Dragons Shutout Warriors In Route To First Ever Playoff Victory
Team FYN Sports November 11, 2018
This past Friday, it was a cold, drizzly night in Pickens County as the PHS Dragons varsity football team hosted the White County Warriors for the 1st round of the GHSA 4-A State Playoffs. White County, came into the game as the #4 seed from region 7, while the Dragons came in as the #1 seed from region 6. These two teams met earlier in the season as you may recall, with Pickens coming away with a 42-35 win.
The Dragons, won the toss & deferred to the 2nd half. White County, would manage a first down on their opening possession, but that would be all the Dragons defense would give up. On offense, the Dragons used the ground game & capped off their opening drive with points as QB CJ Streicher got in from 9-yds out to make it 7-0 Pickens, with 7:30 to go in the 1st quarter. Pickens then came up big on defense as the Warriors decided to go for it inside Dragon territory & were unsuccessful. Two plays later, Streicher found Zach Goss streaking down the far sideline & the Senior did the rest as he took it to the house for an 83-yd touchdown. As we headed to the 2nd, the Dragons were on top, 14-0.
The Dragons would add to their lead at the 9:17 mark of the 2nd quarter after Senior Michael Burrell made several moves including a fancy spin at the end of his 8-yd touchdown run, making it 21-0. The defense for Pickens once again came up big as a pass attempt by the Warriors was deflected, & Senior Chase Jarrett made a diving grab to nab the interception. The Dragons turned that turnover into points when Brady Moore ran it in from 29-yds out to make it 28-0, with 5:40 left in the first half. Just before the end of the half, another Dragon Senior, Trevon Hawkins, punched it in from 1-yd out, giving Pickens a 35-0 lead over White County heading into the break.
There was only one scoring drive in the 2nd half and that came on a 5-yd touchdown run from Jarod Whitmore in the 3rd quarter. Pickens, wins it’s first ever playoff game, 42-0.
Next week, the Dragons will again be home for the 2nd round of the 4-A Playoffs as they will welcome the Troup County Tigers to Jasper. Troup, is 10-1 on the season, & the #2 seed out of region 5. This will be the first meeting between the two schools in football. Kickoff set for 7:30 pm.
Stats:
1st Downs: 11
3rd Down: 3/8
4th Down: 1/2
Total Yards: 397
Rush Yards: 239
Pass Yards: 158
Takeaways: 2 (1 interception, 1 fumble)
CJ Streicher: 6/8, 158 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 9 rushes, 43 yards, 1 TD
Trevon Hawkins: 9 rushes, 58 yards, 1 TD, 2 catches, 17 yards, 6 tackles, 1 pass break up
Brady Moore: 7 rushes, 52 yards, 1 TD, 1 pass break up
Michael Burrell: 8 rushes, 41 yards, 1 TD, 2 catches, 24 yards, 2 tackles, 3 punts, long of 53 yards, 1 inside the 20
Jarod Whitmore: 1 rushing TD
Zach Goss: 1 catch, 83 yards, 1 TD
Kaleb Ray: 1 catch, 34 yards, 1 pass break up
Hunter Hermann: 7 tackles, 1 pass break up
Dallas McHale: 6 tackles, 3 for loss
Chase Nelson: 6 tackles
Andrew Macom: 5 tackles, 1 forced fumble
Jake Rogers: 5 tackles, 1 sack
Chase Jarrett: 3 tackles, 1 sack, 1 interception
Jose Sanchez: 6/6 on PAT
Dragons Shut Down Generals To Move To 7-0
Team FYN Sports October 7, 2018
Last Friday night, the PHS Dragons varsity football team, fresh off being named the High 5 Sports Team of the Week, hosted the Heritage Generals in a big 6-AAAA region match up. This was a big game for Pickens, not just because of the region implications,but because the Generals have come away the victors in the last two meetings.
The Generals, won the toss and wanted the ball to start the game on offense. The Dragon defense, would force a General punt attempt. Heritage, went for a fake punt, but Pickens had it sniffed out, & gave the Dragons offense good field position for their first possession of the game. That possession ended with a touchdown for Pickens as Junior QB CJ Streicher got in from 2-yds out, to make it 7-0 Dragons with 5:35 left in the first quarter. Pickens added to their lead just before the end of the 1st quarter after a 22-yd TD run from Michael Burrell, to make it 14-0 Dragons, going to the 2nd.
Pickens got back to work just 58 seconds into the 2nd quarter as Streicher lofted one up for Zach Goss, who made a great adjustment on the ball, and scored from 24-yds out to make it 21-0 with 11:02 left in the first half. Last week’s #TeamFYNSports Sports Writer Player of the Week Trevon Hawkins added to the lead for Pickens with a 1-yd TD run to make it 27-0 Dragons with 9 minutes left in the 1st half. Much like the 1st quarter, the Dragons got points just before the end of the 2nd when Streicher tossed one up for Goss in the back of the end zone for a 6-yd TD to make it 34-0 Pickens over Heritage as we hit the half.
The only score in the 3rd quarter came from the Dragons, who got the ball first to start the 2nd half. Brady Moore capped off the drive with a 1-yd TD run to make it 41-0 Pickens going to the 4th. The only score in the 4th quarter also came from the Dragons as Dawson Turner scampered in from 6-yds out to make it 48-0. Your final score, 48-0 Pickens over Heritage.
Stats:
Total Yards: 437
Passing Yards: 139
Rushing Yards: 298
Takeaways: 2 interceptions
PAT: 6-7
CJ Streicher: 9-12, 139 yards, 2 TD, 11 rushes, 88 yards, 1 TD, 1 punt for 45 yards
Michael Burrell: 8 rushes, 90 yards, 1 TD, 1 catch, 19 yards
Dawson Turner: 4 rushes, 33 yards, 1 TD
Trevon Hawkins: 3 rushes, 29 yards, 1 TD, 5 total tackles, 1 pass break up
Brady Moore: 9 rushes, 29 yards, 1 TD, 4 total tackles, 1 pass break up
Zach Goss: 3 catches, 57 yards, 2 TD’s
Hunter Hermann: 9 total tackles, 1 pass break up
Dallas McHale: 7 total tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 pass break up
Andrew Macom: 6 total tackles, 1 pass break up
Jay Jones: 5 total tackles, 1 interception
Kaleb Ray: 1 interception
Bailey Dispain: 1-1 on PAT
Jose Sanchez: 5-6 on PAT
6-AAAA Standings:
Pickens: 7-0 (3-0)
Ridgeland: 4-2 (2-0)
NW Whitfield: 4-2 (1-1)
Heritage: 2-5 (1-2)
LaFayette: 4-3 (1-2)
SE Whitfield: 3-4 (1-2)
Gilmer: 0-6 (0-2)
Next Week, the Dragons will take to the road to take on the Bruins of Northwest Whitfield in another major game that’ll have big implications heading towards the final stretch of the regular season. Kick off is set for 7:30 pm.
Dragons Finish Regular Season Undefeated, Turn Focus To Playoffs
Team FYN Sports October 28, 2018
Soggy weather was the theme this past Friday as the PHS varsity football team traveled up to Walker County, to take on the LaFayette Ramblers for their regular season finale. Pickens, by virtue of their win last week against Ridgeland, clinched the 6-AAAA crown, but was looking for another PHS first, an undefeated season. To do that, they would have to get by a much improved Rambler team.
LaFayette, got the ball to start the ball game and looked to get something good going early for their Senior Night. On a 3rd & long play, the Rambler QB scrambled to his left and found a receiver down the field, who would then take it 76-yds for the score at the 10:47 mark to make it 7-0 LaFayette. The Dragons, were able to drive down on their first possession, & tie things up after a 10-yd TD run for Robert Davis, to make it 7-7, with 7:27 to go in the 1st quarter. Pickens took the lead after a little trickery when QB CJ Streicher handed it off to Michael Burrell, who acted like he was running a reverse. Instead, Burrell stops, & throws back to a wide open Streicher for a 15-yd touchdown. Pickens tried a two point conversion, but were unsuccessful. We would go to the 2nd, Dragons ahead, 13-7.
The Dragons, added to their lead early on in the 2nd quarter when Streicher threw a lob pass & Zach Goss, was able to haul it in & get a foot down in the back of the end zone for the 16-yd score at the 10:36 mark of the 2nd. Dragons led, 20-7. The Ramblers, had a good drive of their own, and capped it off with points after a 5-yd TD run at the 6 minute mark of the 2nd. The PAT was ruled no good, so Pickens held a 20-13 advantage. The Dragons, were able to march down the field and end their drive with 6 after a 23-yd TD run from Davis. Davis’ 2nd touchdown of the night gave Pickens a 27-13 lead with 4:20 left in the first half. At the 2:39 mark, the Dragons defense came up with a big play as Burrell, playing corner, tipped a pass to himself, & took it 20 yards for the touchdown. Making it 34-13 Pickens. Just before the half ended, Brady Moore was able to get in from 2-yds out, to make it 41-13 Dragons, going to the break.
There were only two scores in the 2nd half & both came in the 3rd quarter. The first, came at the 6:27 mark when Alex Snelgrove, got in from 2-yds out to make it 48-13. LaFayette, found the end zone just before the quarter ended after a 10-yd run. Your final score for the evening, Dragons 48 Ramblers 19.
Region Standings:
Pickens: 10-0 (6-0) Region champions
Ridgeland: 6-3 (4-1) clinched 2nd seed
NW Whitfield: 6-3 (3-2) play Heritage next week for 3rd/4th
Heritage: 4-5 (3-2) play NW Whitfield next week for 3rd/4th
LaFayette: 4-5 (1-5)
SE Whitfield: 3-6 (1-5)
Gilmer: 0-9 (0-5)
Stats:
1st Downs: 17
3rd Down: 7/12
4th Down: 2/3
Total Yards: 390
Rush Yards: 234
Pass Yards: 156
Takeways: 4 (2 INT, 2 fumble recoveries)
CJ Streicher: 7/18, 114 yards, 1 TD, 8 rushes, 52 yards, 1 catch, 15 yards, 1 TD
Michael Burrell: 1/1, 15 yards, 1 TD, 1 rush, 15 yards, 4 tackles, 1 INT, 1 Def. TD, 2 punts, 78 yards, 1 inside 20
Robert Davis: 4 rushes, 66 yards, 2 TD
Brady Moore: 6 rushes, 31 yards, 1 TD
Alex Snelgrove: 2 rushes, 9 yards, 1 TD
Zach Goss: 3 catches, 61 yards, 1 TD
Kaleb Ray: 3 catches, 37 yards, 4 tackles, 1 INT
Hunter Hermann: 7 tackles
Trevon Hawkins: 6 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 1 sack
Chase Jarrett: 6 tackles
Jay Jones: 5 tackles, 1 pass break up
Dallas McHale: 4 tackles, 1 fumble recovery
Andrew Macom: 3 tackles, 1 fumble recovery
Jose Sanchez: 6/6 on PAT
The Dragons, have completed their regular season, finishing 10-0 for the first time in school history. With a bye week this upcoming week, the Dragons next game will be in the 1st round of the State 4A playoffs on November 9th at home at 7:30 pm. Their opponent, is still to be determined. There is a possibility that the region 7 #4 seed, will come down to a 3-way tiebreaker if West Hall defeats Chestatee, Denmark loses to Flowery Branch, & White County loses to Blessed Trinity this Friday. Denmark, West Hall, & White County would all then be tied for 4th place. All three of those teams defeated each other during the season. How they will determine who gets the 4th seed, is unknown.
#TeamFYNSports Sports Writer Player Of The Week For Game 6: Trevon Hawkins
Player Of The Week, Team FYN Sports September 30, 2018This week’s #TeamFYNSports Sports Writer Player of the Week is Senior LB/RB Trevon Hawkins. Hawkins, was all over the field last Friday night at Southeast Whitfield making plays on the defense, & contributing to the offense running the ball as the Dragons defeated the Raiders to move to 6-0 on the season. Hawkins, led the Dragons in tackles with 9, and ran the ball 3 times for 29 yards. On the season, Hawkins has carried the ball 22 times for 169 yards, & is tied for 3rd on the team with 30 total tackles. He has 2 sacks on the season.
Catch Trevon & the rest of the Dragons this Friday night as they will be at home taking the Generals of Heritage in a key 6-AAAA match up. Kick off is set for 7:30.
Dragons Open the 2018 Season In Big Way With Win Over Stone Mountain
Team FYN Sports August 19, 2018
This past Friday, the Pickens Dragons varsity football team opened up their 2018 season by welcoming the Pirates of Stone Mountain to the newly upgraded Dragons Stadium. Stone Mountain, is out of region 5 in the 3-A classification. This was the first varsity game on the new turf field for the Dragons that will count on the record books as Pickens hosted Dawson several months ago in a spring scrimmage. Prior to the game, the youth football teams & cheerleaders of Pickens County were recognized as their seasons are just getting underway as well.
The Dragons would receive the ball first to begin the game, & wasted little time pulling out the trick plays. On the first play from scrimmage, Qb C.J. Streicher took the snap, rolled to his left, handed it off to Michael Burrell, who looked to be running a reverse. Instead, Burrell, launched the ball to an open Alex Snelgrove, for a 49-yd gain. Pickens, would then march down the field, & Streicher capped off the opening drive with a 1-yd TD run, to put the Dragons up 7-0, at the 10:46 mark of the 1st. After the Dragons’ defense came up with a stop on the Pirates’ drive, Streicher again found the end zone on a 10-yd TD run to give Pickens a 14-0 lead with 4:48 left in the 1st. The Dragons again found pay dirt after a 44-yd TD pass from Streicher to Burrell to put Pickens up 21-0 with 2:47 left in the opening quarter. The defense for the Dragons wanted in on the scoring & that’s when Brady Moore picked off a pass and took it all the way to the end zone to stretch the lead over Stone Mountain 28-0, as we’d head to the 2nd quarter.
Both teams went back and forth in the 2nd quarter, until the 5:56 mark when the Dragons defense came up with a safety, to make it 30-0. Moore, this time on offense, found the end zone after a 9-yd TD run, making it 37-0, with 5:04 left in the first half. Moore, wanted more as he again found the end zone, this time after a 16-yd TD run, making it 44-0 Dragons, heading into halftime. With a running clock in the 2nd half, the Dragons would put in their younger players to give them some varsity experience. Stone Mountain scored with just over 10 minutes left in the game, & that would be all the scoring in the 2nd half. Your final in this one, Pickens 44 Stone Mountain 6.
Pickens Stats:
First Downs: 11
Third Down: 3 of 6
Total Yards: 426
Total Plays: 42
Avg Per Play: 10.1 yards
Rushing Yards: 262
Rushes: 25
Yds Per Rush: 10.48
Passing Yards: 164
Passing Attempts: 17
Yds Per Attempt: 10.65
C.J. Streicher: 6-13, 115 yds passing, 1 TD, 1 INT, 63 yds rushing, 2 TD
Michael Burrell: 1-1, 49 yds passing, 40 yds rushing, 44 yds receiving, 1 TD, 3 total tackles, 1 pass break up
Trevon Hawkins: 3 rushes for 81 yds, 11 total tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 2 sacks
Brady Moore: 3 rushes, 37 yds, 2 TDs, 1 catch, 26 yds, 2 total tackles, 1 INT, 1 defensive TD
Alex Snelgrove: 1 catch, 49 yds
Hunter Hermann: 11 total tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble
Jay Jones: 6 total tackles
Andrew Macom: 6 total tackles
Clayton Holland: 6 total tackles
Dallas McHale: 4 total tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 fumble recovery
Sy Chadwick: 4 total tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 1 sack
The Dragons defense held Stone Mountain to just 12 yards rushing on 33 attempts, & just a 136 total yards on 56 plays run.
Pickens, will have next week off, but will be back in action at home on the 31st as they host the Dragons of Pepperell. Pepperell has become a familiar opponent over the last couple of seasons and if any of the previous meetings are any indications, this one will be an exciting one to watch as well. Game time is set for 7:30.
Historic Season For Pickens Football Ends In 2nd Round Of The Playoffs
Team FYN Sports November 18, 2018
It had been a season of firsts for the PHS Dragons football team. First undefeated regular season, first region championship, & after last week, first state playoff win. Last Friday, was another first. First time playing in the 2nd round of the playoffs. Their opponent? The Troup County Tigers. Troup came into the game 10-1, & they represented region 5 as the #2 seed. This was the first ever meeting between these two schools in football.
The Tigers, took the opening kickoff deep into Dragon territory to begin the game. A 26-yd run at the 10:55 mark of the opening quarter gave Troup the 7-0 lead. Troup, would then recover a fumble on the ensuing kickoff, & score on the next play after a 31-yd run to make it 14-0, with 10:41 left in the 1st quarter. The Dragons, started building a drive as they crossed midfield & looked to cut into the Tiger lead. Troup, intercepted a pass by CJ Streicher, & would score to make it 21-0, with 8:38 to go in the 1st quarter. The Tigers, would again find the end zone after a 70-yd pass, to make it 28-0 Troup, going to the 2nd.
Troup scored twice in the 2nd quarter. Once after a 4-yd run, & once after a 46-yd run. Pickens, would find the end zone for the first time after a good drive & a 38-yd touchdown run from Senior Michael Burrell, that brought the crowd to their feet. Troup County led the Dragons, 41-7, at the half.
The Tigers added two scores in the 3rd. a 4-yd run, & a 51-yd pass to make it 53-7, going to the 4th. In the 4th, Burrell would find the end zone again as he was able to punch it in from a yard out. Your final, Troup 53, Pickens 14.
Stats:
1st Downs: 19
3rd Down: 4/14
4th Down: 1/4
Total Yards: 359
Rush Yards: 221
Pass Yards: 138
CJ Streicher: 11/25, 138 yards, 19 rushes, 44 yards
Michael Burrell: 13 rushes, 115 yards, 2 TDs, 2 catches, 23 yards, 4 tackles, 6 punts, 244 yards, 3 inside the 20
Trevon Hawkins: 9 rushes, 50 yards, 8 tackles, 1 sack, 1 blocked PAT, 4 kick returns for 74 yards
Hunter Hermann: 7 tackles
Andrew Macom: 7 tackles
Jay Jones: 6 tackles, 1 pass break up
Dallas McHale: 5 tackles
Kaleb Ray: 5 tackles
Jose Sanchez: 2/2 on PAT
Pickens Captures First Region Title With Senior Night Win Over Ridgeland
Team FYN Sports October 20, 2018
Last night, the PHS Dragons varsity football team hosted the Ridgeland Panthers for Senior Night. Not only was it Senior Night, it was a region championship game. With Pickens sitting at 4-0, & Ridgeland sitting at 3-0 in the region, this became the deciding game for the 6-AAAA crown. Prior to the ball game, the Seniors for the team, cheerleaders, & band were all recognized. The most special one, was Jordan Simonds. Simonds, lost his life in an automobile accident last year. This would’ve been his Senior year. Jordan’s mother, Jessica, represented him. She was surrounded by Jordan’s fellow Seniors, & was presented a bouquet of flowers. The Simond’s family has set up a Memorial Scholarship fund in his name. If you haven’t already, please go contribute in any way you can.
Pickens won the toss, but elected to defer to the 2nd half, giving Ridgeland’s speedy offense first possession. After a big loss on 3rd down, the Panthers were forced to punt from the back of their own end zone. The Dragons took over at the Ridgeland 30-yd line. It took Pickens one play from scrimmage to find points as the Dragons worked the double pass to perfection. CJ Streicher sent it over to Michael Burrell, then Burrell connected with a wide open Brady Moore for a 30-yd TD pass, giving the Dragons a 7-0 lead, with 11:27 to go in the 1st. Pickens looked to catch the Panthers off guard again with a surprise onside attempt, but were unable to recover it. Ridgeland used the good starting field position to drive down the field, & cap it off with a 3-yd TD run to make it 7-7 with 9:59 left in the 1st. Ridgeland then took the lead after a 47-yd TD pass, to make it 14-7, with 7:45 left in the opening quarter. The Dragons, were able to drive down the field, and get a 21-yd field goal from Jose Sanchez to make it 14-10 Ridgeland, going to the 2nd.
Pickens, regained the lead at the 9:36 mark of the 2nd quarter after Robert Davis barreled his way in from 7-yds out, to make it 17-14. Ridgeland, looked to tie things up with a long field goal attempt, but Kaleb Ray came swooping from the left side and blocked the kick, giving the Dragons possession at their own 27-yd line. On the very next play, Streicher found an open Ray near the sideline & he took it 73-yds for the score, giving Pickens a 24-14 lead, as we’d head into halftime.
The Dragons, got the ball to start the 2nd half, & methodically drove it down the field, chewing up nearly half of the 3rd quarter on their first drive. The drive ended with Davis getting into the end zone from 13-yds out after nearly losing it prior to scoring. That made it 31-14 Dragons, going to the 4th. The defense for Pickens, as they have all season long, really stepped up in the 2nd half shutting down the high powered Panther offense. Ridgeland’s only other score came with 19 seconds left to go in the game. Your final in this one, Pickens 31, Ridgeland 21. With the win, Pickens secures it’s first region championship in school history.
Region Standings:
Pickens: 9-0 (5-0) 6-AAAA region champions
Ridgeland: 5-3 (3-1)
Heritage: 4-5 (3-2)
NW Whitfield: 5-3 (2-2)
LaFayette: 4-4 (1-3)
SE Whitfield: 3-5 (1-3)
Gilmer: 0-8 (0-4)
Stats:
1st Downs: 19
3rd Down: 7/15
4th Down: 3/4
Total Yards: 455
Rush Yards: 323
Pass Yards: 132
CJ Streicher: 2/7, 102 yards, 1 TD, 29 rushes, 151 yards,
Michael Burrell: 1/1, 30 yards, 1 TD, 6 rushes, 30 yards, 3 tackles, 3 punts for 109 yards
Robert Davis: 13 rushes, 75 yards, 2 TD, 1 catch, 29 yards, 2 kick returns for 47 yards
Kaleb Ray: 1 catch, 73 yards, 1 TD, 2 tackles, 1 pass break up, 1 blocked field goal, 1 kick return, 24 yards
Brady Moore: 1 catch, 30 yards, 1 TD, 8 tackles
Trevon Hawkins: 16 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 pass break up, 7 rushes, 31 yards
Dallas McHale: 8 tackles
Andrew Macom: 7 tackles, 6 solo, 2 tackles for loss, 2 pass break ups
Hunter Hermann: 6 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 pass break up
Jose Sanchez: 4/4 on PAT, 1 field goal from 21 yards
Pickens, will look to complete it’s first ever undefeated season next week when they travel to Walker County to take on the LaFayette Ramblers. Game time is set for 7:30.
Dragons Pick Up Region Win In First Road Game, Now 6-0 On The Season
Team FYN Sports September 29, 2018
Last night, the PHS Dragons varsity football team took to the road for the first time in the regular season as they took on the Southeast Whitfield Raiders in a 6-AAAA region match up. Pickens, came into the game winners of 5 straight, 5-0 for the first time since 1986, & looking to continue their fast start to the season.
Pickens won the toss, but elected to differ to the 2nd half, giving the home standing Raiders the first shot on offense. The Dragon defense got a stop, & the offense for Pickens took over. Michael Burrell capped off their opening drive with a 6-yd TD run to make it 7-0 Dragons with 9:13 left in the first quarter. Nearly 3 minutes later, Pickens added to that lead after a 29-yd TD pass from CJ Streicher to an open Robert Davis made it 14-0 Dragons with 6:10 left in the opening quarter. Southeast Whitfield was able to cut the lead in half with a 2-yd TD run & as we’d go to the 2nd quarter, Pickens held a 14-7 lead over the Raiders.
Streicher, got into the end zone with a 2-yd run of his own to make it a two score game again, 21-7, with 8:32 left in the first half. The only other score in the 2nd quarter came after a beautiful throw from Streicher to Alex Snelgrove from 28-yds out to make it 28-7 Dragons, going to the break.
The Dragons, got the ball to start the 2nd half and at the 9:39 mark of the 3rd, added to their lead after a 5-yd TD run from Brady Moore, to make it 35-7. Davis, added a 1-yd rushing touchdown to his night to go along with his receiving touchdown in the 1st half at the 6:33 mark of the 3rd, to make it 42-7 Pickens. To cap off the 3rd quarter, Streicher would add his 3rd passing TD of the night as he threw a strike to Zach Goss. After Goss made one man miss, he was into the end zone from 25-yds out, to make it 49-7 Dragons over Southeast Whitfield, going to the 4th.
The lone score in the 4th, came from the Raiders after a 7-yd TD run. Your final score for the game was 49-13, Dragons.
Stats:
1st Downs: 16
3rd Down: 4/6
Total Yards: 456
Rush Yards: 265
Pass Yards: 191
Takeaways: 1 interception
CJ Streicher: 9/14, 191 yards, 3 TD, 6 rushes, 47 yards, 1 TD, 1 punt for 36 yards
Brady Moore: 7 rushes, 78 yards, 1 TD, 3 tackles, 1 pass break up
Robert Davis: 6 rushes, 69 yards, 1 TD, 1 catch, 29 yards, 1 TD
Zach Goss: 4 catches, 83 yards, 1 TD
Alex Snelgrove: 2 catches, 63 yards, 1 TD, 3 tackles
Trevon Hawkins: 9 tackles, 1 tackle for loss
Hunter Hermann: 8 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack
Dallas McHale: 7 tackles
Kaleb Ray: 7 tackles, & 1 pass break up
Jay Jones: Andrew Macom, & Clayton Holland with 6 tackles each
Logan Joiner: 7/7 on PAT
Pickens, will be back home next Friday as they take on the Generals of Heritage in another big 6-AAAA region game. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 pm.
Dragons Now 8-0 After Big Road Win Over Northwest Whitfield
Team FYN Sports October 14, 2018
This past Friday night, the PHS Dragons varsity football team traveled to Northwest Whitfield to take on the Bruins in a crucial region ball game. The past couple of seasons, the Bruins have gotten the better of the Dragons, winning the last 3 match ups. Pickens looked to end that streak & stay atop the 6-AAAA standings.
The Northwest Whitfield Bruins got the ball first on offense. The Dragon defense came out aggressive & forced the Bruins to punt. The first possession for Pickens ended with 6 as the offense drove down the field, & the drive was capped off by a 2-yd TD run for CJ Streicher to put the Dragons ahead, 7-0, with 7:53 left in the opening quarter. The Dragon defense again came up with a big stop, & gave the offense good field position to work with. Pickens again marched down the field & would score after a 2-yd TD pass from Streicher to Hunter Hermann, who was all alone in the back of the end zone. Going to the 2nd quarter, the Dragons held a 14-0 advantage.
In the 2nd, the Dragons added to their lead after the defense again set them up with prime field position & Robert Davis would find the end zone from 4-yds out, to give Pickens a 21-0 lead, with 7:43 left in the 1st half. Streicher scored his 2nd rushing TD of the game 6:14 mark of the 2nd quarter to make it 28-0. This score, again was set up by a swarming defense. After a big kick off return, the Bruins got their first points of the game after a 9-yd run at the 5:05 mark of the 2nd. Northwest Whitfield tried to catch the Dragons off guard by using the swinging gate formation & tried to go for 2, but Pickens had it figured out from the start & stopped it. Giving us a score of 28-6. Just before the first half came to an end, the Dragons looked to add to their lead and add to it they did. Streicher connected with Zach Goss from 34-yds out to give Pickens a 35-6 lead at the break.
The Dragons, got the ball to start the 2nd half, & wasted little time picking up where they left off in the first half. Streicher & Goss hooked up for the 2nd time on the night, this time from 53-yds out. Pickens, took a 41-6 lead with 10:02 left in the 3rd. Davis, got his 2nd score of the night at the 5:50 mark of the 3rd as he was able to get in from 5-yds out, to make it 48-6. Another good kick off return by the Bruins helped set them up for a score as they got in after a 6-yd pass to make it 48-13 Dragons going to the 4th.
Pickens, got the only points in the 4th as Jarod Whitmore got past several Bruin defenders to score from 20-yds out. The final score in this one would be 55-13, Pickens.
Region Standings:
Pickens: 8-0 (4-0)
Ridgeland: 5-2 (3-0)
Heritage: 3-5 (2-2)
NW Whitfield: 4-3 (1-2)
SE Whitfield: 3-4 (1-2)
LaFayette: 4-4 (1-3)
Gilmer: 0-7 (0-3)
Stats:
1st Downs: 20
3rd Down: 7/10
4th Down: 2/2
Total Yards: 540
Rush Yards: 363
Pass Yards: 177
Takeaways: 1
CJ Streicher: 8/12 for 177 yards, 3 TD’s, 16 rushes, 80 yards, 2 TD’s, 1 punt, 35 yards
Robert Davis: 14 rushes, 104 yards, 2 TD’s
Brady Moore: 6 rushes, 48 yards, 5 tackles, 4 solo
Anthony Jones: 2 rushes, 39 yards
Trevon Hawkins: 4 rushes, 34 yards, 5 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 2 pass break ups
Jarod Whitmore: 2 rushes, 21 yards, 1 TD
Zach Goss: 2 catches, 87 yards, 2 TD’s
Kaleb Ray: 3 catches, 38 yards, & 4 tackles, 1 pass break up
Michael Burell: 1 catch, 34 yards, & 1 pass break up
Alex Snelgrove: 1 catch, 16 yards, & 2 tackles, 1 interception
Hunter Hermann: 1 catch, 2 yards, 1 TD & 7 tackles, 1 pass break up
Clayton Holland: 6 tackles
Dallas McHale: 6 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 pass break up
Andrew Macom: 4 tackles
Jose Sanchez: 7/7 on PAT
Next week, the Dragons will host the Ridgeland Panthers. This game, will more than likely determine the region champion for 6-AAAA. Kick off is set to start at 7:30.
Run Game & Defense Propel Pickens Past Pepperell In Battle Of Dragons
Team FYN Sports September 2, 2018
This past Friday, the Pickens Dragons, welcomed the Pepperell Dragons to, you guess it, Dragons Stadium, for a non-region showdown. Pepperell, is out of the 2A classification. This was the 11th meeting all time between these two teams dating back to 1958. Pepperell, had gotten the better of Pickens in the first 10 meetings, going 9-0-1. The tie came in the first game in 1958. After a big win over Stone Mountain two weeks ago, the Dragons of Pickens looked to continue the early momentum built in this 2018 season. Prior to the game, Michael Burrell & Haley Aiken were named Mr & Miss PHS for the 2018-19 school year.
The Pepperell Dragons, won the toss, but elected to differ to the 2nd half. That meant the Dragons from Pickens, would get first crack at points. Pepperell collected the first turnover of the game as they picked off a CJ Streicher pass intended for Zach Goss & took it deep inside Pickens territory. The defense for Pickens stepped up after being backed up near their own goal line, & forced Pepperell into a field goal attempt. The field goal attempt was pushed left, & the Dragons of Pickens, would take back over on offense. Last week’s TeamFYNSports Sports Writer Player Of The Week Brady Moore, provided the first points of the game after a 12-yd TD run at the 6:33 mark, making it 7-0 Pickens. Just as the 2nd quarter got underway, Robert Davis took a hand off and plowed his way in from 4-yds out to make it 14-0 Pickens with 11:55 to go in the first half. Streicher, would then barrel his way into the end zone from 12-yds out. Making it 21-0 Pickens over Pepperell, as we hit halftime.
Pepperell, wasted little time to get on the board to start the 3rd quarter. Pepperell used a 13-yd TD pass to score their first points of the game, making it 21-7 Pickens, with 10:48 to go in the 3rd. Pickens answered that score, with a touchdown of their own as Streicher found the end zone for the 2nd time. This score came from 2-yds out, giving Pickens a three score lead, 28-7, with 7:32 left in the 3rd. 3 minutes & 12 seconds later, Streicher again was in the end zone with another 2-yd TD run, giving him three on the evening. Pickens was able to score two points on a conversion after a mishap on the PAT attempt. They led Pepperell 36-7 with 4:20 to go in the 3rd. Pepperell, scored near the end of the 3rd after a 6-yd TD run to make it 36-14 Pickens, going to the 4th. The final score of the night came after a 7-yd TD run for Jarod Whitmore to make what would be your final score, 43-14 Pickens.
STATS
First Downs: 21
Third Down: 9-13
Fourth Down: 1-1
Total Yards: 448
Rushing Yards: 382
Passing Yards: 66
Total Takeaways: 2 (1 fumble, 1 interception)
CJ Streicher: 1-2 for 45 yards, 1 catch for 21 yards, 24 rushes, 144 yards, 3 TD, 1 punt for 39 yards
Michael Burrell: 1-1 for 21 yards, 3 rushes, 25 yards, 2 tackles, 1 INT
Trevon Hawkins: 14 rushes, 52 yards, 5 tackles, 1 punt return for 16 yards, 1 kick return for 19 yards
Brady Moore: 6 rushes, 50 yards, 1 TD, 4 tackles, 1 pass breakup
Robert Davis: 9 rushes, 50 yards, 1 TD
Jarod Whitmore: 7 rushes, 41 yards, 1 TD, 1 fumble recovery
Zach Goss: 1 catch for 45 yards
Hunter Hermann: 10 total tackles, 2 TFL
Clayton Holland: 6 total tackles
Kaleb Ray: 6 total tackles, 1 forced fumble, 1 pass breakup
Jay Jones: 5 total tackles
Andrew Macom: 5 total tackles, 1 sack
Logan Joiner: 5/5 on PAT
Jose Sanchez: 6 kickoffs, 5 touch backs
Pickens, will once again be home next Friday as they welcome a former region opponent. The White County Warriors will come to Jasper for another non-region game. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30.
Dragons Start Region Play With Shutout Of Bobcats On Homecoming
Team FYN Sports September 30, 2017
Last night, the PHS Dragons varsity football team began the region portion of their schedule by hosting their longtime rival, the Gilmer Bobcats for Homecoming. With it being such a big game, Pickens decided to break out new black uniforms for a blackout.
The Gilmer Bobcats won the toss and elected to receive to begin the ball game. After converting a third down & getting a first down, the first drive of the night for the Bobcats stalled and the Dragons found themselves with good field possession their first drive. The opening drive for Pickens ended in six after a 19-yd TD run for Junior Robert Davis at the 6:13 mark to give the Dragons a 7-0 lead in the 1st quarter. Pickens tacked on another TD at the 3:09 mark after a 30-yd connection from Senior Jacob Brumby to Junior Zach Goss Jr. The PAT would fall wide, but the Dragons held a 13-0 lead, still in the 1st quarter. Brumby then connected with Davis for a 47-yd TD strike to stretch the Dragon lead out to 20-0 at the end of the 1st quarter.
Just after the 2nd quarter got underway, Sophomore C.J. Streicher took the punt return 47-yds to the house to make it 27-0 with 11:05 left in the half. After a turnover, Pickens turned it into points after a 34-yd TD run from Trevon Hawkins at the 10:43 mark to make it 33-0 Dragons in the 2nd quarter. Brady Moore made it 40-0 after a 2-yd run at the 6:50 mark. 11 seconds later, Zach Swaim scooped up a Gilmer fumble & took it all the way to make it 47-0 Pickens with 6:39 left in the 1st half. At the 1:17 mark, the Dragons forced a safety to extend the lead to 49-0 going into halftime. At halftime, Miss Haley Aiken was named 2017-18 PHS Homecoming Maid of Honor, & Bailey Payne was named 2017-18 PHS Homecoming Queen.
The 2nd half saw a running clock. In the 3rd, Brady Moore would collect his 2nd rushing TD of the night, this one from 52-yds out to make it 55-0 with 11:13 left in the 3rd. Pickens held a 55-0 lead over the Bobcats going to the 4th. The lone score in the 4th saw Dawson Turner take it in from 12-yds out to make it 62-0. The final, Dragons take this one, 62-0.
Stats:
15 first downs, 2/4 on 3rd down, 0/2 on 4th down, 513 total yards, 45 plays, 282 rush yards, 26 carries, 231 passing yards on 19 attempts
Passing:
Jacob Brumby: 14-16, 231 yards, 2 TD
Rushing:
C.J. Streicher: 5 carries, 70 yards
Dawson Turner: 7 carries, 55 yards, 1 TD
Brady Moore: 3 carries, 54 yards, 2 TDs
Trevon Hawkins: 2 carries, 45 yards, 1 TD
Robert Davis: 2 carries, 32 yards, 1 TD
Eric Ray: 2 carries, 10 yards
Bailey Truett: 2 carries, 10 yards
Jacob Brumby: 1 carry, 6 yards
Receiving:
Josh Cain: 5 catches, 75 yards
Robert Davis: 2 catches, 58 yards, 1 TD
Alex Snelgrove: 2 catches, 33 yards
Zach Goss: 1 catch, 30 yards, 1 TD
Brady Moore: 2 catches, 19 yards
Trevon Hawkins: 1 catch, 11 yards
Bailey Truett: 1 catch, 5 yards
Defense:
Hunter Hermann: 10 total tackles, 4 solo, 6 assists, 3 TFL
Trevon Hawkins: 7 total tackles, 5 solo, 2 assists
Clayton Holland: 6 total tackles, 3 solo, 3 assists, 1 TFL, 1 sack, & 1 forced fumble
Boz Gayden: 5 total tackles, 3 solo tackles, 2 assists, 1 fumble recovery
Joe Massey: 4 total tackles, 3 solo, 1 assist, 1 TFL, 1 forced fumble
Colby McDowell: fumble recovery
Zach Swiam: fumble recovery
Special Teams:
Trevon Hawkins: 3 punt returns, 59 yards, 19.7 avg, long of 28 yards
C.J. Streicher: 1 punt return, 47 yards, 1 TD
Michael Burrell: 5/7 on PAT
Logan Joiner: 1/2 on PAT
With the win, Pickens is now 3-2 overall & 1-0 in 6-AAAA region play. Next week, the Dragons will continue their region schedule as they travel to Southeast Whitfield to take on the Raiders. This will be the first road game for Pickens in about a month. The Raiders are 5-1, & 1-1 in region play.
Dragons Finish Regular Season At 5-5, Play In Mini-Game Monday For Playoff Spot
Team FYN Sports November 4, 2017
On what was a rainy, turned foggy evening last night, the PHS Dragons varsity football team traveled to take on the Heritage Generals. Coming into the game, Pickens sat 3rd in the region at 3-2, while Heritage was just ahead at 4-1. The winner, would finish 2nd in the region, & host the 1st round of the state playoffs next week.
Pickens won the toss, but elected to differ to the 2nd half. Heritage, with the help of some costly penalties, got on the board first with a 1-yd TD run at the 9:51 mark of the opening quarter to take a 7-0 lead. That would be the only scoring done in the 1st quarter and we would head to the 2nd quarter with the Generals ahead, 7-0. Both teams were trading possessions back and forth in the 2nd quarter until Heritage intercepted a pass and took it all the way to the end zone to increase the lead to 14-0 with 5:22 left in the 1st half. The Generals again added to their lead at the 3:37 mark with a 9-yd TD run to make it 21-0. After nearly missing on several prior chances, Senior QB Jacob Brumby connected down the middle of the field to an open Zach Goss for a 56-yd TD pass at the 1:09 mark of the first half. However, Heritage would strike just before the half with a 35-yd TD pass to give us a halftime score of 28-7 in favor of the Generals.
The Dragons, came out battling in the 3rd quarter as they’re opening drive of the 2nd half lasted over 6 minutes, & was capped off by a 1-yd TD run from Sophomore C.J. Streicher to make it 28-14 with 5:46 left in the 3rd. Then, the Pickens defense would step up as Brady Moore picked off a pass attempt that was short of it’s intended target, & set up the Dragons with good field position after a nice return. The esuing drive stalled however & we would head to the 4th with Heritage leading, 28-14.
A pair of 1-yd TD runs from the Generals at the 11:47 & 7:13 marks of the 4th, gave Heritage a 42-14 lead over the Dragons. Pickens would not go quietly however as Brumby found fellow Senior Josh Cain on a well designed screen play & Cain would take it into the end zone from 28-yds out to make it 42-21 with 4:05 left in the game. The Generals, would score late in the game with a 13-yd TD run to give us a final of 49-21.
Stats:
19 1st downs, 2/12 on 3rd down, 2/5 on 4th down, 399 total yards on 71 plays, 157 rushing yards, 242 passing yards. Defense forced 4 turnovers. 3 fumbles & 1 interception
Passing:
Jacob Brumby: 16-27, 242 yards, 2 TD & 53 yards rushing on 14 carries
Rushing:
Robert Davis: 14 carries, 83 yards
C.J. Streicher: 7 carries, 49 yards
Receiving:
Josh Cain: 6 catches, 86 yards, 1 TD
Zach Goss: 2 catches, 62 yards, 1 TD
Kaleb Ray: 2 catches, 42 yards
Robert Davis: 3 catches, 20 yards
C.J. Streicher: 2 catches, 14 yards
Michael Burrell: 1 catch, 14 yards
Defense:
Brady Moore: 8 total tackles, 6 solo, 2 assists, 1 TFL, 1 INT, & 1 fumble recovery
Hunter Hermann: 7 total tackles, 6 solo, 1 assist, 1 TFL, & 1 forced fumble
Kaleb Ray: 6 total tackles, 6 solo, & 1 forced fumble
Trevon Hawkins: 6 total tackles, 3 solo, & 3 assists
Alex Snelgrove: 5 total tackles, 5 solo, 1 TFL, 1 fumble recovery, & 1 pass break up
Special Teams:
Michael Burrell: 5 punts, 184 yards, 36.8 yard average, long of 47, & 1 inside the 20. 3/3 on PAT
Kaleb Ray: 2 kick returns, 51 yards
Josh Cain: 2 kick returns, 35 yards
Robert Davis: 2 kick returns, 31 yards
With the loss, Pickens finishes the regular season at 5-5, & in a tie for 3rd in the region at 3-3. Due to the 3-way tie, Pickens, Northwest, & Southeast Whitfield will play in a mini-playoff on Monday at 7 p.m. at North Murray. Pickens and Northwest Whitfield will play first. The winner, will be in the playoffs. The loser of that first game, will then play Southeast Whitfield. Winner of that game will be in the playoffs. The loser, will finish 5th in the region.
Dragons Get Big Win On Senior Night, Sets Up Huge Game With Heritage
Team FYN Sports October 28, 2017
Last night, the PHS Dragons varsity football team hosted the LaFayette Ramblers for Senior Night. Pickens, needed a win to stay in the thick of the playoff race coming down the stretch of the season. Prior to the game, the seniors from the football team, cheerleaders, & band were recognized for the contributions during their time at PHS. Another special presentation that happened prior to kick off, was PHS presenting the family of the late Shawn Mask with his Letterman’s jacket.
LaFayette won the toss and elected to receive the opening kick to get the game started. The Pickens defense was able to get the Rambler offense off the field & it would be the Dragons turn to find the first points. Those first points of the game were scored by Junior RB Robert Davis after a 5-yd run to make it 7-0 Pickens with 7:11 left in the opening quarter. The Dragons found the end zone again in the 1st quarter, this time, through the air as Senior QB Jacob Brumby connected with Sophomore C.J. Streicher from 49-yds out for the TD. After one quarter of play, the Dragons held a 13-0 lead over LaFayette.
Pickens got on the board for the first time in the 2nd quarter at the 10:22 mark after a 7-yd TD pass from Brumby to Junior Zach Goss to make it 20-0. After Senior Zach Swaim recovered a fumble & took it to the 7-yd line, fellow Senior Jacob Brumby finished it off on the next play with a 7-yd TD run to make it 27-0 Dragons with 8:08 left in the half. After nearly scoring on the previous play, Senior WR Josh Cain finished off another scoring drive for Pickens with a 1-yd TD run to make it 34-0 Dragons with 5:14 left in the half. The Dragons were getting it done defensively on the night as well. Junior Trevon Hawkins, took the ball away from the LaFayette runner & ran it back for the score to make it 41-0 Pickens with 4:53 left in the half. On the ensuing LaFayette drive, the Ramblers were looking for points prior to halftime. However, Kaleb Ray timed his jump, & made a great catch in the end zone to give the ball back to the Dragons. Pickens would turn that interception into points as Brumby connected with Streicher once again. This time, from 6-yds out to make it 48-0 Dragons at the half.
The Dragons picked up where they left off in the 1st half as they started the 3rd quarter with the football, & ended their first drive of the 2nd half with points as Streicher (now in at QB), strolled in from 7-yds out for his 3rd TD of the game & we would head to the 4th, with Pickens ahead of LaFayette, 55-0. The Ramblers got their first points of the game at the 10:27 mark of the 4th after a 4-yd TD run to make it 55-7 Dragons. The ensuing kickoff was a short pooch kick, & it was fielded by Hawkins, who then took it the distance for the touchdown making it 62-7 Pickens. Your final from Jasper would be 62-7.
With the win, the Dragons move closer to securing a playoff spot. With Southeast Whitfield’s win over Northwest Whitfield last night, that puts Pickens in 3rd for the moment. Next week, the Dragons will travel to Heritage to take on the Generals in what is more than likely, the biggest game of the whole region schedule. With a win next week over Heritage, the Dragons will vault into the #2 seed of region 6, & host a playoff game. A loss, makes things a lot more crowded & a lot more complicated.
Dragons Fall To Bruins, Head To Ridgeland Next Week
Team FYN Sports October 14, 2017
Last night, the PHS Dragons varsity football team hosted the Northwest Whitfield Bruins in a crucial 6-AAAA region game. With a win, Pickens, would hold 2nd place by itself. Before the game, there was a moment of silence to honor the late players the team has lost this year, Jordan Simonds, & Shawn Mask. Their numbers were painted at mid field last night.
Northwest Whitfield won the toss, but elected to differ to the 2nd half, giving the Dragons the ball first. Pickens would be unable to get anything going on the opening drive, giving the ball to the Bruins. On the strength of their run game, Northwest Whitfield drove down the field, & got a passing TD to make it 7-0 Bruins with 10:13 left in the 1st quarter. The Dragons evened things up after Senior Jacob Brumby pitched it to Junior Robert Davis on the option & Davis got in from 14-yds out, tying things up at 7, & we went into the 2nd quarter all knotted up at 7.
The Bruins took the lead back at the 10:06 mark of the 2nd quarter after a field goal, to make it 10-7. Northwest Whitfield stretched their lead out to ten after an 18-yd TD pass at the 4:10 mark. Just before the end of the 1st half, the Bruins again found the end zone after an 8-yd TD pass, to bring the lead to 24-7 over the Dragons going into the break.
In the 3rd quarter, Pickens stuffed the first drive of the 2nd half for Northwest Whitfield & looked to get back into the game. At the 9:09 mark in the 3rd, Davis collected his 2nd rushing TD of the game, this one from 10-yds out, making it 24-14 Bruins. The Bruins on their next drive were held to a field goal attempt. The Dragons got pressure up front and blocked the kick, & took over at their 19-yd line. One play later, Davis made a house call from 81-yds out for his 3rd TD of the game, & Pickens cut the Bruins lead to 24-21 with 7:43 left in the 3rd. Northwest Whitfield got into the end zone just before the end of the 3rd after a 41-yd TD run to make it 31-21, going to the 4th. Both teams went back & forth in the 4th quarter, however the Bruins added to their lead with a 9-yd TD run late in the quarter to seal the win. Final score, Northwest Whitfield 38, Pickens 21.
Stats:
14 1st downs, 4/12 on 3rd down, 0/1 on 4th down, 373 total yards on 58 plays, 251 rushing yards, 122 passing yards
Passing:
Jacob Brumby: 12-28, 122 yards
Rushing:
Robert Davis: 14 carries, 165 yards, 3 TD
Jacob Brumby: 9 carries, 57 yards
Trevon Hawkins: 6 carries, 29 yards
Receiving:
Brady Moore: 5 catches, 66 yards
Robert Davis: 2 catches, 19 yards
Alex Snelgrove: 2 catches, 19 yards
Zach Goss Jr: 2 catches, 14 yards
Josh Cain: 1 catch, 4 yards
Defense:
Trevon Hawkins: 17 total tackles, 12 solo, 5 assists, 1 TFL, & 1 sack
Hunter Hermann: 13 total tackles, 7 solo, 6 assists, & 1 TFL
Dallas McHale: 9 total tackles, 7 solo, 2 assists, & 2 TFL
Boz Gayden: 8 total tackles, 4 solo, 4 assists, 1 forced fumble
C.J. Streicher: 8 total tackles, 6 solo, 2 assists
Zach Swaim: 7 total tackles, 4 solo, 3 assists, & 1 TFL
Special Teams:
Michael Burrell: 7 punts, 280 yards, 40 yard average, long of 45 yards, 1 punt inside the 20 & 3/3 on PAT
C.J. Streicher: 2 punt returns for 14 yards
Robert Davis: 1 kickoff return for 24 yards
Pickens will be back on the road next Friday as they travel to Rossville to take on the undefeated, 4-A top ten, & 6-AAAA region leading Ridgeland Panthers. Pickens shocked Ridgeland in a similar situation at home last year, & have had recent success against the Panthers.
Dragons Fall In The 1st Round Of The State Playoffs To Cartersville
Team FYN Sports November 12, 2017
This past Friday, on a cool, brisk evening, the PHS varsity football team travled down to Cartersville to take on the top seed from region 5, the Cartersville Purple Hurricanes in the first round of the GHSA 4-A State football playoffs. This would be the 21st meeting all time between the two schools.
Pickens, won the toss and elected to receive to start the ball game. After several first downs on a good opening drive, the Dragons were forced to punt. The Canes got on the board first at the 6:45 mark after a 17-yd TD pass making it 7-0 Cartersville in the opening quarter. Cartersville added to the lead at the 3:23 mark of the 1st quarter with a 41-yd TD pass making it 14-0. The Canes would score just before the end of the 1st quarter with a 4-yd TD pass giving us a score of 21-0 Cartersville after one.
In the 2nd quarter, Cartersville would again add to their lead after a 1-yd TD run to make it 28-o with 9:16 left in the first half. Pickens nearly snagged a fumble in the end zone after a long completion from the Canes, but were unable to secure it as Cartersville was able to fall on it and make it 35-0 at the 4:43 mark of the 2nd quarter. The Canes would score again just prior to halftime with a 51-yd TD pass to give us a score of 42-o.
In the 2nd half, things started picking up for the Dragons. After a high snap, the Dragons pounced on the loose ball, then a fumble occured, then a quick thinking Hunter Hermann scooped up that fumble, and took it into the end zone for the score to make it 42-7 Canes with 10:18 left in the 3rd. Cartersville scored on a 19-yd TD pass to make it 48-7 Canes as we headed to the 4th.
In the 4th, Pickens would find the end zone twice. This time, with the offense. The first score in the 4th came from Robert Davis. Davis was able to sneak through the left side of the defense for a 6-yd TD run at the 8:21 mark to make it 48-14. The 2nd score, was set up by a beautiful punt return that Davis nearly took all the way. Jacob Brumby finished it off with a 3-yd TD run to make the score 48-21. Your final in this one, 48-21 Cartersville.
Final Season Stats:
215 first downs, 49/116 on 3rd down, 15/32 on 4th down, 5,193 total yards (school record), 429 total points (school record), 2,675 rushing yards, 2,518 passing yards, 26 total takeaways, 17 fumble recoveries, 9 INT’s
Passing:
Jacob Brumby: 172-290, 59.3%, 2,457 yards, 22 TD’s, 8 INT
Rushing:
Robert Davis: 123 rushes, 1,148 yards, 9.3 ypc, 14 TD, long of 80
C.J. Streicher: 72 rushes, 523 yards, 7.3 ypc, 7 TD, long of 45
Jacob Brumby: 110 rushes, 417 yards, 3.8 ypc, 4 TD, long of 25
Trevon Hawkins: 40 rushes, 296 yards, 7.4 ypc, 5 TD, long of 82
Brady Moore: 13 rushes, 116 yards, 8.9 ypc, 2 TD, long of 52
Receiving:
Zach Goss Jr: 45 catches, 856 yards (single season record), 19.0 ypc, 15 TD’s (single season record), long of 56
Josh Cain: 34 catches, 421 yards, 12.4 ypc, 2 TD, long of 28
Robert Davis: 33 catches, 403 yards, 12.2 ypc, 1 TD, long of 60
Alex Snelgrove: 25 catches, 322 yards, 12.9 ypc, 2 TD, long of 36
Trevon Hawkins: 12 catches, 201 yards, 16.8 ypc, long of 51
Defense:
Hunter Hermann: 121 total tackles, 73 solo, 48 assists, 9 TFL, 2 sacks, 1 INT, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, 1 TD
Trevon Hawkins: 78 total tackles, 53 solo, 25 assists, 2 TFL, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, 1 TD
Jay Jones: 78 total tackles, 35 solo, 43 assists, 2 TFL, 2 INT, 3 fumble recoveries, 3 pass break ups
Boz Gayden: 69 total tackles, 37 solo, 32 assists, 1 TFL, 1 fumble recovery, 1 forced fumble, 1 pass break up
Kaleb Ray: 48 total tackles, 35 solo, 13 assists, 4 INT, 2 forced fumbles, 8 pass break ups, 1 block
Special Teams:
Michael Burrell: 33 punts, 1,142 yards, 34.6 yd average, long of 53, 5 inside the 20, 52-58 on PAT
Punt Return:
Trevon Hawkins: 8 returns, 111 yards, 13.9 average, long of 28
Robert Davis: 6 returns, 77 yards, 12.8 average, long of 43
C.J. Streicher: 3 returns, 68 yards, 22.7 average, long of 47, 1 TD
Kick Return:
Robert Davis: 19 returns, 460 yards, 24.2 average, long of 94, 1 TD
Trevon Hawkins: 9 returns, 249 yards, 27.7 average, long of 74, 1 TD
Season Records:
Jacob Brumby: total offense (2,874), passing yds (2,457), completions (172), passing TD’s (22)
Zach Goss: yards receiving (856), receiving TD’s (15), 2nd in receptions with 45
Robert Davis: kick return yards (460)
Michael Burrell: 52 makes on PAT puts him 2nd for a season
Career Records:
Jacob Brumby: all time leader in passing yards (4,432), completions (318), passing TD’s (33)
Zach Goss: all time leader in receiving yards (1,318) just a Junior
Record Night, Late Defensive Stop Gives Dragons Win Over Trojans
Team FYN Sports September 9, 2017
Last night, the PHS Dragons varsity football team hosted the North Hall Trojans out of 3-A in the first home game for the Dragons in the 2017 season. These two schools played each other last year in Gainesville, where the Trojans pulled out a close 16-8 win over Pickens. Much like their game with Pepperell the week prior, the Dragons were looking to exact a little revenge on the Trojans.
North Hall won the toss and elected to get the ball first, & got points on their first possession of the ball game. The Trojans used an 18-yd TD run to take an early 7-0 lead with 7:34 left in the opening quarter. North Hall then picked off a pass on the Dragons first play from scrimmage, then added to their lead with a 1-yd TD run at the 6:03 mark to make it 14-0 Trojans in the 1st quarter. Pickens got back into it with a 62-yd TD run from Junior Robert Davis at the 5:01 mark to make it 14-7 North Hall in the 1st. The Trojans answered the Dragons score with a 24-yd TD pass to stretch the lead out to 21-7 with 3:17 still remaining in the 1st. Pickens then would respond with a 28-yd TD pass from Senior Jacob Brumby to Junior Zach Goss Jr at the :29 mark of the first. Sending us to the 2nd quarter with the score, North Hall 21 Pickens 14.
Compared to the 1st quarter, scoring wise, the 2nd quarter was really tame. The Trojans added to their lead with a 1-yd TD run at the 8:42 mark, making it 28-14. As the 1st half came to a close, it turned into the Goss Jr show. Brumby connected with the Junior wide out several times on the final drive of the half including a 7-yd TD strike with :22 seconds left to make it 28-21 North Hall as we went into the half.
The 3rd quarter of this one, belonged to the Dragons. Pickens began the 3rd, and the opening possession of the 2nd half was capped off by a 38-yd TD pass at the 7:03 mark from Brumby to Goss Jr. Their 3rd TD connection of the night. That tied the ball game up at 28 a piece. As the 3rd quarter came to an end, Sophomore C.J. Streicher plowed his way in from 7-yds out to give the Dragons their first lead of the night, 35-28, going to the 4th.
Just 1:35 into the 4th and final quarter, the Trojans tied things back up at 35 after a 38-yd TD run at the 10:25 mark. Pickens, would not be fazed however as the duo of Brumby & Goss Jr, hooked up for a fourth time on the evening with a 17-yd TD pass to regain the lead 42-35 at the 6:24 mark of the 4th quarter. With time quickly moving down on the clock, North Hall looked to send this game into overtime, or win it outright with a score & two-point conversion. On 4th down, the Trojans were near the goal line looking to score with just :12 left. The pass attempt into the end zone sailed over the intended targets head. The Dragons held on for the win, 42-35.
Stats
22 1st downs, 7/14 on 3rd down, 5/7 on 4th down, 537 total yards on 72 plays for a 4.6 yard average, 197 rushing yards, 340 passing yards
Passing
Jacob Brumby: 24-37, 340 yards (school record), 4 TD & 73 yards rushing on 14 carries
Rushing
Robert Davis: 11 carries, 93 yards, & 1 TD & 2 catches for 7 yards
Trevon Hawkins: 5 carries, 17 yards & 4 catches for 55 yards
C.J. Streicher: 4 carries, 14 yards, & 1 TD & 1 catch for 10 yards
Receiving
Zach Goss Jr: 10 catches (tied school record, 180 yards, & 4 TD (tied school record)
Josh Cain: 4 catches for 49 yards
Alex Snelgrove: 3 catches for 39 yards
Defense
Hunter Hermann: 17 total tackles, 12 solo, 5 assisted
Jay Jones: 11 total tackles, 5 solo, 6 assisted
Trevon Hawkins: 10 total tackles, 7 solo, 3 assisted
Dallas McHale: 9 total tackles, 4 solo, 5 assisted, 2 TFL
Colby McDowell: 8 total tackles, 4 solo, 4 assisted, 2 TFL
Special Teams
Michael Burrell: 1 punt for 27 yards, & 6/6 on PAT
Robert Davis: 2 returns for 40 yards
Trevon Hawkins: 1 return for 24 yards
Pickens will continue their stretch of home games next week as the North Forsyth Raiders of the 7-A classification comes to town. This will be the final non-region game before region play begins for the Dragons on the 29th.