Dragons pick up road win against Rebels
PHS Football, Team FYN Sports September 5, 2026
Blue Ridge, Ga — A 515 battle took place on Friday, September 4th as the Pickens Dragons took on the Fannin County Rebels in non-region action. Both teams, were coming off of losses last week. The Dragons, were looking for their first win of the early season. A back and forth second half saw the Dragons come up with a pair of stops to pick up the win, 45-35.
The Rebels, would win the toss and elect to receive the opening kickoff. A pair of big plays would put the Rebels inside Dragon territory. The Dragons, would end up forcing a four and out and would take over at their 32-yd line. On the first play of the drive, Tanner Bail, would take a shot down field to Donnie Marshall. The pass was incomplete, but a penalty on the Rebels would move the ball up to the Dragon 47-yd line.
After a penalty on the Dragons, Bail, would swing the ball to Sawyer Purdy for a nice gain. Ike Wyngaard, would then take a pitch to the Rebel 33-yd line. Another hand off to Wyngaard would gain 7 yards. The Rebels, would then force a turnover as Isaac Watkins would recover a fumble at their 26-yd line. The Rebels, would turn that into points as Cannon Holloway would find Tristen Bernier for a 20-yd touchdown. With 5:43 left in the first quarter, Fannin led Pickens, 7-0.
The Dragons, would finish off the opening quarter by driving deep inside Rebel territory. Heading to the second quarter, the Rebels led it, 7-0.
On the first play of the second quarter, Bail, would almost connect with Brock Teal for a touchdown, but it would fall incomplete. Toccoa McGraw, would come in and nail a 27-yd field goal to make it 7-3 with 11:48 remaining in the first half. The Rebels, would respond with a 63-yd touchdown run by Holloway. The PAT was good and with 9:33 left in the half, Fannin led Pickens, 14-3. On the ensuing kick off, Wyngaard, would take it all the way to the Rebel 30-yd line.
A penalty on the Dragons, would bring the ball back to the Dragon 25. A nice run by Travis Vines, would give the Dragons a first down. On 3rd and 5 from their 41-yd line, Bail’s pass attempts to Teal was tipped, but Teal would still bring it in and pick up the first down. The Dragons, would cut into the lead after a 14-yd touchdown pass from Bail to Corban Addison. With 4:02 left in the half, The Rebels were leading, 14-10.
The Rebels, would take advantage of the ensuing kickoff going out of bounds and would cross into Dragon territory on the first play of the drive. A long run would then be negated by a holding penalty. After a miscue on a screen attempt, the Rebels were able to get the penalty yardage and some more back on second down. The Dragons, would force a punt by the Rebels. The snap, would go over the punters head and the Dragons would take over deep inside Rebel territory.
After three straight runs by Wyngaard, the Dragons, would bring in their heavy package as Teal would pick up the first down to keep the drive going. That package would stay on the field as Teal would make a few defenders miss as he would run it in from 8-yards out. The PAT was good and with 15 seconds left in the half, Pickens led Fannin, 17-14. The Rebels, would kneel it to end the first half and at the break, the Dragons were up, 17-14.
The Dragons, would start the second half with the football. After picking up a first down after back to back runs from Wyngaard and Vines, the Rebels, would force a punt. Teal, would get off a good punt and the Rebels would take over at their own 17-yard line. A pair of penalties, would derail the first drive of the second half for the Rebels. Or so we thought. The punt would be muffed by the Dragons and the Rebels would recover inside Dragon territory.
On 3rd & 5, Cannon Holloway, would find Reid Holloway for a first down at the Dragon 18 to keep the drive going. The Holloway’s, would connect again on the next play for an 18-yd touchdown. The PAT was good and with 3:59 left in the third, Fannin was back on top, 21-17. On the ensuing kickoff, Purdy, would get a good return out of the squib kick. A facemask penalty, would move the ball up to the Dragon 49 yard line.
On this drive, the Dragons, used the running back tandem of Wyngaard and Vines to great success. Wyngaard, would cap off the drive with a 13-yd touchdown run. A great block by Marshall would help lead Wyngaard in for the score. With 55 seconds left in the third, Pickens led Fannin, 24-21. Just before the end of the third, the Holloway boys would connect again for a long gain down to the Dragon 13-yd line. A 4-yd run by C. Holloway, would send us to the fourth.
