Dragons season ends at Monroe Area
PHS Football, Team FYN Sports November 15, 2025
Monroe, Ga — It was finally time for playoff football in the state of Georgia after teams got a bye week after the regular season ended to prepare for the first round. The Dragons, came in as a 19 seed in the AAA State Playoffs and traveled to Monroe, Georgia to take on the 14 seeded Monroe Area Purple Hurricanes. After a tightly contested first half, the Purple Hurricanes were able to pull away and advance with a 35-13 win.
The Dragons, would receive the opening kickoff. The opening kick would be fumbled by the Dragons and the Purple Hurricanes would take over at the Dragons 21-yd line. The Dragons defense, would do a good job of holding the Purple Hurricanes to a field goal attempt. The field goal, would be pushed to the left. The two teams would trade possessions the rest of the quarter as they were scoreless heading to the second.
It was much more of the same in the second quarter. The Dragons offense, was looking to find some consistency, while the Purple Hurricanes offense was looking to finish drives. Monroe Area, got on the board at the 3:43 mark of the second quarter after a 37-yd touchdown run. The PAT was good and the Purple Hurricanes led the Dragons, 7-0. Just before the end of the first half, Monroe Area, was looking to add to their lead.
The Purple Hurricanes, would look to attempt a 40-yd field goal. Just before the kicker would put his foot on the ball, coach Bennett would call timeout. The kicker, ended up just barely making it, but since the timeout was called, the kick didn’t count. On the second attempt after the timeout, the kick fell short. Monroe Area, would take a 7-0 lead into the half.
The Purple Hurricanes, would start the scoring in the third quarter as they capped off their opening drive in the second half with a 7-yd touchdown run. The PAT was good and Monroe Area was up, 14-0. The Dragons, responded with their biggest play of the game of their first drive of the second half as Tanner Bail dumped the ball off to Ike Wyngaard, who made one man miss and was off to the races for a 67-yd touchdown.
The PAT was good and with 6:39 left in the third, Monroe Area’s lead was cut to 14-7. The Purple Hurricanes, would stretch their lead back to two scores after a 2-yd touchdown run. The PAT was good and Monroe Area now led Pickens, 21-7. The Purple Hurricanes, would get the ball back near the end of the third. Looking to take a deep shot, the Dragons, were able to intercept the pass and take it back to the Canes 37-yd line as the quarter ended.
The Dragons, who had been looking for a big pass play down field all game long, finally hit on one as Bail connected with McCord Purdy for a 37-yd touchdown. The PAT attempt would be blocked and with 11:51 left in the ball game, Monroe Area led Pickens, 21-13. The Purple Hurricanes, would add an 8-yd touchdown run, and a 1-yd touchdown run to help pull away in the final quarter to pick up the win, 35-13.
Dragons fall in regular season finale; await postseason destination
PHS Football, Team FYN Sports November 1, 2025
Dahlonega, Ga — It was the spookiest night of the year as the Pickens Dragons made their way up to Dahlonega to take on the Indians of Lumpkin County on Friday, October, 31st. The Indians, came into the game needing a win and a Dawson loss to get into the playoffs. The Dragons, already in the playoffs, were looking for a better seed prior to the selections. After building a 21-3 first half lead, the Indians, were able to hang on a pick up a 29-22 win.
The Indians, would win the toss and elect to receive to begin the ball game. After a balance of the run game and the intermediate pass game, the Indians would strike first with a 27-yd touchdown run by Nolan Matthews. The PAT was good and with 6:43 left in the first quarter, Lumpkin led Pickens, 7-0. The Dragons, would drive down the field and were set up near the goal line as time expired in the first quarter.
After a couple of pass attempts by Tanner Bail looking for MCord Purdy and Ike Wyngaard fell incomplete, the Dragons, would settle for a 30-yd field goal make by Purdy to trim the Indian lead to 7-3 with 11:54 left in the first half. The Indians, would respond on their next possession with a 17-yd touchdown pass from Mason Hester to Mac Powell. The PAT was good and with 6:20 left in the half, Lumpkin was in front, 14-3.
Just before the end of the first half, Matthews, would power into the end zone for his 2nd touchdown run of the game. The PAT was good and the Indians would take a 21-3 lead into the break.
The Dragons, would start the second half with the ball and would end their opening drive with points as Cal Morrison would run it in from 2-yds out. The PAT was good and with 8:26 left in the third, Lumpkin led Pickens, 21-10. After getting a stop defensively, the Dragons, would get a big catch down the sideline to keep the drive alive. The Dragons, would cap off the drive with points as Bail found Jaxon Carver, for a 33-yd touchdown.
The two point conversion try would fall just short and with 1:27 left in the third, the Indian lead was cut to 21-16. Just before the end of the third, A Hester pass attempt was batted in the air and picked off by the Dragons. On the first play after the interception, Bail took a shot into the end zone for Purdy, but they could not connect. Heading to the fourth, Lumpkin led Pickens, 21-16.
The Dragons, would cash in on the turnover as Morrison would barrel into the end zone after a 3-yd run. The two point conversion attempt was no good and with 11:05 left in the game, the Dragons had the lead, 22-21. The Indians, on their next possession, would ride the run game with the tandem of Hester and Matthews. Hester, would finish the drive with an 11-yd touchdown run. The two point conversion attempt was good and with 8:46 left, Lumpkin led it, 29-22.
