Generals defeat Dragons in tough region contest
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports January 26, 2022
Jasper, Ga — After the game between the Nettes and Lady Generals was over, it was time for the Pickens Dragons and the Heritage Generals to take the floor. Coming into the game, the Dragons held a record of 9-11 (3-4) while the Generals came in at 8-9 (4-4). Both teams were looking for a win to stay in the thick of the 7-AAAA standings race with only a couple weeks left until the region tournament. The first meeting between these two in December went the way of the Generals as they defeated the Dragons 56-31 at Heritage. In what was a very physical game, a tough fourth quarter led to the Generals coming away with a 49-46 win.
The first quarter got off to a very rough start for both teams as turnovers and missed shots were the theme to begin the game. Heritage, finally broke the drought and went on a 4-0 run to give them the lead. A bucket by Collin Kellogg got the Dragons on the board and cut the Generals lead in half. Heritage would respond by going on a 6-0 run to make it 10-2. A free throw make by Luke Rogers made it 10-3 Generals going to the second.
Luke Rogers looking for a teammate
To start the second quarter, Rogers again split a pair of free throws to make it 10-4. After a three pointer by the Generals, the Dragons went on a 9-0 run powered by two three pointers from Jaden Stewart, and Rogers converting an and-1 to tie things up at 13. The tie didn’t last long as the Generals got an and-1 of their own to retake the lead, 16-13. The Dragons ended the first half on a 5-0 run as Stewart hit his third three pointer of the quarter and Caleb Keith made a layup just before the buzzer to give Pickens an 18-16 lead at the break.
Dragons defending the Generals
The third quarter began with Caleb Bryant hitting two free throws to make it 20-16. Caleb Keith kept the run going with a three pointer to make it 23-16. All together, the Dragons went on a 10-0 run to take the first lead of the game. Heritage answered with a 4-0 run to make it 23-20. After the two teams traded buckets, Pickens went on a 7-0 run as Kadyn Hampton contributed 4 points, and Camden Dunn hit a three to make it 37-25 Dragons. The Generals then got a bucket to cut the lead down to 37-27. Rogers got a bucket to drop as Pickens took a 39-27 lead over Heritage into the fourth.
Dragons with the ball in the third
The Generals started the fourth quarter on a 7-0 run to cut the Dragons lead down to 39-34. Rogers then countered with a 5-0 run on his own as he made two field goals and made a free throw to make it 44-34. A 13-0 run from Heritage would flip the game and give the Generals their first lead since the second quarter at 47-44. Rogers and Hampton both split a pair of free throws to make it 47-46. A pair of free throws from Heritage made it 49-46. The Dragons had a couple final chances for a game tying three pointer, but they would fall short and the Generals would come away with the win, 49-46.
7-AAAA Region Standings:
Central-Carroll: 13-6 (7-1)
Northwest Whitfield: 17-3 (6-3)
Cedartown: 7-9 (5-3)
Heritage: 9-9 (5-4)
Pickens: 9-12 (3-5)
Southeast Whitfield: 8-12 (2-6)
Ridgeland: 7-12 (1-7)
A two game road trip for the Dragons starts on Friday, January 28th as they will travel up to Rossville to take on the Ridgeland Panthers. Earlier this month, the Dragons came away with a 61-58 win over the Panthers in Jasper. Tip off for this one is set for 7:30.
Dragons pick up first region win of the season
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports January 5, 2022
Jasper, Ga — The Dragons came into their game against the Ridgeland Panthers with some momentum after defeating their rivals, the Gilmer Bobcats last Thursday and looked to carry that momentum over into 2022. These two teams had similar records coming into the game with the Dragons at 6-9 and the Panthers at 5-6. Both teams were looking for their first win in 7-AAAA play as well. Even after their fourth quarter lead fell apart, the Dragons were able to brush that aside and defeat the Panthers 61-57.
In the first quarter, both teams went back and forth as it looked to be one of those games that was going to be tightly contested. Pickens, got two late three pointers to end the first quarter and take a 15-12 lead over Ridgeland going to the second.
Dragons setting up offensively
The second quarter was much like the first quarter with both teams finding success offensively. Also like the first quarter, the Dragons went on a late run to close out the first half with a 31-24 lead over the Panthers.
Dragons on defense in the second
In the third quarter, the Dragons used a great mixture of offense and defense to push their lead out to 17 at one point in the frame. Ridgeland was able to cut it down to 51-37 as we headed to the fourth quarter.
Jaden Stewart with the three attempt
The fourth quarter, well the fourth quarter was just plain nutty. The Panthers, who started the quarter down 14, came all the way back to take a 1 point lead. That lead for Ridgeland wouldn’t last long as the Dragons were able to retake the lead with a bucket to make it a 1 point lead for them. With the lead, the Dragons went to the free throw line to try to extend their advantage. After a miss, players from both teams had a grasp on the ball. Ridgeland called a timeout. However, it was a timeout that they didn’t have. After going 1 for 2 on the technical free throw shots, the Dragons were again fouled to go to the line shooting the 1 and 1. After a miss on the front end of the free throw shots, Kadyn Hampton came away with the ball after a scramble, and was fouled. Hampton, made both free throws as the Dragons came away with a 61-57 win.