A penalty to start the fourth quarter would negate the possible go ahead touchdown for the Rebels. On the next play, the Dragons, would give some yardage back after a facemask penalty. The Rebels, would retake the lead after a 9-yd touchdown run by Bernier. The PAT was good and with 11:41 left to go in the game, Fannin was back on top, 28-24. The ensuing kickoff would be downed at the Dragon 32-yd line.
The Dragons, would respond as Bail would connect with Teal on a TE screen and he would take it 56 yards for the touchdown. The PAT by McGraw was good and with 9:22 left to go in the game, the Dragons were up, 31-28. We were far from over however. The Rebels, would start on their own 10-yd line after a little miscue on the kickoff. After C. Holloway picked up a first down with his legs, he would connect with Bernier on the next play to the Rebel 45-yd line.
C. Holloway, would pick up his second rushing touchdown of the game as he would run it in from 51-yards out. The PAT was good and 6:59 left to go in the game, the Rebels, would reclaim the lead, 35-31. The Dragons, would take over at their own 36-yard line after a pooch kick. Wyngaard, would break a tackle near the line of scrimmage and take it to the house for a 60-yd touchdown. The PAT was good and just like that, the Dragons were back on top, 38-35 with 6:07 to go.
The Dragons, would then force a three and out and the Rebels would be forced to punt. The Dragons, would take over at their own 31-yard line. On the first play of the drive, Wyngaard, would make his third house call of the night after a 69-yd touchdown run. The PAT was good and with 4:54 left to go in the game, the Dragons, extended their lead to 45-35.
On their ensuing possession, the Rebels, were facing a 3rd and long. C. Holloway, would find Nate O’Neal and he would take it to the Dragon 40-yard line. The Rebels, would keep the drive alive again as C. Holloway would find Casen Bailey on the screen pass for a first down. The Dragons, would be able to force a four and out and take over at their own 21-yard line. After three straight runs by the Dragons and the final two timeouts used by the Rebels, Fannin would take over at their own 41-yard line with just over a minute left.
C. Holloway, after scrambling to his left, found an open O’Neal on the sideline and he would get out of bounds at the Dragon 37-yard line. The Dragons, would again force a four and out and take over at their own 45-yard line where Bail would take a knee and the Dragons would come away with a 45-35 win.
The Dragons, having finally gotten in the win column, will look to add to that total next week as they are back home to battle the East Forsyth Broncos on Friday, September 11th. Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm.
Dragons battle former region foe in home opener
PHS Football, Team FYN Sports August 29, 2026
Jasper, GA — The Pickens Dragons were home for the first time during the 2026 season as they welcomed former region foe, the Lumpkin Indians, to Dragon Stadium. The Dragons, were coming in looking to bounce back after a tough loss to North Cobb Christian. The Indians, were looking to build off of a back and forth win over Dawson last week. Tied at 21 at the half, it would be the Indians who would use a 21-7 second half to pick up the win, 42-28.
The Dragons, would win the toss and elect to receive the opening kick off. After a short gain on first down, Tanner Bail, would connect with Brock Teal on a quick pop pass and Teal would take 69-yards for the touchdown. The PAT by Toccoa McGraw was good, and with 11:21 left in the first quarter, the Dragons were up, 7-0. The first possession by the Indians was filled with penalties. Lumpkin thought they had a 3rd and long converted, but a penalty would force a punt.
The ensuing punt would be shanked, and the Dragons would take over at the Indian 35-yd line. The Dragons, would end up having to settle for a field goal attempt. The kick, would be pushed to the left and the Indians would take over at their 20-yd line. The Indians, using their run game, would March down and tie the game after a 1-yd TD run by Joseph Alvarez. Heading to the second quarter, the game was tied at 7.
Sawyer Purdy, would set up the Dragon offense with fantastic field position after a big kick off return. Pickens, would capitalize on that field position as Cal Morrison would power in for a 1-yd TD run. With 10:35 left to go in the half, the Dragons were up, 14-7. The Indians, would take their first lead of the game on back to back touchdowns as Kolson Howell ran in from 3-yards out and Howell would find Mac Powell for a 6-yd touchdown.
The Dragons, would respond as Bail would find Purdy on a screen pass. Purdy, would break a couple tackles, pick up a massive block, run to the other side of the field, and get through the crowd for a 70-yard score. The PAT was good and with just under a minute left in the half, the game was tied at 21. The Indians, had one more shot before the half to score, but a sack by Teal would send it to the break with the game deadlocked at 21.