The Dragons, on their next series, would be faced with 4th down. It would fall short and the Indians would take over. Behind the legs of Matthews, the Indians were able to convert several third downs and drain the clock as Lumpkin would come away with the win, 29-22.
Final Regular Season 6-AAA Standings:
North Hall: 10-0 (7-0) *Region Champs
GAC: 8-2 (6-1) *#2 seed. will be in the private school bracket
Lumpkin: 6-4 (4-3) #3 seed
Pickens: 7-3 (4-3) #4 seed
White County: 3-7 (3-4)
Dawson: 4-6 (3-4)
Chestatee: 3-7 (1-6)
Johnson-Gainesville: 0-10 (0-7)
North Hall, GAC, Lumpkin, and Pickens look to be the representatives for region 6-AAA heading into the playoffs. We should know by the end of the weekend where these four teams are seeded and where they will be going. North Hall and GAC will be at home to begin the playoffs, while in all likelihood, Lumpkin and Pickens will begin on the road. Playoffs will begin on Friday, November 14th.
Dragons drop high scoring affair against GAC
PHS Football, Team FYN Sports October 26, 2025
Jasper, Ga — It was a cool, brisk evening on Friday, October 24th as the Pickens Dragons took on the Greater Atlanta Christian School Spartans in what was a key game for both teams in 6-AAA. Both Pickens and GAC came into the game tied for 2nd in the standings and were looking to get one step closer to potentially hosting a playoff game. The two teams would combine to score 84 points on the night as the Spartans would come away with a 49-35 win.
The Dragons, would win the toss and elect to differ to the second half. After converting several third downs on their opening drive, the Spartans, would strike first after an 11-yd touchdown pass. The PAT was good and with 7:59 left in the first quarter, GAC led Pickens, 7-0. The Dragons, would lean on their run game in their first possession of the ball game as they mixed in runs from Ike Wyngaard and Cal Morrison.
Morrison, would cap off the drive with a 1-yd touchdown run. The PAT was good and with 3:44 left in the first quarter, the Dragons and Spartans were tied at 7. The defense for the Dragons, would come up big during the next possession for the Spartans as Hunter Atkins would pick off the pass attempt and give the offense great starting field position on the run back.
The Dragons, would cash in on that turnover as Wyngaard would run it in from 33-yds out. The PAT was good, and as they headed to the second quarter, the Dragons led the Spartans, 14-7.
The Spartans, would tie things up with 8:26 to go in the first half after a 1-yd touchdown run. The Freshman, Cal Morrison, would once again find the end zone after a 2-yd run to put the Dragons back on top 21-14 with 4:04 left in the first half. The Spartans, would use up most of the time left on the clock during their next possession as they cashed in with a 26-yd touchdown pass. At the half, the Dragons and Spartans were tied at 21.
The Dragons, would go three and out on their first possession to start the second half. The Spartans, would retake the lead after a 57-yd touchdown pass to make it 28-21 with 9:05 left in the third. The Dragons, would answer back with a 5-yd touchdown run by Wyngaard. His 2nd of the game. With 5:06 left in the third quarter, the ball game was all tied up at 28.
The Spartans, would only use 2 minutes of game time as they would retake the lead after a 15-yd touchdown run. With 3:06 left in the third, GAC led Pickens, 35-28. After being backed up to start their next possession, the Dragons, pick up a huge play as Tanner Bail would connect with Hayden Jones, who snatched the ball over a GAC defender, for a 92-yd touchdown pass. The game was tied at 35 with 2:10 left to go in the third.
The Spartans, would reclaim the lead after a 60-yd touchdown pass. The PAT was good and they would head into the fourth quarter with GAC in front, 42-35.
GAC, would add to their lead after a rushing touchdown by the quarterback, would extend the Spartan lead out to 49-35 with 7:03 left in the game. Later on in the fourth, the Dragons, would look to cut the lead in half, but the Dragons were unable to convert on fourth down and the Spartans would run out the rest of the clock as they picked up a 49-35 win.
6-AAA Standings:
North Hall: 9-0 (6-0)
GAC: 7-2 (5-1)
Pickens: 7-2 (4-2)
Dawson: 4-5 (3-3)
Lumpkin: 5-4 (3-3)
White County: 2-7 (2-4)
Chestatee: 3-6 (1-5)
Johnson-Gainesville: 0-9 (0-6)
The Dragons, will be on the road next week for the regular season finale as they travel to take on the Lumpkin Indians on Friday, October 31st. It will be a critical game for both teams. There will also be eyes from Pickens and Lumpkin on the Dawson/North Hall game next Friday night as there is a possibility Pickens/Dawson/Lumpkin all end up 4-3 in region play. Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm.
Dragons clinch spot in AAA playoffs
PHS Football, Team FYN Sports October 18, 2025
Gainesville, Ga — For the first time in over a month, the Pickens Dragons were on the road as they took on the Johnson Knights in 6-AAA action. With a win, the Dragons would secure a spot in the upcoming AAA playoffs and stay in the race for a first round home game. The Dragons, using a 35 point first quarter, came away with a 49-3 win.
The Knights, would win the toss and differ to the second half. They would start the game with a successful onside kick recovery. On the first offensive play from scrimmage, McCord Purdy, would pick off the pass attempt. The Dragons, would use the run game to March down the field. Tanner Bail, would then connect with Purdy for an 11-yd touchdown. The PAT was good and with 10:05 left in the first quarter, Pickens led Johnson, 7-0.
After a stop on fourth down by the defense, the Dragons, added to their lead after a 10-yd touchdown run by Cal Morrison. The PAT was good and with 7:25 left in the first quarter, Pickens led it, 14-0. The Dragons, would extend their lead in the first quarter after a 30-yd touchdown pass from Bail to Jaxon Carver to make it 21-0 with 5:15 left in the opening quarter.
A 34-yd run by Carson Mitton at the 2:20 mark, would put the Dragons up 28-0. As the first quarter was winding down, Ezra Faber, would get into the end zone after a 21-yd run to make it 35-0 Dragons heading to the second quarter.
The Knights, would put points on the board near the end of the first half as they would hit a 27-yd field goal to make it 35-3 with 3:03 left in the second quarter. The Dragons, would score on a 13-yd touchdown run by Ike Wyngaard just before the half ended to make it 42-3 heading into the break.
With a running clock established for the second half, the Dragons, would score the lone points in the second half late in the third quarter as Morrison would score on a 13-yd touchdown run. The final from Johnson High School, Pickens 49 Johnson 3.
6-AAA Region Standings:
North Hall: 8-0 (5-0)
Pickens: 7-1 (4-1)
GAC: 6-2 (4-1)
Lumpkin: 5-3 (3-2)
Dawson: 3-5 (2-3)
Chestatee: 3-5 (1-4)
White County: 1-7 (1-4)
Johnson-Gainesville: 0-8 (0-5)
The Dragons, will be back home next week as they take on the GAC Spartans on Friday, October 24th. As you can see from the standings above, the winner will have second place all to themselves heading into the final week of the regular season. This game came down to the wire last year, and this one is shaping up to be a good one as well. Kick off is set for 7:30 pm.
Dragons 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 open region play with road win
PHS Football, Team FYN Sports September 13, 2025
Cleveland, Ga — Region play began for many teams across the state of Georgia on Friday, September 12th. Six of the eight teams in 6-AAA, were in action on Friday including the Pickens Dragons and the White County Warriors. The Warriors, got the better of the Dragons last year in Jasper and the Dragons came into Cleveland looking to return the favor. The Dragons, would have control throughout the game en route to a 34-7 win.
The Dragons, would get the ball first to start the ball game. Pickens, would keep their opening drive alive as Cal Morrison would convert on a fourth down play from the Dragons 47-yard line. After a big run by Ezra Faber and a nice run after catch by Jaxon Carver, the Dragons would get on the board first after an 11-yd touchdown pass from Hayden Jones to McCord Purdy. The PAT was good and with 9:18 left in the first quarter, Pickens led the Warriors, 7-0.
After forcing a three and out, the Dragons, would start their next possession with great field position after the Warriors were called for fair catch interference. Facing a third and long, Jones would find McCord Purdy for a first down. A couple of plays later, facing another third and long, the Jones/Purdy connection were able to pick up another first down after a screen pass.
On the next play, DE Josiah Williams, would get into the backfield to force a fumble. The Warriors would recover and take over on offense. On their second play of the drive, the Warriors would fumble the ball, but QB Alex Freeman was able to recover it. The Dragons, would bring pressure on third down and pick up the sack to force a punt. A short punt by the Warriors would give Dragons possession at the Warrior 35-yd line.
The Dragons, would add to their lead as Jones would connect with Sawyer Purdy for a 28-yd touchdown. The PAT was no good and with 1:10 left in the first quarter, Pickens led White County, 13-0. Heading to the second quarter, the Dragons were ahead of the Warriors, 13-0.
With the Warriors facing a third down, the Dragons would dial up another blitz as McCord Purdy would get home after the corner blitz to force a fourth down. Hagen Mullins, would partially block the Warriors punt and Landon Poole would take it 31 yards for the touchdown. The PAT was good and with 11:09 left in the first half, Pickens led White County, 20-0.
The Dragons, would get the ball back after forcing and recovering a fumble. The Dragons, would cash in on the turnover as Jones found McCord Purdy for a 13-yd touchdown. Their second connection of the first half. The PAT was good and with 8:10 left in the first half, Pickens led White County, 27-0. Facing a third down, Freeman, would find ach Godfrey for a big gain into Dragon territory.
They would follow that up with a nice run by Savion Anderson down to the Dragons 25-yd line. Anderson, would again find a hole and get down to the Dragon 10-yd line. Facing a fourth and goal from the Dragon 6-yd line, the Warriors would look to throw a corner route, but it would fall incomplete. Poole, would get off a great punt from deep inside his own territory as the ball would rest at the Warrior 32-yd line.
After forcing a punt, the Dragons, would run a couple of plays to end the first half as they led the Warriors, 27-0 at the half.
After a scoreless third quarter for both teams, the Dragons, would add to their lead midway through the fourth quarter after a 45-yd touchdown run by Faber. The PAT was good and with 6 minutes left in the game, Pickens led White County, 34-0. The Warriors, would get on the board with 57 seconds left in the game after Freeman found Godfrey for a 25-yd touchdown. The PAT was good and the Dragon lead would be cut to 34-7.
The Dragons, would just take a knee to run out the remaining time as they moved to 4-0 on the season and 1-0 in 6-AAA play with a 34-7 win.
6-AAA Football Standings:
Pickens: 4-0 (1-0)
North Hall: 4-0 (1-0)
GAC: 3-1 (1-0)
Dawson: 1-2 (0-0)
Johnson-Gainesville: 0-3 (0-0)
Lumpkin: 2-2 (0-1)
Chestatee: 2-2 (0-1)
White County: 0-4 (0-1)
The Dragons, will be back home on Friday, September 19th as they host the Dawson Tigers to begin a three game home stand. Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm.
Dragons move to 3-0 after taming Bobcats
PHS Football, Team FYN Sports August 30, 2025
Ellijay, Ga — It was rivalry week across the state of Georgia this week with one particular match up gaining interest was the rivalry game between the Pickens Dragons and the Gilmer Bobcats. Both teams were off to fast starts to the season as they were both 2-0 heading into the game. In what’s always an emotional and physical game, the Dragons were able to pull away and pick up a 38-24 win.
After the Dragons went three and out to start the game, the Bobcats, would drive down inside the Dragon 30-yd line. The Dragons, would get a stop on their 27-yd line for a turnover on downs. On the first play from scrimmage after getting the stop, the Dragons would take the lead after a 73-yd touchdown run by Ike Wyngaard. The PAT was good. Heading to the second quarter, the Dragons led the Bobcats, 7-0.
The Bobcats, would tie things up about midway through the second quarter as Cheyne Smith would score on a 19-yd touchdown run. The PAT was good and with 6:27 left in the first half, the game was tied at 7. Wyngaard, would strike again as the Dragons would only need one play to retake the lead after a 76-yd touchdown run by Wyngaard. The PAT was good and with 6:05 left in the first half, the Dragons were up, 14-7.
The Dragons, would add to their lead as Ezra Faber, would rip the ball out of the hands of the running back and take it 21 yards for the touchdown. The PAT was good and with 5:06 left in the first half, the Dragons led the Bobcats, 21-7. The Bobcats, would put together a quick scoring drive as Madden Hopkins would power his way in for a 4-yd touchdown. With 2:15 left in the first half, the Dragons lead was cut to 21-14.
The Dragons, would answer that scored with a score of their own as Faber would cap off the drive with a 10-yd touchdown run. The PAT was good and with 59 seconds left in the first half, the Dragons now led the Bobcats, 28-14 heading into the half.
The Bobcats, would trim the lead to 11 after a 32-yd field goal by Carter Gearhart to make it 28-17 with 7:12 left in the third. The Dragons, would match that later on in the quarter as McCord Purdy would connect on a 40-yd field goal to put Pickens up 31-17 heading to the fourth.
The Dragons, would stretch their lead out after Wyngaard made his third house call of the night. This time, from 34 yards out. The PAT was good and with 10:12 left in the game, Pickens led Gilmer, 38-17. The Bobcats, would stay alive as Peyton Chancey would score on a 27-yd touchdown run. The PAT was good and with 6:46 left in the game, the Dragons led it, 38-24.
The Dragons, would cap off the win with an interception by McCord Purdy in the end zone. Pickens, ends a two game losing streak to Gilmer with the 38-24 win.
The Dragons, finish out the non-region portion of their schedule with a 3-0 record. They will be on a bye next week. Pickens, will be back in action on Friday, September 12th on the road against White County to start region play. Kickoff for that one is set for 7:30 pm.
Dragons move to 2-0 after home opening win
PHS Football, Team FYN Sports August 23, 2025
Jasper, Ga– After a nice road win to open up the season last week, the Pickens Dragons were in front of the home crowd for the first time in 2025 on Friday, August 22nd as they hosted the Sonoraville Phoenix in a non-region contest. The Phoenix, were coming off a big win over Model last week, and featured a very formidable offense. After going down 7-0, the Dragons would rattle off 34 straight points in route to a 34-14 win.
The Phoenix, would get the ball first to start the ball game. After a couple of Dragon penalties, the Phoenix would strike first after a 5-yd touchdown pass from QB Chaz Pate to TE Lincoln Lessis. The PAT was good and with 8:52 left in the first quarter, the Phoenix were up 7-0. The Dragons, wouldn’t waste any time responding on their first possession as a couple of big runs by Ike Wyngaard and Ezra Faber, set up a 30-yd touchdown run by QB Hayden Jones.
The PAT was good and with 7:40 left in the first quarter, the game was tied at 7 a piece. After a stop by the Dragon defense, Jones would connect with McCord Purdy on a 3rd and long for a 27-yd touchdown pass. The PAT was good and the Dragons would lead the Phoenix, 14-7 heading to the second quarter.
With just over 3 minutes left in the first half, the Dragons would add to their lead as Jones would score on a 15-yd touchdown run. The PAT was good and with 3:25 left in the half, Pickens led Sonoraville, 21-7. The Dragons, would strike again with just under 20 seconds left in the half as Jones would scramble to his left and flip the ball to an open Landon Poole for a 5-yd touchdown. The PAT was good and the Dragons would hold a 28-7 lead over the Phoenix at the half.
After neither team scored in the third quarter, the Dragons would open the fourth by finding the end zone after a 2-yd touchdown run by Carson Mitton. The PAT would be blocked and with 11:58 left in the game, the Dragons led it, 34-7. The Phoenix, would pick up their first points since the first quarter as Pate would connect with Langston Butler with a 9-yd touchdown. The PAT was good and with 7:05 left in the game, the Dragons led it, 34-14.
That score would hold up for the remaining seven minutes as both teams would trade possessions for the rest of the game. The Dragons, improve to 2-0 as they pick up the 34-14 win.
The Dragons, will be back on the road next week as they make the short drive up 515 to Ellijay to take on the Gilmer Bobcats. The Bobcats, are off to a 2-0 start to the season as well. Huff-Mosley should be packed next Friday as these two rivals go at it. Kick off is set for 7:30 pm.
Dragons open 2025 season with road win
PHS Football, Team FYN Sports August 16, 2025
Lindale, Ga — With pre-season scrimmages over with, it was go time for high school football teams around the state of Georgia this week. Two of those teams, were Pickens and Pepperell in a battle of Dragons. In a closely contested ball game throughout, it was the Pickens Dragons that came out on top, 28-20.
The Pepperell Dragons, would receive the opening kickoff. They would take the opening kickoff nearly 70 yards to the Pickens 30-yd line. Facing a fourth down, Pepperell, would draw Pickens offsides to move the fourth down attempt closer. A QB sneak would give Pepperell the first down. The drive would end with points for Pepperell as they connected on a 4-yd touchdown pass. With 6:37 left in the first quarter, Pepperell led Pickens, 7-0.
Pickens, on their first drive of the game, picked up a nice gain, but was called back due to a penalty. A nice run by Ezra Faber, would set Pickens up with a manageable third down. Pickens QB Hayden Jones, would roll to his left on the next play, and found an open Faber for a 51-yd completion. That play would help set up a 24-yd touchdown run by Ike Wyngaard. Heading to the second quarter, the ball game was tied at 7 a piece.
The second quarter saw both teams stall out offensively as the defenses for both teams and penalties, were main factors in drives ending with no points. The only points of the second quarter came when McCord Purdy booted a 43-yd field goal through the uprights with just over 12 seconds left in the first half to give the Pickens Dragons a 10-7 lead over the Pepperell Dragons heading into halftime.
Pickens, who received the second half kickoff, would turn that first possession into points as Jones would score on a 38-yd touchdown run. With McCord Purdy out due to a cramping issue, Toccoa McGraw would step in to kick the PAT to give Pickens a 17-7 lead. Later on in the quarter, McGraw, would come on to try a 25-yd field goal. She would knock it through to extend the lead out to 20-7 with 6:10 left in the third. Pepperell, would cut into the lead after returning a punt 50-yds for the touchdown. Heading to the fourth, Pickens, led Pepperell 20-14.
Almost midway through the fourth quarter, Jones, found Brock Teal and Teal would leap into the end zone for a 24-yd touchdown. Pickens, would then look to make it a two touchdown game as they would go for two. After a defensive pass interference was called on the first attempt, Pickens, would send in a heavy package as Freshman Cal Morrison, would take the snap and barrel into the end zone for the conversion. With 6:10 left in the game, Pickens led Pepperell, 28-14.
Pepperell, would not go away quietly as they would score points on their next possession after a 3-yd touchdown run by QB Moss Tant, would cut the lead down to a one score game. The ensuing PAT would be no good however meaning that Pickens, was up 28-20 with 2:17 left in the game. After Pickens recovered an onside kick attempt by Pepperell, Faber, would pretty much seal the win for Pickens after a long run.
Pickens, would then drain the remaining time off the clock as they would come away with a 28-20 road win to open the season.
The Pickens Dragons, will be back in action next Friday night as they will host the Sonoraville Phoenix for the home opener. Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm.
Dragons and Rebels battle in preseason scrimmage
PHS Football, Team FYN Sports August 2, 2025
Jasper, Ga — Friday night lights are back as high school football got going with many preseason scrimmages taking place on Friday, August 1st. One of those games taking place would be the Pickens Dragons hosting the Fannin Rebels. Pickens, after coming up a couple of games short of a playoff berth last season, look to take that next step in year two under head coach Craig Bennett. Fannin, has been a steady program under head coach Chad Cheatham and are once again favorites to win their region and make another playoff run.
The teams would play a normal game with the lone exceptions being that special teams plays were not live, and the quarterbacks couldn’t be hit. The Rebels, got the ball to start the game. Just as they crossed the 50-yd line, the Dragons would force and recover a fumble. The Dragons, would get a big chunk play as Hayden Jones would connect with McCord Purdy. Purdy’s run after the catch was sprung by a great down field block by Jaxson Carver. A few plays later, Freshman Cal Morrison, would punch it in from three yards out to give the Dragons a 7-0 lead with 8:08 left in the first quarter.
Later on in the first quarter, Tanner Bail, who came in at QB, found Purdy, who made one defender miss and took it all the way for a 47-yd touchdown. At the end of the first quarter, the unofficial score was 14-0 Pickens.
Not much doing for either team in the second quarter as both teams would move the ball a little bit, but were unable to come up with any points. Heading into the half, the Dragons still unofficially led the Rebels, 14-0.
About midway through the third quarter, Morrison, would find pay dirt for the second time as he would score on a 2-yd run. With 6:40 left in the third quarter, the Dragons had an unofficial lead of 21-0. The Dragons defense, would then force its second fumble of the game as Hagen Mullins would pick it up and take it to the house for the touchdown. With 5:47 left in the third, Pickens now led the Rebels, 28-0 unofficially.
On their next possession, the Rebels, would get on the board for their first touchdown of the game after a 13-yd run by quarterback Nate O’Neal. The PAT was good and with 4:38 left in the third, the Dragons unofficially led the Rebels, 28-7. After the Fannin defense forced a three and out, the Rebels, would once again drive into Dragon territory as we headed to the fourth quarter.
After a few hard runs by Casen Bailey, he would cap it off with a 4-yd touchdown run. The PAT was good and with 10:11 left in the game, the unofficial score was now 28-14 Dragons. On their next possession, the Dragons, would answer as a long run would set up a 3-yd touchdown run by Kaleb “kk” Jordan. The PAT was good and with 7:58 left in the game, the Dragons, were now unofficially ahead by a score of 35-14.
The last score and probably the most incredible part of the game came towards the very end as coach Cheatham and Bennett came together to help a young man with special needs score a touchdown. As he scored, players from both Fannin and Pickens ran over to help celebrate. The unofficial final score for the game was 35-21 in favor of Pickens.
Both teams will again be in action next week as they tune up for the final time before the regular season begins. The Dragons, will be at East Hall, while the Rebels will take on White County.
Dragons drop heart breaker in season finale
PHS Football, Team FYN Sports November 2, 2024
Jasper, Ga – It was a foggy night in Jasper on Friday, November 1st as the Pickens Dragons took on the Lumpkin County Indians. The Dragons, needed at least a win and some help from GAC to get into the playoffs. A win for the Indians, coupled with a GAC loss, would move them up to the #2 seed in 6-AAA. In a game that was back and forth throughout, it came down to the final possession. The Indians, would hold on for a 29-26 win.
The Indians, got the ball first to begin the ball game. The Dragons, were able to get a stop to get the ball to the offense. As the Dragons were approaching mid-field on their opening possession, the Indians were able to force a fumble and recover it. The Indians, would take advantage of the turnover as Nolan Matthews would run it in from 42-yards out. The PAT was good and with 6:45 left in the first quarter, Lumpkin led Pickens, 7-0.
The Dragons, responded with a scoring drive of their own as Hayden Jones scored a 4-yd TD run. The PAT was good and as they headed to the second quarter, Pickens and Lumpkin were tied at 7.
The Indians, were able to retake the lead at the 7:47 mark of the second quarter as Ga Tech WR commit Cal Faulkner, would jump into the end zone after a 4-yd TD run. The PAT was good and Lumpkin led Pickens, 14-7. The Indians, would add to their lead as Matthews would break through for a 47-yd TD. The PAT was good and with 4:24 left in the first half, Lumpkin led Pickens, 21-7.
The Dragons, knew they needed an answer prior to halftime and they got it as Jones found Ike Wyngaard streaking down the middle of the field and connected for a 35-yd TD. The PAT attempt would be blocked. Heading into the half, Lumpkin led Pickens, 21-13.
Like the Indians earlier, the Dragons were able to force and recover a fumble. They would be able to convert that turnover into points as Jones found Sam Hammontree for a 14-yd TD. The PAT was good and the Indians lead was cut down to 21-20. The Dragons defense, would force and recover another fumble on the Indians next possession. Heading to the fourth, the Indians were clinging to a 21-20 lead.
The Dragons, again cashed in on the turnover as Jones reached the ball over the goal line for a 1-yd TD. The Indians, would claim that he lost the ball before scoring, but the side judge signaled touchdown and that call would stand. Pickens, would go for two, but would not convert. With 8:24 left in the game, the Dragons now led the Indians, 26-21. Later on in the fourth, the Indians were looking to retake the lead.
Faulkner, would find Mason Hester down the sideline for a 59-yd TD. The Indians, would then go for two as a reverse pass to Faulkner connected. With 4:56 left in the game, Lumpkin led Pickens, 29-26. The Dragons were looking to drive down the field for a potential game winning score. The Indians, were able to pick off a pass attempt and give the ball back to their offense.
Faulkner, would be able to convert on 3rd and short to seal the win for the Indians as they took this one, 29-26.
Final 6-AAA Standings:
North Hall: 8-2 (7-0)
Lumpkin: 7-3 (5-2)
Chestatee: 5-5 (4-3)
GAC: 4-6 (4-3)
Pickens: 5-5 (3-4)
Dawson: 4-6 (3-4)
White County: 3-7 (2-5)
Johnson, Gainesville: 0-10 (0-7)
Dragons defeat Spartans in first time meeting
PHS Football, Team FYN Sports October 26, 2024
Norcross, Ga — The Pickens Dragons, were in win and stay alive mode on Friday, October 25th as they made the long trip down to Norcross to take on the Spartans of Greater Atlanta Christian in a first time ever match up between region 6-AAA foes. It was Senior Night for GAC as they honored Senior players, managers, trainers, cheerleaders, and band members. As for the game, the Dragons were able to withstand a major blow in the fourth to comeback and pick up a massive win, 28-25.
The Dragons, won the toss, but elected to differ to the second half. The Spartans, would drive the ball down the field, taking up nearly half of the first quarter with them. The Dragons, would hold the Spartans to a 24-yd field goal. GAC, would take a 3-0 lead with 6:44 left in the opening quarter. The Dragons, would use their run game during their first possession of the game as Carson Mitton would cap off the drive with a 16-yd touchdown run.
The PAT from McCordy Purdy was good and with 3:23 left in the first quarter, Pickens led GAC, 7-3. The Spartans, were looking to retake the lead as the first quarter came to a close with the Dragons ahead, 7-3.
At the 10:40 mark of the second quarter, the Spartans would retake the lead after a 4-yd touchdown run by QB Denzell Watkins. The PAT was good and the Spartans led the Dragons, 10-7. Later on in the quarter, the Dragons, had a chance of their own to retake the lead before the half as they had the ball near the goal line of GAC. With around 20 seconds left in the half, a pass attempt was tipped and picked off in the end zone by the Spartans. GAC led it, 10-7 at the half.
The Dragons, got the ball in first in the third quarter and would retake the lead as Hayden Jones connected with Purdy and Purdy would take it 49 yards to the house for the touchdown. The PAT by Purdy was good and with 11:17 left in the third, Pickens led GAC, 14-10. A perfectly placed pooch kick by Purdy on the ensuing kick off would be recovered by the Dragons on the GAC 18-yd line. The Dragons, would turn that into points as Mitton would power his way in with a 3-yd touchdown run. The PAT was good and Pickens led GAC, 21-10.
Later on in the third quarter, the Dragons were looking to again add to their lead as they were down near the 1-yd line of GAC as the quarter came to a close.
The Spartans, were able to stop the Dragons on 4th and goal from the 1-yd line to begin the fourth quarter. The Spartans would then need only one play to score as Pierce Wilson would scamper 99 yards for the touchdown. GAC, would then connect on a two point conversion attempt to make it 21-18 with 11:40 left in the game. After the Dragons were forced to punt, the Spartans again scored on a long play as Watkins found Jaden Henry for a 92-yd touchdown. The PAT was good and with 9:09 left in the game, the Spartans had their first lead since the second quarter, 25-21.
After the Dragons were forced to punt on their next possession, the Spartans took over looking to drain the clock and add to their lead. With under 5 minutes to go in the game, the Dragons caught the break they were looking for as they would recover a fumble by the Spartans. The Dragons, would drain a little bit of the clock as Jones would run to the left and reach the ball across the goal line for a 3-yd touchdown. The PAT from Purdy was good, and with 1:03 left in the game, Pickens led GAC, 28-25.
The Spartans, would get just past midfield with 10 seconds left and had the ball on 4th down. Watkins, would scramble to his left looking to throw, but the pass would come up short and the Dragons would hold on to defeat GAC, 28-25.
6-AAA Football Standings:
North Hall: 7-2 (6-0) Region Champions
GAC: 4-5 (4-2)
Lumpkin: 6-3 (4-2) clinched playoff berth
Pickens: 5-4 (3-3) (defeated Dawson, Johnson, and GAC lost to White County, North Hall, and Chestatee)
Dawson: 4-5 (3-3) (lost to Pickens, GAC, and Lumpkin defeated Johnson, White County, and Chestatee)
Chestatee: 4-5 (3-3) (defeated Johnson, Pickens, and White County lost to North Hall, Lumpkin, and Dawson)
White County: 2-7 (1-5) eliminated
Johnson, Gainesville: 0-9 (0-6) eliminated
As you can see, the standings are a little bunched up heading into the final week of the regular season next week. The Dragons, will welcome the Lumpkin County Indians to Jasper on Friday, November 1st in what has turned into a very important game for both teams. For the Dragons, they’ll need a win against Lumpkin, and a GAC win over Chestatee to get into one of the top 4 slots. For Lumpkin, a win over Pickens and a Chestatee win over GAC, would vault them into the 2 seed. A lot to play for for both teams next Friday night. Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm.
Dragons blowout Johnson on Homecoming
PHS Football, Team FYN Sports October 19, 2024
Jasper, Ga — The Pickens Dragons were back home inside Dragons Stadium for the first time since September 13th as they hosted the Johnson, Gainesville Knights on Friday, October 18th. To make it even more exciting, it was Homecoming night. After coming off back to back tough losses, the Dragons, would need a win to stay in any potential playoff scenario. After getting off to a fast start, the Dragons cruised to a big 62-6 win.
After forcing the Knights to punt on their opening possession, the Dragons would use their run game to drive down the field. After carries from Carson Mitton and Hagen Mullins got the ball down to the 10-yd line, Sophomore Ike Wyngaard, scored on a 10-yd run. After the PAT from McCord Purdy was good, the Dragons led Johnson, 7-0 with 7:49 left in the first quarter.
The Dragons, would then force a turnover on downs deep inside Knight territory. Mullins, would finish off the drive with an 18-yd TD run. The PAT from Purdy was good and with 5:29 left in the first quarter, the Dragons led it, 14-0. The Dragons, would add to their lead after Hayden Jones found Purdy, who took it 60 yards for the score. Going to the second quarter, Pickens led Johnson, 21-0.
Hayden Jones hands off to Carson Mitton
At the 5:51 mark of the second quarter, Jones connected with Landon Poole on a little option screen pass and Poole would make some moves and score a 16-yd TD. The Dragons now led it, 28-0. The Knights, would have their most successful drive of the game as a pair of long runs helped set up a 1-yd TD run. The PAT attempt was short and with 2:54 left in the first half, the Dragons led the Knights, 28-6.
The Dragons, answered right back with a 19-yd TD run from Mitton. With 2 minutes left in the first half, Pickens led Johnson, 35-6. After a very short punt by the Knights, Mullins would score from a yard out for his 2nd score of the game. Going into the half, the Dragons led the Knights, 42-6.
Dragons defense getting to the QB
The lone score in the third quarter came from the Dragons as they used a mix of the run and pass game to get down to the 9-yd line. Senior Hayden Roland, would cap off the drive with a 9-yd TD run. Going to the fourth quarter, Pickens led Johnson, 49-6.
Jones hanging off to Hagen Mullins
In the fourth quarter, the Dragons added to their lead as Freshman Zach Williams found an opening and scored on a 14-yd TD run. With 8:17 left in the game, the Dragons led the Knights, 56-6. The final score of the game came from Wyngaard as he broke through and scored from 79 yards out. The PAT would be blocked. The Dragons, would defeat the Knights, 62-6.
Dragons defense stopping the run
6-AAA Football Standings:
North Hall: 6-2 (5-0)
GAC: 4-2 (4-1)
Lumpkin: 5-3 (3-2)
Dawson: 4-4 (3-2)
Chestatee: 3-5 (2-3)
Pickens: 4-4 (2-3)
White County: 2-6 (1-4)
Johnson, Gainesville: 0-8 (0-5)
The Dragons, will be back on the road next week as they head down to Norcross to take on GAC in another big time game in 6-AAA on Friday, October 25th. This will be the first ever meeting between the two teams. Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm.
Dragons fall short against War Eagles
PHS Football, Team FYN Sports October 12, 2024
Gainesville — The temperatures were finally dipping down into “football weather” as the Pickens Dragons traveled to Gainesville to take on the Chestatee War Eagles. The Dragons and War Eagles, were facing off for the first time in football since 2009. The War Eagles, came in riding a two game win streak in the series, and were coming off a big win over Johnson last week. The Dragons, looked to end their three game road trip on a high note after a tough loss to North Hall two weeks ago.
The War Eagles, would use their triple option offense to pull away and pick up the win, 37-14.
The Dragons would win the toss, and elect to receive the opening kickoff. On the first play from scrimmage, the War Eagles would tip and intercept the pass. Chestatee, would turn that into points as they scored a 23-yd TD run. The PAT was good and with 10:47 left in the first quarter, the War Eagles led the Dragons, 7-0. Later on in the first quarter, the War Eagles added to their lead with a 19-yd TD run. Going to the second quarter, Chestatee led it, 13-0.
Dragons on defense in the 1st quarter
Both teams would go back and forth in the second quarter as points were hard to come by. The War Eagles, would connect on a field goal as time expired in the quarter to take a 16-0 lead over the Dragons at the half.
Dragons on offense in the 2nd quarter
The second half would begin with the War Eagles adding to their lead with a 10-yd TD run. With 7:08 left in the third quarter, Chestatee led Pickens, 23-0. The Dragons, would get on the board after a 28-yd TD pass from Hayden Jones to McCord Purdy. The PAT by Purdy was good, and with 3:33 left in the third, the War Eagles led the Dragons, 23-7. The War Eagles, would respond with a 2-yd TD run to make it 30-7 going to the fourth quarter.
Dragons looking to stop the run in the 3rd quarter
The War Eagles, would add a 2-yd TD run at the 5:26 mark to make it 37-7. The Dragons, would add a second score as Jones would connect with Carson Mitton in the corner of the end zone for a 5-yd TD to make it 37-14. The War Eagles, would run out the rest of the clock as they would get the win, 37-14.
Hayden Jones looking for a receiver
6-AAA Football Region Standings:
North Hall: 5-2 (4-0)
GAC: 3-4 (3-1)
Lumpkin: 5-2 (3-1)
Chestatee: 3-4 (2-2)
Dawson: 3-4 (2-2)
White County: 2-5 (1-3)
Pickens: 3-4 (1-3)
Johnson-Gainesville: 0-7 (0-4)
The Dragons, will be back home next week as they host the Knights of Johnson-Gainesville on Friday, October 18th. This will be the first meeting between the two teams since 2015. The Dragons, are currently riding a 4-game win streak in the series and lead the all time series 8-6.
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.