Leading Scorers For The Dragons:
Caleb Keith: 23 points
Luke Rogers: 14 points
Jaden Stewart: 9 points
Caleb Bryant: 5 points
Kadyn Hampton: 4 points
Collin Kellogg: 3 points
Isaiah Williams: 3 points
7-AAAA Region Standings:
Central-Carroll: 8-5 (3-0)
Heritage: 6-5 (3-0)
Northwest Whitfield: 10-2 (2-2)
Cedartown: 4-6 (2-2)
Southeast Whitfield: 5-8 (1-2)
Pickens: 7-9 (1-3)
Ridgeland: 5-7 (0-3)
The Dragons, will be back at it on Friday night as they welcome the Northwest Whitfield Bruins to the Dragons Den. A win for the Dragons could move them up from 6th place, to that 3rd-5th place spot depending on how other games go across the region. Tip off for this one is set for 8:30.
Dragons end 2021 with win over Bobcats
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports December 31, 2021
Jasper, Ga — What better way to close out 2021 than with some 515 rivalry action am I right? That’s what we got in Jasper on Thursday, December 30th as the Pickens Dragons took on the Gilmer Bobcats in the final day of the Pickens Holiday Tournament. For the Bobcats, they came into this game having fell to Creekview on Tuesday, and having beaten Lassiter on Wednesday. For the Dragons, they came into the game looking to end their 2021 on a high note after tough losses to Lassiter and Sonoraville on Tuesday and Wednesday. After jumping on them quickly in the first quarter, the Dragons came away with a big 59-46 win over the Bobcats.
In the first quarter, the Dragons used a good balance of defense and offense to jump out to a quick 12-6 lead. Pickens would then go on an 8-0 run getting three pointers from Jaden Stewart and Caleb Keith, as well as a bucket from Luke Rogers to make it 20-6. After a free throw make from the Bobcats’ Britt Taylor, Keith hit three to make it 23-7 Dragons going to the second quarter.
Dragons on offense late in the 1st
The second quarter started out with several runs as Rogers went on a 3-0 run to make it 26-7, then Luke Wimpey of Gilmer made three free throws to make it 26-10. After another Rogers free throw and an Isaiah Williams bucket, Pickens went up 29-10. The Bobcats then went on a 6-0 run to cut the lead down to 29-16. Stewart would then make a free throw and Collin Kellogg would hit a three pointer to make it 33-16. Gilmer closed out the first half on a 6-0 run to make it 33-22 Dragons going into the break.
Dragons defending the painted area
After getting the final bucket of the first half, Mark Tyson of Gilmer began the second half by getting a bucket and cutting the lead to 33-24. Stewart then countered with a three pointer to make it 36-24. Taylor, then made a bucket to make it 36-26. The Dragons then went on an 11-0 run as Stewart hit a three and two layups during the run. Kellogg and Rogers got the run started with a pair of buckets. After a three pointer from Wimpey, Keith and Stewart made back to back buckets to make it 51-29 Pickens going to the fourth.
Dragons looking for an open shot
Keith, continued his hot shooting as he opened up the fourth quarter with a three pointer to make it 54-29. Back to back three pointers from Christian Sumner and Ethan Banks cut the lead to 54-35. After a bucket by Rogers, Banks and Keith would trade three point field goals. The Bobcats ended the game on an 8-0 run, but the Dragons came away with the win, 59-46.
Leading Scorers For Gilmer:
Ethan Banks: 14 points
Britt Taylor: 6 points
Will Kiker: 6 points
Mark Tyson: 4 points
Leading Scorers For Pickens:
Luke Rogers: 19 points
Jaden Stewart: 16 points
Caleb Keith: 14 points
Collin Kellogg: 5 points
The Dragons finish the 2021 part of their schedule at 6-9. They will look to get on the board in region play on Tuesday, January 4th as they welcome the Ridgeland Panthers to the Dragons Den for a 7-AAAA match up. Tip off for that one is set for 7:30 pm.
Dragons pick up road region win against Ridgeland
PHS Football, Team FYN Sports October 9, 2021
Rossville, Ga — The Pickens Dragons took to the road on Friday, October 8th to take on the Ridgeland Panthers in 7-AAAA play. The Dragons, were looking to bounce back after a tough game against Cedartown last week. The Panthers, have had a difficult start to the season, but were back home for the Homecoming. Pickens, snagged four first half interceptions and got the offense going in route to a 45-8 win.
The first quarter saw the Panthers get the ball first to begin the game. It didn’t take long for the Dragons to put points on the board as Anthony Antinozzi picked off the pass attempt, and took it all the way for the touchdown. With 11:15 left in the first quarter, Pickens led Ridgeland, 7-0. The Panthers, bounced back on their next possession as they used a long run to help set up a 1-yd touchdown run. Ridgeland then converted a 2-point conversion to take the lead, 8-7, with 9:03 left in the first quarter. The Dragons, then took the field for the first time on offense, looking to regain the lead. Regain the lead is exactly what they did as Sam Streicher found Kadyn Hampton in the corner of the end zone for the 20-yd touchdown pass. The PAT was good, and Pickens reclaimed the lead, 14-8, with 5:43 left in the first quarter. The Dragons, added to their lead as Devin Hand took the snap from behind center on 4th down and went 45-yds for the touchdown. Going to the second quarter, Pickens led the Panthers, 21-8.
Devin Hand looking for running room
The second quarter didn’t see too much scoring, but it did see the Dragons force a couple more turnovers. The lone points came from a 46-yd field goal by Jose Sanchez to give Pickens a 24-8 lead over Ridgeland at the half.
Jose Sanchez nails a 46-yd field goal
In the third quarter, both teams were finding it hard to get some consistency going with their possessions. With nothing doing for either side in the third, the Dragons continued to lead the Panthers, 24-8.
The Dragon defense forced 6 turnovers on the night
The fourth quarter saw the Dragon offense come to life. The first score of the quarter came after Streicher found a wide open Marcus Pike, who then made one man miss to get into the end zone. All together the play covered 40-yds. The PAT was good by Juan Sanchez and Pickens extended it’s lead to 31-8. At the 6:35 mark of the fourth, Streicher found Hand on the screen pass and Hand took it 65-yds for the score. The Dragons would then force the Panthers to punt deep in their own territory on their next possession. After being close several times, Pickens finally got in and blocked the punt attempt. A play later, Miguel Salto took the hand off and scored from 11-yds out. Your final from Rossville, Pickens 45 Ridgeland 8.
7-AAAA Region Standings:
Cedartown: 5-1 (2-0)
Heritage: 4-1 (2-0)
Pickens: 4-2 (1-1)
Northwest Whitfield: 3-3 (1-1)
Central-Carroll: 3-4 (0-2)
Ridgeland: 1-6 (0-2)
Southeast Whitfield: 1-7
The Dragons, will be back home next Friday as they welcome the Lions of Central-Carroll in what will be a critical game in 7-AAAA. These two teams did not get to play one another last year due to Covid issues. It will also be Senior Night for Pickens as it is the final home game of the regular season next Friday night. Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm.
Dragons battle Cedartown in region opener
PHS Football, Team FYN Sports October 2, 2021
Jasper, Ga — It was another beautiful night in Jasper, Ga as the Pickens Dragons hosted the Cedartown Bulldogs on Friday, October 1st to begin 7-AAAA play. Both these teams came in with identical 3-1 records, but were coming off completely opposite games. Two weeks ago, the Dragons defeated Union County 45-7 for homecoming. Last Thursday, the Bulldogs fell to Calhoun, 31-7. The Bulldogs, led by their run game, got the win over the Dragons, 31-0.
The Bulldogs got on the board the about midway through the 1st quarter after a 32-yd touchdown run on 4th down. The PAT was good, and with 6:37 left in the opening quarter, Cedartown took a 7-0 lead. With just over a minute left in the 1st quarter, the Bulldogs scored again using the ground game with a 39-yd touchdown run. The PAT was again successful and Cedartown took a 14-0 lead into the 2nd quarter.
Sam Streicher tossing out to Devin Hand
Just about two minutes into the 2nd quarter, the Bulldogs again found the end zone with a 33-yd touchdown run. With 10:16 to go in the first half, Cedartown took a 21-0 lead over the Dragons. Just prior to the end of the first half, the Bulldogs were able to add a 41-yd field goal that barely stayed inside the left upright. Going to the break, Cedartown led Pickens, 24-0.
Dragons defense pursuing the Bulldog runner
The second half, saw the Dragons show an impressive ability to fight the whole game. After nothing doing for either team in the 3rd quarter, the Bulldogs got in with a 2-yd run to make it 31-0 with 9:49 left in the game. That would be the final score on the night.
7-AAAA Region Standings:
Cedartown: 4-1 (1-0)
Heritage: 3-1 (1-0)
Northwest Whitfield: 3-2 (1-0)
Pickens: 3-2 (0-1)
Central-Carroll: 3-3 (0-1)
Ridgeland: 1-5 (0-1)
*Southeast Whitfield: 1-6
*Playing a non-region schedule
The Dragons, will be on the road next week as they head to Rossville to take on the Ridgeland Panthers in another big region ball game. Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm.
Dragons fall in high scoring affair with Adairsville
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports January 17, 2021
Jasper, Ga — It has been a difficult week for the Pickens Dragons dating back to last Saturday with tough losses to a non-region opponent in Dawson, and to region opponents Central-Carroll and Heritage. Pickens looked to end the week on a good note as they welcomed the Adairsville Tigers to the Dragons Den for non-region action. After an exciting, high scoring back and forth game, the Tigers came away with the 71-66.
The Tigers got the ball game started with a three to take an early 3-0 lead. Pickens came back with two straight buckets from Noah Sutton to take the lead for the first time at 4-3. After a free throw from Adairsville to tie things up, Will Roland and Owen Moss hit a bucket each to give the Dragons an 8-4 lead. A 6-0 run by the Tigers after two straight threes gave them the lead back at 10-8. The two teams continued to go back and forth as 49 combined points were scored in the first quarter. Going to the second quarter, Adairsville took a 25-24 lead.
Will Roland with the basketball
A bucket by the Tigers started the second quarter as they took a 27-24 lead. Tucker Lowe then knocked down a three for the Dragons to tie things up at 27. Later on in the quarter, after Adairsville had taken a 34-29 lead, Moss nailed a three and Luke Rogers made a bucket to once again tie things up. The two teams traded buckets to close the first half as the Tigers took a 43-40 lead into the break.
Dragons looking to tie the game
The Dragons used a 4-0 run as Lowe and Moss hit buckets to give Pickens a 44-43 lead to start the third. Later on in the quarter, the Tigers went on a 7-0 run to take a 61-48 lead. Rogers hit a bucket just before the quarter ended to make it 61-50 Adairsville going to the fourth.
Dragons working on defense against the Tigers
Pickens went on and 8-0 run to start the fourth quarter to cut the Tiger lead down to 61-58. After Adairsville brought the lead back up to 5, the Dragons battled their way back again to take a 66-65 lead after a Rogers bucket. Rogers again appeared to have given Pickens the lead, but a travel was called resulting in no basket. The Tigers went one to hit four free throws to give them the win, 71-66.
Dragons leading scorers:
Owen Moss: 22 points
Will Roland: 12 points
Tucker Lowe: 10 points
Luke Rogers: 9 points
Noah Sutton: 9 points
7-AAAA Boys Basketball Standings:
Heritage: 10-5 (7-1)
Cedartown: 6-8 (5-2)
Northwest Whitfield: 10-4 (4-2)
Pickens: 7-8 (4-3)
Central-Carroll: 9-7 (2-3)
Ridgeland: 4-9 (1-6)
Southeast Whitfield: 2-13 (0-6)
Pickens, will be back on the road next week as they start a 4 game road trip. First up for the Dragons is their second meeting with the Ridgeland Panthers on Tuesday. Tip off time is scheduled for 7:30.
Dragons even region record on senior night
Sports, Team FYN Sports December 14, 2020
Jasper, Ga — Looking to bounce back after a tough loss in the final seconds to the Heritage Generals on Tuesday, the Pickens Dragons hosted the Ridgeland Panthers inside the Dragons Den for another 7-AAAA showdown on Friday December, 11th. The Dragons came into the game 2-2 overall and 0-1 in region play. The Panthers came in 1-3 overall and 0-2 in region play. After a back and forth battle, the Dragons came away with a 67-53 win.
Both teams traded buckets for the majority of the first quarter. Pickens opened up a 16-7 to lead at one point the quarter. Going to the second quarter, the Dragons held an 18-10 advantage over Ridgeland.
Junior Luke Rogers with an early bucket
In the second quarter, the Dragons were able to open things up a bit offensively, extending the lead over the Panthers to 17 at one point. Going into the break, Pickens lead Ridgeland 41-25.
Dragons on defense against Ridgeland
The third quarter was pretty even as far as scoring goes. Both the Dragons and the Panthers added 16 points each in the third. While Ridgeland cut the Pickens lead to 9 for a bit, the Dragons were able to extend it by quarters end and take a 57-41 lead over the Panthers going to the fourth.
Tucker Lowe had 19 to lead the Dragons
In the fourth quarter, the Dragons built up their lead to 20 points on two different occasions. Pickens, closed this one out and picked up their first region win of the season, 67-53.
Dragons leading scorers:
Tucker Lowe: 19 points
Noah Sutton: 15 points
Owen Moss: 10 points
Luke Rogers: 6 points
Kadyn Hampton: 6 points
Dragons lose heart breaker in final seconds
Featured Stories, Sports, Team FYN Sports December 11, 2020
Jasper, Ga — On December 8th, the Pickens Dragons welcomed the Heritage Generals to the Dragons Den for a 7-AAAA battle. Pickens, came into the game 2-1 overall after beating Copper Basin and Fannin in the annual Thanksgiving Tournament. The Dragons were supposed to take on the Lions of Central Carroll last Friday, but Covid issues on Central’s part moved that game to the 14th. This would be the Dragons first game in a week. Heritage, came in 2-4 overall, but already 2-0 in region play. This one, came down to the wire.
The first quarter started off very slow for both teams as there were as many fouls as points in the beginning. Both the Generals and Dragons took turns with the lead a couple of times. After a free throw from Heritage, the Generals took a 14-13 lead over Pickens going to the second quarter.
Dragons working on offense
After exchanging free throws in the early portion of the second quarter, the Dragons opened up a 6 point lead with two straight three pointers from Will Roland to go up 21-15. To close out the first half, the Generals went on a 14-4 run to take a 29-25 lead into the break.
Will Rowland hit two three pointers in the 2nd quarter
In the third quarter, the Dragons went on a 5-0 run to tie things up with the Generals at 30 a piece. Heritage would take a 6 point lead, Pickens cut it to 2 at one point, but as the third quarter came to a close, the Generals took a 46-41 lead over the Dragons going to the fourth.
Senior Tucker Lowe with a three pointer
In the fourth, the Dragons were on the comeback trail. Trailing by 5, Tucker Lowe hit a three pointer, and went one for two at the free throw line to cut the Heritage lead down to 46-45. The Generals then went on a small 4-0 run to make it 50-45. Owen Moss came back with a layup, Lowe hit a three to tie it, and Jaden Stewart, who had bad luck all game long, got a three pointer to fall to make it 53-50 Pickens. Heritage came back with another 4-0 run to make it 54-53 Generals. Luke Rogers then gave Pickens the lead back with a layup to make it 55-54. After a pair of fouls by the Generals, Lowe headed to the free throw line. He would make 1 of 2 to extend the Dragons lead to 56-54. After a Heritage timeout, they were able to hit a three pointer to take a 57-56 lead. A last second attempt at half court by Pickens fell short, and the Generals came away with the win.
Top scorers for the Dragons:
Owen Moss: 17 points
Tucker Lowe: 12 points
Noah Sutton: 11 points
Will Roland: 6 points
Luke Rogers: 4 points
Jaden Stewart: 4 points
7-AAAA Boys Standings:
Heritage: 3-4 (3-0)
NW Whitfield: 2-2 (1-0)
Cedartown: 1-2 (1-0)
Central-Carroll: 1-1 (0-0)
Pickens: 2-2 (0-1)
Ridgeland: 1-3 (0-1)
SE Whitfield: 1-4 (0-1)
Pickens, will be back home on Friday night as they host the Ridgeland Panthers for another 7-AAAA game. It will be Senior Night on Friday for the Dragons who will recognize 7 seniors. Tip off is set for 8:30.
Dragons pick up big region win over Ridgeland
Sports, Team FYN Sports November 11, 2020
Jasper, Ga — It was a rare Saturday night football game as the Pickens Dragons welcomed the Ridgeland Panthers to Dragons Stadium. It was the first game for the Dragons since playing at Cedartown on October 16th. Coming into the game, Pickens was 2-4 overall and 0-1 in region play. The Ridgeland Panthers, came in with an overall record of 1-6, but tied for second place in 7-AAAA at 1-1. Traditionally, the games between Pickens and Ridgeland have been very exciting and very competitive. This one, was no different. Overcoming not having played in twenty-two days and missing some players, the Dragons came away with a 27-18 win.
Pickens, as they have for the majority of the season, won the coin toss and elected to receive. The Dragons, came out in their version of the wildcat offense to begin their opening drive with Senior running back Jarod Whitmore taking the snaps at the QB position. The opening drive ended in points for Pickens as Whitmore ran it in from 5-yds out to give the Dragons an early 7-0 lead. The defense for the Dragons did a good job in the opening quarter against what can be an explosive Panther offense. Going to the second quarter, Pickens led Ridgeland 7-0.
RB Jarod Whitmore taking the snap for the Dragons
In the second quarter, both teams, especially the Dragons, had chances for points, but just couldn’t connect. At the 6:40 mark of the second quarter, the Panthers broke through with a 5-yd TD run. The PAT was no good and Pickens kept the lead, 7-6. The Dragons had another good chance just before the half, but we would head into the break with Pickens ahead of Ridgeland, 7-6.
The Dragons defense was aggressive all night
The Panthers, got the ball first to start the second half and turned their first possession into points after a 50-yd TD run. the two-point conversion attempt was no good. With 10:33 left in the third, Ridgeland took the lead for the first time, 12-7. The Dragons came back with a good drive of their own as Junior Collin Kellogg, who took over at QB after the first possession of the game for Pickens, found Whitmore streaking down the middle of the field for a 28-yd TD. With 5:53 left in the third, the Dragons were back on top, 14-12. As time was running off the clock in the third, the Panthers scored on a 40-yd run. The snap on the PAT attempt was mishandled and the try was no good. Going to the fourth, Ridgeland held an 18-14 lead over Pickens.
Kellogg played well at QB for the Dragons
The Dragons were down, but definitely not out as they turned their first possession of the fourth quarter into points. After a bad snap pushed Pickens from the 6-yd line to the 22-yd line, a holding penalty was called on the Dragons on their fourth down play. The penalty was accepted, and the ball was moved back, making it fourth and goal from the Ridgeland 32-yd line. Kellogg, lofted it up to the left corner of the end zone where Senior WR Mykel Hand fought two Panthers defenders and came down with it to give the Dragons the lead. With 8:51 left in the game, Pickens went ahead, 20-18. On the ensuing kickoff, and without his regular kickers, Dragons head coach Jeff Nelson decided to go for an onside. The gamble paid off as Pickens recovered it. The Dragons cashed in on the recovery as Sophomore Kadyn Hampton took it in from 20-yds out. The PAT was good, and Pickens extended their lead over the Panthers to 27-18. Needing a big play, Ridgeland turned to the passing attack. Junior Conor Browning, picked off a pass attempt, and helped seal the win for the Dragons. The final, 27-18 Pickens.
7-AAAA Standings:
Cedartown: 6-2 (3-0)
Central-Carroll: 5-2 (1-1)
Pickens: 3-4 (1-1)
Northwest Whitfield: 6-2 (1-2)
Ridgeland: 1-7 (1-2)
Heritage: 4-4 (1-2)
Next week, the Dragons will again be at home as they welcome the Heritage Generals to Dragons Stadium. The game will be on Friday, November 13th. Kickoff is set for 7:30 in this 7-AAAA match up.
Dragons fall in tough region opener
PHS Football, Team FYN Sports October 17, 2020
Cedartown, Ga — On October 16th, the Pickens Dragons made one of the longer trips of the season to Polk County where they met the Cedartown Bulldogs to start 7-AAAA play. These two teams have met 6 times previously with the last meeting coming in 2013. The last time Pickens came to Cedartown in 2012, they came away with the win in a game that featured former University of Minnesota and Dragon great Shannon Brooks along with former University of Georgia standout and current Cleveland Browns running back, Nick Chub
The Dragons won the toss and elected to receive to begin the ball game. Pickens came out with a a strategy of using a quick pass game plan as Cedartown was bringing pressure early. The Dragons went for it on 4th down near midfield and appeared to make the line to gain, but it was ruled short and the Bulldogs took over. On their opening possession, Cedartown would also be faced with a go for it on 4th down situation. They chose to go for it and the Dragon defense stood tall and held them. Just before the end of the first quarter, things got a little wacky. After forcing the Bulldogs to punt, the Dragons reached into their bag of tricks and pulled out the old double pass play. Sam Streicher hit Jarod Whitmore who then connected with a wide open Andrew Burrell for a 56-yd touchdown and a 7-0 lead. The Dragons had more surprises for Cedartown as they then went for an onside and recovered. Going to the second quarter, Pickens led the Bulldogs 7-0.
Dragons driving to begin the game
The Dragons had possession of the ball to start the second quarter after executing an onside kick just before the end of the first. Pickens got a long run from Whitmore, who then capped off the drive with a 1-yd touchdown run to make it 14-0 with 10:22 left in the first half. The Bulldogs got on the board for the first time at the 7 minute mark of the second quarter with a 3-yd touchdown run to make it 14-7 Dragons. Just before the end of the first half, Cedartown got on the board again. This time with a 10-yd touchdown pass. The PAT was no good however and the Dragons headed into halftime with a 14-13 lead over the Bulldogs.
Jarod Whitmore scores to make it 14-0 Dragons
In the third quarter, Cedartown took advantage of some miscues by the Dragons and turned those miscues into touchdowns. The Bulldogs scored three times off of turnovers to take the lead over Pickens going to the fourth, 31-14.
The Dragons defense fought hard against Cedartown
In the fourth quarter, Cedartown added to their lead with touchdown runs of 84, 11, and 35 yards. Pickens ended the ball game with something positive as Streicher found Tom Frechette in the corner of the end zone for a 14-yd touchdown pass. Final from Cedartown: Bulldogs 52 Dragons 21.
7-AAAA Standings
Central Carroll: 4-1 (1-0)
Cedartown: 3-2 (1-0)
Ridgeland: 1-5 (1-0)
Northwest Whitfield: 4-1 (0-1)
Heritage: 3-3 (0-1)
Pickens: 2-4 (0-1)
Next week, the Dragons will be back home as they welcome the Ridgeland Panthers into town as they continue 7-AAAA play. Ridgeland picked up it’s first win of the season against Heritage 21-14, holding on after leading 15-0 at halftime. Kickoff is set for 7:30.
Dragons win big to secure a state tournament spot
PHS Basketball, Sports, Team FYN Sports February 5, 2020
On Tuesday, Feb, 4, the Pickens Dragons traveled to Dalton to take part in the 6-AAAA Region Tournament being held at Southeast Whitfield. Pickens, came into the tournament as the #3 seed and looked to do something they had only done six times in their history. That is, make the state tournament. The Dragons took on the #6 seed Ridgeland Panthers. The first two meetings between the two teams were very close. This time, Pickens picked up an 87-47 win.
In the opening quarter, the Dragons got off to a fast start knocking down shots from both inside and outside the paint. Pickens used that blazing start to amass a 25-12 lead over the Panthers going to the second.
Luke Rogers passing to Noah Sutton
In the second quarter, the Dragons continued their torrid pace they set in the first quarter. Grabbing rebound after rebound, diving for loose balls, and continuing to work hard on both ends of the floor. Pickens, outscored Ridgeland in the second, 21-8, to take a 46-21 lead into the break.
Aidan Sanchez working down low in the paint
The third quarter, was the most back and forth quarter of the game as the Panthers got things going on their end. After a slow start to the second half for the Dragons, they were able to pick it up as well. Ridgeland won the quarter 18-17, but Pickens continued to lead the game going to the fourth, 63-39.
Dragons working defensively against the Panthers
The Dragons ended the ball game strong scoring 24 fourth quarter points and holding the Panthers again to just eight. Pickens also got everyone in for playing time and they were productive as well. For the seventh time in school history, the Dragons punched their ticket to the state tournament with an 87-47 win.
Leading the way for the Dragons were:
Noah Sutton: 34 points
Tucker Lowe: 12 points
Luke Rogers: 10 points
Zac Tetterton: 6 points
Owen Moss: 6 points
Pickens, will now turn their attention to the Northwest Whitfield Bruins for the semifinal match up in the 6-AAAA Region Tournament. Winner of that one will earn not only a trip to the region championship, but the all important first round home game in the 4A state tournament. Game time is set for Thursday at 5:30 pm.
Dragons head into region tournament on a high note
PHS Basketball, Sports, Team FYN Sports January 29, 2020
The Pickens Dragons (17-8, 7-5) came into their game last night against the Southeast Whitfield Raiders (0-25, 0-12) looking to create some big momentum after falling in their previous three games. Create momentum is exactly what the Dragons did as they took home the win, 86-51.
In the first quarter, the Dragons got off to a hot start with threes by Owen Moss, Tucker Lowe, and Will Roland to go up 9-1. The rest of the quarter, the Raiders outscored Pickens 16-11, but the Dragons held the lead 20-17 going to the second quarter.
Dragons on offense in the 1st quarter
In the second quarter, after Southeast Whitfield cut the Dragon lead down to 22-21, Pickens went on an 8-0 run to make it 30-21. Later in the quarter, the Dragons went on a 7-0 run courtesy of threes by Luke Rogers, Ean Goodwin, and a free throw by Noah Sutton to make it 37-22. Pickens outscored the Raiders 12-7 for the remainder of the frame to take a 49-29 lead into the half.
Pickens trapping on defense
The third quarter saw the Dragons continue to extend their lead over the Raiders getting buckets from Moss, Lowe, Sutton, Rogers, Roland, and Daniel Tetterton. Outscoring Southeast Whitfield 28-14 in the frame, Pickens took a 77-43 lead into the fourth.
Dragons in-bounding the ball in the fourth quarter
In the fourth, the Dragons closed the game by outscoring the Raiders 9-8. Four of those nine points came from Hays Pickett. Pickens picked up a much needed win, 86-51.
Leading the way for the Dragons were:
Owen Moss: 19 points (five threes made)
Noah Moss: 18 points
Tucker Lowe: 16 points (four threes) 11 assists
Will Roland: 9 points
Hays Pickett: 7 points
Pickens, finishes the regular season 17-8 overall and 7-5 in region play. The Dragons, will be the 3rd seed in next week’s 6-AAAA region tournament and take on the 6th seeded Ridgeland Panthers in the 1st round on Tuesday. The game will be played at Southeast Whitfield and has a tip off time of 6 pm.
Dragons sweep Panthers after close game
PHS Basketball, Sports, Team FYN Sports January 11, 2020
The Pickens Dragons (14-4, 6-2) got a big win on Tuesday against Heritage on the road. Last night, they looked to treat the home crowd in the Dragons Den to another win when they took on the Ridgeland Panthers (5-13, 1-7) in a 6-AAAA match up. The last meeting between these two teams came down to the wire in Rossville, with the Dragons picking up the win. This one, would be tightly played as well.
Pickens, got off to a 7-0 start in the first quarter getting four points from Owen Moss, two points from Noah Sutton, and a free throw from Luke Rogers. The Panthers, countered that 7-0 run with a 7-0 run themselves to tie things up. The two teams traded buckets for the rest of the quarter with the Dragons getting a late bucket from Moss to take a 13-11 lead into the second.
Dragons looking for a shot on offense
In the second quarter, the game remained close with both the Dragons and Panthers taking turns holding slim leads. Pickens, went on a 7-0 run in the middle of the with a three by Tucker Lowe, and buckets from Sutton and Moss to take a 27-20 lead. Ridgeland closed the half on a 5-2 run as Pickens took a 29-25 lead into the break.
Dragons defending the drive inside
In the third, the Dragons started the quarter off with an 8-0 run fueled by five quick points by Ean Goodwin. Pickens, went on to hold a lead as high as 14 in the third. The Panthers, went on a 5-0 run to end the third and cut the Dragons lead down to 47-39 going to the fourth.
Dragons looking to in-bound the ball
In the fourth, after two free throws from Sutton gave Pickens a 49-39 lead, Ridgeland made their move. Using an 11-0 run, the Panthers took a 50-49 lead. The Dragons counter punched and went on a 9-0 run with help from Sutton, Lowe, and Will Roland to put Pickens back up 58-50. Pickens, held on and got the win over the Panthers, 59-55.
Leading the way for the Dragons were:
Noah Sutton: 22 points
Tucker Lowe: 16 points
Owen Moss: 12 points
Ean Goodwin: 5 points
6-AAAA Boys Basketball Standings:
Lafayette: 16-2 (7-0)
Northwest Whitfield: 10-8 (7-1)
Pickens: 14-4 (6-2)
Gilmer: 7-7 (3-4)
Heritage: 7-12 (3-5)
Ridgeland: 5-13 (1-7)
Southeast Whitfield: 0-19 (0-8)
Pickens, will be on the road today as they take on the Adairsville Tigers in non-region action. Tip off is set for 7:30 pm.
Dragons get road win, sweep Generals
PHS Basketball, Sports, Team FYN Sports January 8, 2020
The Pickens Dragons (13-4, 5-2) traveled up to Ringgold to battle the Heritage Generals (7-11, 3-4) in a big 6-AAAA region meeting. Pickens, picked up a win earlier in the season against the Generals, and looked to earn the regular season sweep much like the Nettes did before them.
To open the ball game, the Generals went on a 5-0 run to take an early lead. Heritage, would race out to a 14-7 lead, but the Dragons made a run. Fueled by Tucker Lowe, Luke Rogers, and Noah Sutton, Pickens went on an 11-0 run to take an 18-14 lead. The Generals, closed out the quarter on a 5-2 run, but the Dragons held a slim lead of 20-19, going to the second.
Dragons moving the ball on offense
The second quarter saw both teams trade buckets as this one remained tightly contested. Just before the end of the first half, Zac Tetterton hit a big three pointer to put the Dragons up 37-33 over Heritage as we hit the break.
Dragons defending the in-bounds pass
In the third quarter, the Generals would reclaim the lead, 38-37, after a quick 5-0 run. The two teams continued to trade buckets as the score would tied twice during the frame. The Dragons, closed the quarter on a 7-0 run after buckets from Owen Moss, Will Roland, and a three pointer by Lowe to give Pickens a 57-50 lead going to the fourth.
Tucker Lowe attempting a three
In the fourth quarter, the Dragons held a 10 point lead several times during the final frame. Heritage however, would not go quietly. After being down 10, the Generals cut the Pickens lead down to 72-71. The Dragons, extended their lead after five straight free throws to make it 77-71. The Generals cut the lead to 77-74 after a three. Lowe then made a pair of free throws to make it 79-74. After Heritage intentionally fouled Lowe, the Generals were called for a technical foul. Lowe, stepped up and hit four straight free throws to put the game away and give the Dragons the win, 83-74.
Leading the way for the Dragons were:
Tucker Lowe: 26 points (four three point makes, 11-12 from the free throw line)
Luke Rogers: 21 points, 12 rebounds
Noah Sutton: 14 points
Owen Moss: 8 points
Pickens will be at home on Friday as they host the Ridgeland Panthers in another big 6-AAAA game. Tip off is set for 7:30 pm.
Dragons Lose Tough Game In Rain Soaked Conditions
Sports, Team FYN Sports October 26, 2019
Last night, the PHS Dragons varsity football team made the nearly 2 hour trip towards the Georgia/Tennessee line to Rossville to take on the Ridgeland Panthers. This, was the 2nd to last game of the regular season for the Dragons who were neck & neck with Heritage at the top of the region standings coming into this one. Oh, did I mention the rain? It rained… a lot.
Pickens won the toss & elected to receive the opening kickoff. The wet conditions played a factor early as a bad snap led to a Panther recovery on a fumble. Ridgeland would take advantage of the short field and score on a 25-yd touchdown run to make it 7-0, at the 9:56 mark. The Dragons would be forced to punt on their next drive & once again, it didn’t take long for the explosive run game of the Panthers to do it’s damage as Ridgeland was able to score on their first play of drive to make it 14-0. Towards the end of the 1st quarter, the Dragons defense started slowing down the Ridgeland run game & the Dragon offense, started to click as well.
Pickens got on the board early in the 2nd quarter with a 33-yd touchdown pass from C.J. Streicher to Jarod Whitmore at the 8:49 mark to cut the Panther lead in half, 14-7. Twenty-three seconds later, Ridgeland would answer with a 64-yd touchdown run to extend their lead out to 21-7, with 8:26 to go in the 1st half. Ridgeland, was looking to add to that lead prior to halftime, but the Dragons defense had other ideas. Pickens, forced a fumble & it was recovered and taken down into Panther territory, giving the offense a chance to cut into the lead before the break. On the ensuing drive, Streicher found an open Austin Chester for a big gain down the middle of the field. Streicher, would then cap off the drive with an 8-yd touchdown run to make it 21-14 Ridgeland with 47 seconds left in the half. The Panthers, tried to answer prior to halftime, but the Dragons defense made sure that would not happen. Going into the break, the Panthers led the Dragons, 21-14.
In the 3rd, the Panthers got the ball first to start the 2nd half. Ridgeland was able to drive down deep into Dragon territory, but Pickens was able to hold them to a 28-yd field goal, making 24-14, with 9:56 left in the 3rd. Ridgeland added a 48-yd touchdown run at the 2:30 mark of the 3rd to extend their lead over Pickens to 31-14. With time dwindling down in the 3rd, the Dragons may have been down, but they were not out as they drove it down the field as we headed to the 4th quarter.
Twenty-five seconds into the 4th, the Dragons struck. Jarod Whitmore, with a little help from offensive lineman Josh Cook, was able to power his way in from 10-yds out to cut the Ridgeland lead to 31-21, with 11:35 left in the game. The Dragons, were looking for more trailing by 10, but the Panthers were able to pick off a pass attempt & take it the distance to make it 38-21 Ridgeland, with 7:42 left in the ball game. Streicher was able to punch it in from 1-yd out to make it 38-28, with 1:35 remaining. The Panthers would add a late field goal, giving us a final of 41-28 Ridgeland.
6-AAAA Standings:
Heritage: 4-1
Northwest Whitfield: 3-1
Ridgeland: 3-1
Pickens: 3-2
Gilmer: 1-3
Lafayette: 1-3
Southeast Whitfield: 0-4
Next week, the Dragons will be back home as they will host the Lafayette Ramblers in the regular season finale & Senior Night next Friday at 7:30. From what we were able to gather, a win for the Dragons means that they’re in. What seed they will be will not be determined in all likely hood. The winner of the Heritage/Northwest Whitfield game in two weeks will decide the Dragons fate. Should Heritage win, the Dragons look be the #3 seed due to their win over Northwest Whitfield. Should Northwest Whitfield win, Pickens would likely be the #4 seed due to the loss to Heritage.
Dragons earn hard fought road region win to stay undefeated
PHS Basketball, Sports, Team FYN Sports December 7, 2019
After the Nettes took home the big win in the first game of the varsity doubleheader, the Dragons came in looking to complete the region sweep, & remain unbeaten.
In the opening quarter, both teams would trade buckets for the most part. The Dragons would take a three point lead, then Ridgeland would tie it. The Panthers would take a three point lead, then the Dragons would tie it up. The Panthers, scored the final five points of the quarter to take an 18-13 lead into the 2nd.
In the 2nd quarter, the Dragons found themselves down 7 points, 6 points, & 5 points all at different times of the frame. Pickens, fought back all three times to not only tie it up, but take the lead. The Dragons, were led by Tucker Lowe, Noah Sutton, & Owen Moss in the 2nd quarter rally. Pickens, outscored the Panthers 23-15, to take a 36-33 lead into the break.
In the 3rd quarter, the game remained tightly played with both the Dragons & the Panthers going bucket for bucket. Pickens, remained in front by outscoring Ridgeland 20-19, to take a 56-52 lead into the 4th.
Late in the 4th quarter, the Dragons found themselves trailing 67-64. Needing a bucket, Pickens turned to Lowe, who hit nothing but net on a long three pointer to tie the game at 67. The Dragons got a big defensive stop & Ean Goodwin stepped to the line to try & give Pickens the lead. Goodwin hit the 2nd of the two shots, giving the Dragons a 68-67 advantage. With Ridgeland looking to reclaim the lead, Lowe was able to come up with the loose ball, & pass it to Moss for a layup. With one final chance remaining, The Panthers tried to throw up a potential game tying three, but Luke Rogers blocked it, & the Dragons held on to get the win, 70-67.
Leading the way for the Dragons were:
Noah Sutton: 20 points
Tucker Lowe: 18 points
Owen Moss: 16 points
Luke Rogers: 6 points
Ean Goodwin: 5 points
Pickens, moves to 6-0 on the early season & 2-0 in region play with the win. Next week, will be a busy week for the Dragons as they will play three games. First up for Pickens, a home meeting with Morris Innovative in non-region action on Monday. Tip off set for 5:30 pm.