1)
Chestatee: 1-4 (0-2)
Johnson-Gainesville: 0-4 (0-2)
The Dragons, will continue their three game region road trip next week as they head down to Hall County to take on the North Hall Trojans on Friday, September 27th. The Dragons and Trojans have not played each other since 2017 and it’ll be the Dragons first trip to North Hall since 2016. Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm.