Pickens County Welcomes First All Girl Flag Football Team

Community, Dragon's Corner, Featured Stories
The First Girl Flag Football Team

PICKENS COUNTY, Ga. – The Pickens County Recreation Department has successfully organized the first all girl flag football team in the county.

For many years, cheerleading and soccer were the only two sports available for elementary and middle school aged girls in the fall. Brian Z Jones, the Director of the Pickens County Recreation Department (PCRD), explained that this was not the first attempt to put the historic team together.

In 2021, the PCRD tried to put a team together when the Mountain Football League wanted “to gauge the interest of girls in flag football,” At the time, despite PCRD’s efforts, there was not enough interest to have a full team.

Girl Flag Football PracticeThis year, although there were a few challenges, Pickens County can now boast having a girls flag football team. To make this historic team happen, Director Jones, who is also the coach, had to use all his resources. He explained that as the registration period was closing, there were slots still open. He had to contact parents he worked with “on one of his Rec Basketball teams” to get the word out. With all that said, he was able to assemble nine girls for the current team. Four of these nine girls on the team came directly from the basketball team he coached.

Now that the team has been assembled, the girls have started their practices and are eager to play the sport. Their first game is on August 27th. The rest of the season’s schedule is available on the Mountain Athletic Conference website.

Director Jones hopes to increase participation in youth sports through this new avenue for the young girls of Pickens County. He urges members of the community to get the word out so more girls can participate. His goal is that there will be “Enough girls in 2023 to have three or more teams.”

If you have any questions, please contact Director Brian Z Jones with the PCRD at [email protected].

 

FYN Sports Games of the Year

Team FYN Sports, TeamFYNSports

As our team has been doing some reflecting on this past football season for the GHSA, we have narrowed down our top 3 games of the year we covered in 2020.

  1. Fannin vs Pace Academy 1st round GHSA 2a playoffs

Fannin 28 Pace 21

This was the lone playoff matchup to make our list. Fannin played host to Pace Academy the Saturday after Thanksgiving, in a game that was close in its entirety. Both teams were tied at a touchdown a piece heading into the locker room, but coming out of the halftime gate Pace jumped out to a 21-7 lead, the largest deficit Fannin had seen all year. The resiliency of the Rebels paid off however, as they were able to put up 28 unanswered points and win the ball game 28-21. 

  1. Union vs Fannin week 1 

Fannin 24 Union 20

In the first game of the year for both the Panthers and the Rebels, we were able to watch an instant classic. This was perhaps the only game this year in which the Panthers were fully healthy, and they played up to their potential. There is a lot of history between these two teams and this game is tagged by the locals as the “Border War”. Fannin took a 17-14 lead into halftime thanks to a Jack Catner field goal. Logan Helcher was able to find paydirt late in the 3rd quarter however and give Union their first lead of the game. Fannin was able to answer with about 5 minutes left in the game, as Andre Bivens scored on a 25 yard TD pass from Luke Holloway. Union got the ball back and was putting together a good drive of their own until Cason Owensby intercepted a Panther pass attempt, sealing the game for the Rebels and kick starting their undefeated regular season run. 

  1. Gilmer vs Union final week of regular season

Union 7 Gilmer 0

As you can tell by the final score, defense dominated this game. Union County was riddled with injuries offensively, but their defense was still able to stonewall the Gilmer Bobcats offense, not allowing them to score a single point. JJ Littles was able to pick off a pass for the Panthers in the second quarter, and their offense capitalized as Jonah Daniel punched in a TD for the only points in the ballgame. Unions Defense held on and they won the game on a single score. 

#TeamFYNSports Writer’s Player Of The Week — Num. 9 Alex Snelgrove

Player Of The Week, Team FYN Sports

This week’s #TeamFYNSports Writer’s Player of the Week is Senior wide receiver Alex Snelgrove. Snelgrove, made sensational catches all throughout the game against the North Oconee Titans in the 1st round of the GHSA 4A State Playoffs. Snelgrove, scored 3 total touchdowns catching two touchdown passes of 14 & 10 yards and also added a 1-yd touchdown run late in the game.

 

#TeamFYNSports Writer’s Player Of The week — Num. 12 QB CJ Streicher

Player Of The Week, Team FYN Sports

This week’s #TeamFYNSports Writer’s Player of the week is Senior Quarterback CJ Streicher. Last night, was Streicher’s final home game along with 21 other seniors. The Dragons needed this game against Lafayette to get into the playoffs. The Dragons got that win thanks in big part to the performance of it’s senior signal caller. Streicher, had a school record tying 7 total touchdowns last night in the Dragons thrilling 49-45 win over the Ramblers. Streicher, finished with 238 yards on the ground, 167 yards passing, 6 rushing touchdowns, & 1 passing touchdown. Streicher also converted two 2-point conversions, & helped convert a fake punt with a completed pass to fellow senior, Zach Tetterton. A special shout out goes to the 21 other seniors on this year’s Dragons football team. Yesterday’s win over Lafayette would not have been possible without them & they have been a part of what is most likely the best stretch of success in Pickens football history. With their win last night, they clinched a playoff berth for a 6th consecutive season. Just a fantastic job all around for the sustained success.

#TeamFYNSports Writer’s Player Of The Week — No. 9 Alex Snelgrove

Player Of The Week, Sports, Team FYN Sports

This week’s #TeamFYNSports Writer’s Player of the week is Senior Alex Snelgrove. Alex has been a leader on and off the field for the Dragons for the past several seasons. Snelgrove, plays both ways for the Dragons on Friday nights. He’s a receiver on offense, & a linebacker on defense. Against Heritage, Snelgrove made a great catch in the corner of the end zone that resulted in a 23-yd touchdown. On defense, Snelgrove was there making several tackles, disrupting plays, & breaking up a pass attempt.

 

You can watch Snelgrove and the rest of his Dragon teammates next Friday at home as they host the Northwest Whitfield Bruins. Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm.

#TeamFYNSports Writer’s Player Of The Week — Num. 12 CJ Streicher

Player Of The Week, Sports, Team FYN Sports

This week’s #TeamFYNSports Sports Writer’s Player of the Week goes to Senior QB CJ Streicher. Streicher, had a fantastic night on the ground and through the air accounting for 6 touchdowns (3 rushing, 3 passing) tonight in the Dragons 45-21 win over the Southeast Whitfield Raiders. Streicher, nearly tied a school record for most touchdowns in a game, but fell one shy of Jordan Shaw’s 7 touchdown record. Shaw set that record against Southeast Whitfield during his senior season. Streicher threw touchdown passes to Mykel Hand, Alex Snelgrove, & Dylan Arp. Streicher’s biggest play of the night quite possibly was a 77-yd touchdown run. Streicher, wasn’t the only Dragon who had a big night however. A shoutout goes to Juan Sanchez. Sanchez, made all of his extra points, connected on a 26-yd field goal, & had several touch backs on kickoffs. Aiden Sanchez had a big night on offensive line pushing defenders around. Sy Chadwick, & Clayton Holland helped lead a great defensive performance as well.

 

Next week, Streicher and the Dragons will be on the road against Heritage in another crucial region game. The Dragons find themselves atop the region standings at 2-0, but the Generals are right behind them at 1-1. Kickoff will be at 7:30 pm.

#TeamFYNSports Writer’s Player Of The Week — no. 2 Tucker Lowe

Player Of The Week, Team FYN Sports

This week’s #TeamFYNSports Writer’s Player of the Week is Tucker Lowe! Tucker had a big game on Friday for the Dragons as the Junior defensive back picked off two passes against the Chamblee Bulldogs, & played great defense when the ball was thrown his way. Tucker now has 3 interceptions on the season. Lowe, was apart of a Dragon defense last night that as a unit, forced 4 turnovers, collected a safety, & only gave up 3 points in the 44-3 for Pickens.

With the win last night, the Dragons evened up their record at 2-2 heading into region play. Next week, they’ll be back on the road as they take that short ride up 515 to Ellijay to take on what looks like a much improved Gilmer Bobcat squad, that is also 2-2 on the season. Game time is set for 7:30 next Friday night.

#TeamFYNSports Writer’s Player Of The Week — Num. 1 T.C. Jarrett

Player Of The Week, Team FYN Sports

This week’s #TeamFYNSports Writer’s Player of the Week is T.C. Jarrett. Jarrett, was part of a Dragons defense that forced three interceptions against White County on Friday night. Jarrett, collected one of those interceptions, & made several big tackles as well. After allowing 21 points in the 1st half, the Dragons defense really buckled down in the 2nd half, only allowing 6 points. Jarrett has certainly stepped up in his role on defense and as a leader on the Dragons.

You can catch T.C. & the rest of the Dragons back home this coming Friday, as they welcome the Chamblee Bulldogs to Dragons Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:30.

TeamFYNSports Sports Writer Player Of The Week: CJ Streicher

Player Of The Week, Sports

This week’s TeamFYNSports Sports Writer Player of the Week for week 1 is Senior QB CJ Streicher. Streicher was crucial in the Dragons 28-18 win over a very game Stone Mountain in the 2019 opener on Friday. Streicher got the scoring started with a 1-yd touchdown run. He then added two touchdown passes. 1 to Mykel Hand on a 18-yd fade, & a second to Alex Snelgrove on a 24-yd strike. Streicher also kept drives alive with his feet, converted a 4th down on a fake punt, & did a good job when called upon to punt.

The Dragons will have next week off as they prepare for their next challenge, a road game against a good team in the Pepperell Dragons. You can catch that one on September 6th. Kickoff is set for 7:30. TeamFYNSports will be there to bring you all the exciting coverage from that game.

 

#TeamFYNSports Writer’s Player Of The Week — Num. 14 Sy Chadwick

Player Of The Week, Sports, Team FYN Sports

This week’s #TeamFYNSports Writer’s Player of the Week is Sy Chadwick. Sy, was in the backfield on multiple occasions last night for the Dragons in their big 35-10 win over Northwest Whitfield. Seemed like all night Chadwick was stopping a run play before it began, or forcing the quarterback to scramble, allowing other teammates to make the play. Defense as a whole for the Dragons played arguably their best full game of the season with guys like Jay Jones, Chase Nelson, Andrew Burrell, Tucker Lowe, Clayton Holland, Dallas McHale, Jake Rodgers all making big plays last night. The Pickens defense held the Bruins to just one touchdown & one field goal on the night. I cannot leave out the job the Dragon offensive line did last night as well. Pickens, did not attempt a pass the entire game. Incredible job by the ofeensive line & the receivers opening up holes for Jarod Whitmore, Dawson Turner, & CJ Streicher to run through.

 

Next week, you can catch Sy & the rest of the Dragons in Rossville to take on the Ridgeland Panthers. Kickoff for that ball game is scheduled to begin at 7:30 pm.

TeamFYNSports Writer’s Player Of The Week- Jarod Whitmore, no. 6

Player Of The Week, Sports, Team FYN Sports

This week’s #TeamFYNSports writer’s Pickens Player of the Week is #6 Jarod Whitmore. Whitmore, contributed in a big way in the Dragons game against the Pepperell Dragons. Whitmore, scored two long touchdowns in the 2nd & 4th quarters. The first, was a 69-yd catch from last week’s Player of the Week, CJ Streicher. Whitmore would add a 39-yd touchdown catch in the 4th,. Whitmore also ran the ball several times & also had a run back on a kickoff return.

Whitmore, & the rest of the Dragons will look to bounce back after a tough game against Pepperell when they take on White County next week on the road. Kick off for that game is set for 7:30.

 

Pickens Closes 2019 Basketball With Banquet

Team FYN Sports

The 2018-2019 basketball is officially over for Pickens High School as Coaches came to the stage to recognize and honor the athletes that took the hardwoods this season.

To start the night, Moe’s provided a catered meal to all in attendance followed by recognition of the basketball cheerleaders.  These young ladies worked hard all season to keep the spirit alive at all the games.

Both Coach Thomas for the Nettes and Coach Duffie for the Dragons highlighted the fun times, the hardships, and more importantly, the dedication and effort put forth by the players.  Every player from junior varsity up to the graduating seniors was called to the front one by one and given certificates and plaques for their participation and outstanding performance.  Torie Williams and McKenzie Weaver were honored for reaching 1000 high school points during the 2018-2019 season for the Nettes.  Seth Bishop was honored by the Jasper Chamber of Commerce with a marble plaque for also reaching 1000 points as a Dragon.  Congratulations to all of the PHS basketball players on your awards and look forward to a new season that will be here before we know it.

https://youtu.be/EkHBO2emjDk?list=PLJB8m7OKQ9_wZXJsUWCjh0Ur1wQLWS43m

#TeamFYNSports Players Of The Week: Torie Williams & Brady Moore

PHS Basketball, Player Of The Week, Team FYN Sports

This week’s #TeamFYNSports Players of the Week are Torie Williams & Brady Moore. PHS, had an out of region game & a region game this week as they hosted Cedartown, & traveled to LaFayette:

 

Torie Williams, had a big hand in the Nettes’ going 2-0 for the week as she finished with 9 points, 7 assists, 2 rebounds, & a steal against Cedartown, & 17 points, 9 assists, 5 rebounds, 4 steals, & 1 block against LaFayette.

 

Brady Moore, did a lot of dirty work in these two games against Cedartown & LaFayette. Against the Bulldogs he had an assist, 3 rebounds, & a steal, & against the Ramblers he finished with 4 points & 2 rebounds.

 

#TeamFYNSports Players Of The Week: Olivia Simmons & Zach Goss

PHS Basketball, Player Of The Week, Team FYN Sports

This week’s #TeamFYNSports Players of the Week are two Seniors. Olivia Simmons & Zach Goss. This week started region play for both the Nettes & the Dragons as they both went 1-1 during the week.

 

Olivia Simmons, can do just about anything you ask of her on the court. She can get rebounds, she has great vision when it comes to her passes. She can also knock down a three if you need her to. The Nettes’ faced Heritage & Ridgeland this week. Against the Lady Generals, Simmons had 2 points, 3 assists, 3 rebounds, & 1 steal. Against the Lady Panthers, Simmons tallied up 8 points, 8 assists, 10 rebounds, & 1 steal

 

For Zach Goss, he lit up the score book against Heritage & Ridgeland. Goss led the team in scoring during the week. Against Heritage, Goss had 24 points, 4 assists, 5 rebounds, & 2 steals. Against Ridgeland, Goss finished with 27 points, 3 assists, 6 rebounds, 1 steal, & 2 blocks.

 

 

 

#TeamFYNSports Sports Writer Players Of The Week: Amanda Nelson & Hunter Hermann

PHS Basketball, Player Of The Week, Team FYN Sports

This week’s #TeamFYNSports Sports Writer Basketball Players of the Week are freshman Amanda Nelson, & senior Hunter Hermann. Both had good games this week. Amanda against Heritage & Ridgeland, & Hunter against Heritage, Ridgeloand, & Forsyth Central. The Nettes’, went 2-0 this week while the Dragons went 2-1.

 

For Amanda Nelson, not only did she make an impact during this week’s games, she’s done it all season. Starting as a freshman, she routinely guards one of, if not the opposing teams best players & holds her own very well. Offensively, she does the dirty work. Grabbing rebounds & hustling for loose balls. Against Heritage, Nelson scored 3 points, had 5 assists, & grabbed 2 rebounds while defending a senior on the Lady Generals team that is one of their top two options. Against Ridgeland, she had 2 assists & 3 rebouns, while once again playing very well defensively.

 

Hunter Hermann, recently returned to the basketball court after sustaining an injury late during football season. Since his return, He’s done very well contributing to the Dragons. Against the Generals of Heritage, Hermann finished with 13 points, 1 assist, 4 rebounds, & 2 blocks. Against Ridgeland, He put up 12 points, 2 assists, 4 rebounds, & 3 steals. Yesterday against Forsyth Central, Hermann ended up with 3 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds, & a steal.

 

The Nettes’ & Dragons only have one game next week as they will welcome the Lady Ramblers & Ramblers of LaFayette to the Dragons Den for big time region match ups. The Nettes’, will get it started at 7 pm, & the Dragons will follow at 8:30.

#TeamFYNSports Sports Writer Players Of The Week: Torie Williams & Seth Bishop

PHS Basketball, Player Of The Week, Team FYN Sports

This week’s #TeamFYNSports Sports Writer Player of the Week is a pair of PHS Seniors. Torie Williams, & Seth Bishop. At the end of every week we will select one Nettes player & one Dragons player as our players of the week. This week, Torie & Seth claim the honors.

 

Torie Williams, played very well against tough competition this week as Pickens went up against Dawson & Forsyth Central in non-region action. Williams, finished with 12 points, 3 assists, 4 rebounds, & 2 steals against Dawson, while collecting 14 points, 4 assists, 4 rebounds, & 3 steals against Forsyth Central. Williams, is committed to continue her basketball career at Reinhardt University.

 

For Seth Bishop, it was a special week. Not only did he have good games against solid opponents, he surpassed the 1,000 career point mark against Forsyth Central. Against Dawson, Bishop had 26 points, 3 assists, & 10 rebounds. He followed that up with a 23 point, 2 assist, 8 rebound performance against Forsyth Central.

 

It’ll be a busy week this week for the Nettes & the Dragons as they will play a pair of region games, & the Dragons will play another non-region game. Tomorrow, Heritage comes to town with tip-off is scheduled for 6 & 7:30. Friday, Pickens will head to Rossville, to take on Ridgeland at 6 & 7:30 as well. On Saturday, the Dragons will host Forsyth Central at 2:30.

 

 

Back to Top