The second half started in a not so fun way for the Indians as the kick off was fielded at their 2-yd line. After a 3-yard gain on first down, Weston Veater, would rumble for a 65-yard run into Dragon territory. Alvarez, would finish the drive off with a 12-yard TD run. On the ensuing kick off, it looked like Ike Wyngaard took it 83-yards for the score, but a holding penalty was called on the Dragons.
On fourth down, the Dragons, would then run a fake punt as Teal would break through a few would be tacklers to pick up the first down. Later in the drive, the Dragons would go for it again on fourth down. Pickens, would not be so fortunate this time around as the Indians would stop the play short. Heading to the fourth quarter, the Indians led it, 28-21.
Lumpkin, would add to their lead on their next possession as Howell would run it in from 5-yards out to make it 35-21 with 9:24 left in the game. The Dragons, would get a big run by Wyngaard into Indian territory. An unsportsmanlike penalty would be called on Pickens to back them up a bit. Cohen Carden, would end the drive with an interception at the goal line. The Indians, would once again use the run game to add to the lead as Alvarez scored from a yard out to make it 42-21.
The Dragons, would pick up a late score with 34 seconds left as Bail would find Wyngaard for a 32-yard touchdown pass. The ensuing onside kick was recovered by Lumpkin and the Indians would kneel out the rest of the clock as they pick up the win, 42-28.
The Dragons, will be on the road next Friday as they take on the Fannin Rebels on September 4th. The Rebels, will also be coming off of a tough loss as they fell to rival Gilmer, 35-14. Kick off is set for 7:30 pm.
Dragons fall in high scoring season opener
PHS Football, Team FYN Sports August 22, 2026
Kennesaw, Ga — No more scrimmages as it was time to kick off the 2026 regular season for high school football for many teams across the state of Georgia on Friday, August 21st. Two of those teams being the Pickens Dragons, and the hosting North Cobb Christian Eagles. This one had a lot packed into it. It was a tale of two halves in this one as the Dragons would go up 28-7 into the break with the Eagles coming back to pick up a 42-35 win.
The Dragons, would win the toss and elect to receive the opening kick. After a great return by Sawyer Purdy that set up the offense at the Dragon 40-yd line, Pickens used a mix of the run game and the quick passing game to drain more than half of the first quarter clock. The Dragons, would cap off the opening drive with a 9-yd touchdown run by Ike Wyngaard. The PAT by Toccoa McGraw was good and with 4:48 left in the quarter, Pickens led it, 7-0.
The Eagles, were looking to tie things up on their opening possession as a big pass play set them up at the Dragon 5-yd line. After a false start by the Eagles, the Dragons would force a stop to bring up 2nd down. The Dragons defense, would then land a big blindside hit on the Eagles QB that jarred the ball loose. The ball would go out of bounds at the Dragon 38-yd line to bring up 3rd down.
The Dragons, would force a punt after a pass break up by Donald Marshall. Heading to the second quarter, the Dragons led the Eagles, 7-0.
Just under a minute into the second quarter, Tanner Bail found Wyngaard streaking down the seam for a 59-yd touchdown pass. The PAT was good and with 11:05 left in the first half, Pickens led North Cobb Christian, 14-0. On the next Eagles possession, Jackson Walker, would force and recover a fumble after a big hit on a receiver. There was discussion from the officials because Walker’s helmet came off right after the ball was knocked loose. In the end, the officials ruled that it was Dragons ball.
On the first play after the fumble recovery, Purdy, took the end around and turned on the jets for a 44-yd touchdown run. The PAT was good and with 10:01 left in the first half, the Dragons led the Eagles, 21-0. After another defensive stop, the Dragons, would add to their lead as newcomer Travis Vines would power his way in for a 1-yd touchdown run. The PAT was good and with 4:36 left to go in the half, Pickens led North Cobb Christian, 28-0.
The Eagles, would respond with their first scoring drive of the game as they would cap it off with an 18-yd touchdown pass. The PAT was good and with 1:16 left in the half, the Dragons led the Eagles, 28-7. After a late defensive stop by the Eagles, North Cobb Christian had a little time left to add points before halftime. A nice pass play would set up a 40-yd field goal try. The ball would sail left and the Dragons would take a 28-7 lead into the break.
On the first play of scrimmage in the third quarter, the Eagles would connect on a 64-yd touchdown pass. The PAT was good and with 11:43 left in the third, Pickens led North Cobb Christian, 28-14. The Eagles, would then force and recover a fumble on the Dragons opening possession of the second half. They would convert that into points after a 38-yd touchdown pass. The PAT was good and with 10:21 left to go in the third, the Dragons lead was cut to 28-21.
After a back and forth, the Eagles, would again score after a 1-yd touchdown run. The PAT was good and with 1:48 left in the third, the game was tied at 28. A stop by the Eagles defense before the end of the third, would give their offense the ball as they would head to the fourth.
The Eagles, would use that momentum from the third quarter and carry it over to the fourth as they would take their first lead of the game after a 7-yd touchdown pass. The PAT was good and with 9:05 left in the game, North Cobb Christian led Pickens, 35-28. The Dragons, needing something to help stop the bleeding, found it as Bail would connect with Brock Teal for a 51-yd touchdown pass. The PAT was good and we were tied at 35 with 6:18 left in the game.
The Eagles, would respond with a 2-yd touchdown run. The PAT was good and with 2:39 left in the game, North Cobb Christian led Pickens, 42-35. The Dragons, looking for one final drive to tie or possibly win the game, would pick up one first down, but the Eagles would force a turnover on downs as North Cobb Christian would pick up the win, 42-35.
The Dragons, will look to rebound as they will be home next week as they host former region foe, the Lumpkin Indians, on Friday, August 28th for the home opener. Lumpkin, will be coming off of a 42-31 win over Dawson to start the season. Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm.
Dragons sweep season series against War Eagles
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports January 22, 2026
Gainesville, Ga — The Pickens Dragons, made the trip down to Chestatee to take on the War Eagles on Thursday, January 22nd. This game, was originally scheduled for Friday, but with the impending weather set to come in, it was bumped up a day. The Dragons, were able to build off of their win over Dawson on Tuesday, and pick up a 71-41 win over the War Eagles.
Aiden Mumaw, would start off the game by getting to the free throw line. He would split the free throw attempts. Mumaw, would then get a layup to go to make it 3-0. A three by Brody Bryant, would stretch the lead to 6. A layup by Cody Couch, and a pair of free throws by Nazir Dixon, would cut the lead to 2. The Dragons, would then go on an 11-0 run to make it 17-4. After a second basket by Couch, McCord Purdy, would hit a three to make it 20-6.
Dixon, would get a late bucket to go to make it 20-8 Dragons heading to the second quarter.
Carson Hunt, would begin the second quarter with a three to cut the lead to 9. After a lay-in by Hayden Jones, the War Eagles, would hit another three to make it 22-14. Jedidiah Lanford, would get in the score book with a put back layup to make it a 10 point game. Lucas Feltner, would make it an 8 point game with a bucket. DJ Mitchell, would make back to back tough layups to give the Dragons a 28-16 lead.
After another three by Couch, the Dragons, would end the first half on a 6-0 run capped off by a buzzer beating three by Purdy to make it 34-19 Pickens heading into the break.
Mumaw, would start the second half by making a pair of free throws. The War Eagles, would go on a 7-0 run to trim the Dragon lead down to 10. Mitchell and Purdy, would then combine to go on a 5-0 run to stretch the lead back to 15. After a bucket by Feltner, Purdy and Lanford, would make back to back baskets to make it a 17 point advantage. A bucket by Dixon, would make it 45-30.
The Dragons, would end the third quarter on an 8-0 run to stretch the lead out to 53-30 heading to the fourth quarter.
Couch, would make back to back layups to begin the fourth quarter to cut the lead to 53-34. A 9-0 run by the Dragons, would make it 62-34. Carson Hunt and Lanford, would trade three point baskets as the Dragons led it, 65-37. After a bucket by Hunt, Landon Rice, would hit a three. Rice, would then head to the line where he would split a pair of free throws. Sawyer Purdy, would make a nice move for a layup to give the Dragons a 71 -39 lead.
A late basket by Feltner, would give us a final score of 71-41 as the Dragons come away with the win and the series sweep.
Leading scorers for the Dragons:
McCord Purdy: 20 points
DJ Mitchell: 17 points
Aiden Mumaw: 8 points
Jedidiah Lanford: 7 points
Hayden Jones: 6 points
Landon Rice: 4 points
Brody Bryant: 3 points
Cam Jones: 2 points
Jonah Jordan: 2 points
Sawyer Purdy: 2 points
The Dragons, are now 10-9 on the season and 6-2 in 6-AAA play. The Dragons, are set to be at Lumpkin to take on the Indians on Tuesday, January 27th at 7:30. We’ll see if that is still the case depending on what the weather does this weekend.
Dragons finish 2-1 in Thanksgiving Classic
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports November 26, 2025
Jasper, Ga — It was championship Tuesday on November 25th as the Pickens Dragons took on the Darlington Tigers on the final day of the PHS Thanksgiving Classic. Both teams came into the game having won both of their previous games in the round robin format. The Tigers, would use a big second half to pull away for the win, 73-49.
Darlington, would jump out to an early lead in the first quarter as Brent Bell, Christian Teasley, and Cam Selig would combine to go on a 6-0 run. A three by Jonah Jordan, would end the run and cut the lead in half. After a pair of free throws by Selig, McCord Purdy, would make his first basket of the game to cut the lead back to 3. A three by Teasley, would push the lead back up to 6 for the Tigers.
Jordan and Purdy, would then combine to go on a 6-0 run to tie the game at 11. After a bucket by Joseph Ogunyemi, Purdy, would tie the game back up with a pair of free throws. A 5-0 run by Ogunyemi and Bell, would close out the first quarter and give the Tigers an 18-13 lead heading to the second.
A basket by Mitchell Raughton, would extend the Darlington lead to 7 to start the second quarter. Back to back threes from Hayden Jones and DJ Mitchell, would cut the lead down to 1. After a lay-in by Ogunyemi, Purdy, would split a pair of free throws as the Tigers led it, 22-19. The two teams would trade baskets for the rest of the half as the Tigers took a 28-25 lead into the break.
Darlington, would begin the second half by going on a 5-0 run to make it 33-25. Jordan, would end the run with a three to make it 33-28. After back to back baskets by the Tigers, Mitchell, would hit a three to make it 37-31. A 5-0 run by Darlington, would extend the lead to 42-31. Mitchell, would hit his second three of the quarter to cut the lead to 8. Mitchell, would end another 5-0 run by the Tigers as he would make all three free throws after being fouled on a shot attempt.
Back to back threes by Jordan Wilkerson, would put Darlington up 53-37. Purdy, would end the scoring in the third with a pair of free throws as the Tigers led the Dragons going to the fourth, 53-39.
Mitchell, would hit a three to begin the fourth to cut the lead to 11. A 10-0 run by the Tigers, would stretch their lead out to 63-42. Jordan, would end the run after he split a pair of free throws. An 8-0 run by Darlington, would make it 71-43. Sawyer Purdy, would then make a pair of free throws. After a basket by the Tigers, Zade Waller and Landon Rice, would get back to back buckets to end the game as the Tigers took this one, 73-49.
Scoring leaders for the Dragons:
DJ Mitchell: 15 points (All-Tournament Team)
McCord Purdy: 15 points (All-Tournament Team)
Jonah Jordan: 8 points
Hayden Jones: 5 points
Sawyer Purdy: 2 points
Landon Rice: 2 points
Zade Waller: 2 points
The Dragons, will get to work off their Thanksgiving meals as they travel to take on the Banks County Leopards on Friday, November 28th. The game will be played at Truett McConnel University in Cleveland, Ga. Tip off is set for 8:30 pm.
Carson Hollingsworth picks up first win as Dragons head coach
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports November 23, 2025
Jasper, Ga — The Pickens Dragons, tipped off the PHS Thanksgiving Classic on Saturday, November 22nd against the Whitefield Academy Wolfpack. The other boys teams in the field, Darlington and Chattahoochee, played each other earlier in the day with Darlington coming out on top. For the Dragons, it was their first game with a full set of players. The Dragons, were able to pick up their first win of the season with a 73-41 victory over the Wolfpack.
McCord Purdy, making his season debut, got the scoring started in the first quarter putting the Dragons up 2-0 early. The Wolfpack. would take the lead as Wade Keller, and Connor Wynne would combine to go on a 7-0 run. DJ Mitchell, would end the run with a three to make it 7-5. After a three by Cash Peterson, Mitchell and Brody Bryant would combine to go on an 8-0 run to give the Dragons a 13-10 lead.
Miles Rowe-Mahmoud, would then split a pair of free throws to cut the lead to 2. Another three by Mitchell, would put the Dragons up 16-11 going to the second quarter.
McCord Purdy, would get things going in the second quarter with a basket to make it 18-11. A three by Lofton Brown, would cut the lead to four. Mitchell, Bryant, and Aiden Mumaw, would then combine to go on a 7-0 run to stretch the Dragons lead out to 25-14. Wynne, would end the run with a bucket to make it 25-16. Both teams would trade baskets to end the first half as the Dragons led the Wolfpack, 29-18 at the break.
The Wolfpack, would get the second half started with a three to cut the lead down to 8. After a bucket by Mitchell, Peterson and Brown would combine to go on a 5-0 run to cut the lead to 31-26. Mitchell and Purdy, would counter with a 5-0 run of their own to stretch the lead to 10. After Wynne completed an and-1 play, the Dragons, would go on a big 15-0 run to make it 51-29.
Keller, would end the run with a layup to make it 51-31. A three by Mitchell, would put the Dragons up 54-31 heading to the fourth quarter.
Purdy, Mitchell, and Jedidiah Lanford, would begin the fourth quarter by going on a 7-0 run to make it 61-31 Dragons. A bucket by Arthur T Jones III, would end the run and make it 61-33. Hayden Jones, also making his season debut, would then split a pair of free throws to make it 62-33. Jones III, would also split a pair of free throws as the Dragons led, 62-34.
Camden Jones and Landon Rice, would go on a 5-0 run to stretch the Dragons lead out to 67-34. Rowe-Mahmoud and Wynne, would counter with a 4-0 run to make it 67-38. Rice, would make some nice moves to the basket for the layup to make it 69-38. Sawyer Purdy, another football player making his season debut, would add a pair of free throws to give the Dragons a 71-38 lead.
After Daniel Samms split a pair of free throws, Rice, would find his way through the lane for another layup to make it 73-39. A late bucket by Samms, would end the scoring as the Dragons pick up the win, 73-41.
Scoring leaders for the Dragons:
DJ Mitchell: 26 points
McCord Purdy: 15 points
Brody Bryant: 8 points
Landon Rice: 7 points
Camden Jones: 4 points
Jedidiah Lanford: 4 points
Aiden Mumaw: 4 points
Jonah Jordan: 2 points
Sawyer Purdy: 2 points
Hayden Jones: 1 point
The win marks the first for new Dragons head coach Carson Hollingsworth. The Dragons, will be back on the court on Monday, November 24th as they take on the Chattahoochee Cougars in day two of the PHS Thanksgiving Classic. Tip off 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 improve to 24-0 with win on Senior Night
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports February 5, 2025
Jasper, Ga — It was a night of celebration on Tueday, February 4th as the Pickens Dragons took on the Johnson Knights on Senior Night. Prior to the game, Seniors from swim, dance, cheer, and basketball were all recognized. The Dragons, had four Seniors honored in Brock Barton, Dodge and Parker Davis, and Caleb and Joshua Lanford. Caleb, was then presented with a commemorative basketball to celebrate surpassing 1,000 career points. As for the game, the Dragons, picked up the 94-29 win.
To the delight of the student section, Joshua Lanford got the start alongside the other Dragon Seniors. Parker Davis, would get the scoring started after splitting a pair of free throws. After a layup by Monty Young gave the Knights a 2-1 lead, the Dragons, would go on a 12-0 run to take a 13-2 lead. A three by Richard Silva, would cut the lead to 13-5. The Dragons, would close out the first quarter with an 11-0 run to make it 24-5 heading to the second.
Dodge Davis, would get the second quarter going with a bucket to make it 26-5. After a basket by Cruz Gobert, Jamin Martin and Parker Davis, would combine for a 5-0 run to stretch the lead out to 31-7. Gobert, would end the run with another bucket to make it 31-9. A 10-0 run by the Dragons, would stretch the lead out to 41-9. A three by Maddox Whitmire, would end the run and cut the lead to 41-12.
After Dodge Davis would make a pair of free throws, Jeremiah Gray, would get the lay up to go to make it 43-14. Parker Davis and DJ Mitchell, would end the first half with a 5-0 run as the Dragons led the Knights, 48-14 at the break.
Barton, would open the second half with a three to make it 51-14. Braydon Black, would then answer with a three on the other end. A 10-0 run by the Dragons would stretch the lead to 61-17. Whitmire, would then hit his second three of the game to put an end to the run. the Dragons, would close out the third quarter by going on a 14-0 run to make it 75-20 going to the fourth.
The Dragons, would continue the run from the end of the third quarter to begin the fourth as they scored the first 6 points of the frame. Young, would then split a pair of free throws and then hit a three to make it 81-24. Montego Morgan and Martin, would then make back to back threes to make it 87-24. After another three by Young, Mitchell, would hit his second three of the game to make it 90-27.
After a lay-in from Josh Smith, Morgan and Mitchell, would end the game on a 4-0 run as the Dragons came away with the win, 94-29.
Leading scorers for the Dragons:
Dodge Davis: 18 points
Parker Davis: 17 points
Jamin Martin: 12 points
Caleb Lanford: 10 points
Brock Barton: 9 points
McCord Purdy: 9 points
DJ Mitchell: 8 points
Sawyer Purdy: 6 points
Montego Morgan: 5 points
6-AAA Boys Basketball Standings:
Pickens: 24-0 (13-0) #1 seed
GAC: 18-6 (10-3) *tied #2 seed
Lumpkin: 16-8 (10-3) *tied #2 seed
North Hall: 14-10 (7-6) #4 seed
Dawson: 8-16 (5-8) #5 seed
White County: 5-19 (4-9) #6 seed
Chestatee: 4-20 (3-10) #7 seed
Johnson-Gainesville: 1-20 (0-13) #8 seed
With the final regular season games happening on Friday, February 7th, it appears the only thing left to figure out, is who will be the #2 and #3 seed in next week’s 6-AAA region tournament. Should GAC and Lumpkin win their games on Friday, it seems like some sort of tiebreaker will be needed as both teams split their season series, and both lost to Pickens. As for the Dragons, they will host the Dawson Tigers on Friday at 7:30 pm.
Dragons pick up region win at Dawson
PHS Football, Team FYN Sports September 21, 2024
Dawsonville, Ga — It was a beautiful, but warm night for high school football on Friday, September 20th as the Pickens Dragons traveled up to Dawson County to take on the Dawson Tigers. The Dragons, were coming off of a tough loss to White County last week, while the Tigers had the week off to get ready for region play. Using their ground game and a late defensive stop, the Dragons picked up their first region win, 35-23.
The Tigers, won the toss and elected to receive the opening kick off to begin the game. After a long completion from QB Preston Bannister to Dylan Edwards set the Tigers up inside the red zone, the Dragons defense settled down and held Dawson to a 24-yd field goal. With 10:07 left in the first quarter, the Tigers led, 3-0. On their first play from scrimmage, the Dragons would take the lead as QB Hayden Jones scrambled for an 80-yd touchdown. The PAT from McCord Purdy was good and the Dragons would take a 7-3 lead into the second quarter.
Dragons on defense early in the 1st quarter
The Dragons, would add to their lead at the 4:12 mark of the second quarter as RB Carson Mitton punched it in from 1-yd out. The PAT was good and the Dragons now led, 14-3. The Tigers, would answer by scoring their first touchdown of the night as a long kickoff return by Luke Smith helped set up a 10-yd TD run by Bannister. The PAT was good and the Dragons would lead it 14-10 heading into the break.
Dragons on offense in the 2nd quarter
The second half began with the Dragons getting the ball. The offense, would March down the field as Jones would connect with Freshman WR Sawyer Purdy several times during the drive including a 10-yd touchdown. The PAT was good and with 9:59 left in the third quarter, the Dragons led the Tigers, 21-10. Later on in the third, the Dragons would block and recover a field goal attempt by the Tigers.
The Tigers, would get the ball back on the next play after an interception by Smith. Dawson would turn that interception into points as RB Cody McBrayer scored on a 10-yd TD run. The PAT was good and with 4:24 left in the third, Pickens led Dawson, 21-17. The Dragons, would respond to that score with a 45-yd TD run by Jones. His 2nd of the night. The PAT by Purdy was good. Heading to the fourth, the Dragons led the Tigers, 28-17.
Dragons looking to stop the run
A couple of minutes into the fourth quarter, the Tigers would score on a 1-yd TD run by Bannister. His 2nd of the game. Dawson, would then choose to go for two to cut the lead down to 3. The Dragons, were able to stop McBrayer short on the conversion attempt as Pickens now led it, 28-23 with 8:54 left in the game. Later in the fourth, the Dragons would stretch their lead out as Landon Poole would score a 6-yd touchdown. The PAT was good and with 3:58 left to go in the game, the Dragons led the Tigers, 35-23.
Jones throwing the ball to Landon Poole
Penalties would help the Tigers drive down the field, who were looking to cut into the lead with the clock draining. Pickens, got the stop it was looking for as they would pick up the win, 35-23.
6-AAA Region Standings:
North Hall: 3-2 (2-0)
GAC: 2-3 (2-0)
Lumpkin: 3-2 (1-1)
White County: 2-3 (1-1)
Pickens: 3-2 (1-1)
Dawson: 1-3 (0-1)
Chestatee: 1-4 (0-2)
Johnson-Gainesville: 0-4 (0-2)
The Dragons, will continue their three game region road trip next week as they head down to Hall County to take on the North Hall Trojans on Friday, September 27th. The Dragons and Trojans have not played each other since 2017 and it’ll be the Dragons first trip to North Hall since 2016. Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm.
Dragons fall to Bobcats in overtime
PHS Football, Team FYN Sports August 31, 2024
Jasper, Ga — There is a lot going on this weekend in Jasper with it being a Holiday weekend and also the annual Jeep Fest. The main attraction however, is the Pickens vs Gilmer game that took place on August 30th. The Bobcats came away with the win in Ellijay last year, and the Dragons were looking to return the favor. As expected, this game was back and forth all game long. The Bobcats, would survive an overtime thriller picking up the 35-34 win.
On their first play from scrimmage, the Bobcats wasted little time getting on the board as Kyle Cowart took the pitch from Issac Rellinger 77 yards for the touchdown. The PAT was good and with 11:33 left in the first quarter, the Bobcats held a 7-0 advantage. Cowart, would make his presence known on the defensive side of the ball as he would pick off the pass attempt from Hayden Jones and return it near midfield. The Bobcats, would make their way down field with that triple option offense looking to extend their lead.
The Dragons, finally picked up a little momentum as the defense forced a fumble at the 2-yd line with Hunter Dimauro recovering the ball. Late in the first quarter, the Dragons, had a sustained drive going that started on their own 2-yd line. The Bobcats, would recover a fumble inside the 10 to put an end to that drive. Going to the second quarter, Gilmer led Pickens, 7-0.
Hayden Jones handing off to Landon Poole
The Dragons defense, would force a Bobcat punt early on in the second quarter. After a low snap, the knee of punter Douglas Callihan, was determined to be down at the Bobcat 1-yd line. That’s where the Dragons took over as Landon Poole, would score to cut the Bobcat lead to 1. The PAT from McCord Purdy was good, and with 10:23 left in the first half, the game was all tied up at 7. The Bobcats, would untie the game at the 8:28 mark of the second quarter with a 5-yd TD run by Hunter Britain to make it 14-7 Gilmer.
The Bobcats, would extend their lead later on in the quarter as Rellinger found Callihan for a 34-yd TD pass. The PAT was good and with 1:09 left in the first half, the Bobcats held a 21-7 lead. With little time left in the half, the Dragons marched down the field, and capped off the drive with a 1-yd TD run by McCord Purdy. Purdy would then make the PAT, to make it 21-14 Gilmer heading into halftime.
Dragons defense forcing a 4th down
The second half began in exciting fashion as McCord Purdy would take the kickoff back 90 yards for the touchdown. He would connect on the PAT to tie the game at 21 with 11:42 left in the third quarter. No other scoring would be done in the quarter as both teams were able to get stops. The Dragons, were driving as they headed to the fourth.
Dragons on offense in the second half
To start the fourth quarter, Hayden Jones broke a few tackles on the way to a big 36-yd run down to the Bobcat 27-yd line. After an intentional grounding penalty, the Dragons would be forced to punt, and the Bobcats would takeover at their own 21-yd line. A big run by Rellinger helped set up what would end up being a 20-yd TD run by Rellinger. The PAT was good and with 8:18 left in the game, the Bobcats led it, 28-21.
The Dragons, knew they needed an answer and they got one in the form of the Purdy brothers. Jones, would hand the ball off to Carson Mitton, who then tossed it to McCord Purdy on what looked like a reverse run play. Instead, McCord threw it to younger brother Sawyer, who was wide open down the field for a 54-yd TD pass. The PAT by McCord was good and with 6:29 left in the game, the Dragons and Bobcats were tied at 28.
The Bobcats, would chew up a lot of game time as they looked to drive down for a potential game winning field goal. With 31 seconds left, the Bobcats set up dead center for the field goal attempt. The kick would be pushed wide left, and the two teams would be heading into overtime.
Dragons looking to stop the fullback dive
The Bobcats, got the ball to start the overtime period. Wyatt Stokes, would cap off the drive with a 1-yd TD run. The PAT was good and Gilmer led it, 35-28. The Dragons, would get into the end zone after a 5-yd run by Poole. Dragons head coach Craig Bennett, made the decision to go for two and the win. The pass by Jones would fall short in the end zone and the Bobcats would hang on to win, 35-34.
The Dragons, finish the non-region portion of the schedule at 2-1. If you’re a Dragon fan, I’d say you’d be satisfied with that record heading into region play. The Dragons, will now have two weeks to prepare for region play when they host the White County Warriors on Friday, September 13th. Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm.