Dragons open region play with road win
PHS Football, Team FYN Sports September 13, 2025
Cleveland, Ga — Region play began for many teams across the state of Georgia on Friday, September 12th. Six of the eight teams in 6-AAA, were in action on Friday including the Pickens Dragons and the White County Warriors. The Warriors, got the better of the Dragons last year in Jasper and the Dragons came into Cleveland looking to return the favor. The Dragons, would have control throughout the game en route to a 34-7 win.
The Dragons, would get the ball first to start the ball game. Pickens, would keep their opening drive alive as Cal Morrison would convert on a fourth down play from the Dragons 47-yard line. After a big run by Ezra Faber and a nice run after catch by Jaxon Carver, the Dragons would get on the board first after an 11-yd touchdown pass from Hayden Jones to McCord Purdy. The PAT was good and with 9:18 left in the first quarter, Pickens led the Warriors, 7-0.
After forcing a three and out, the Dragons, would start their next possession with great field position after the Warriors were called for fair catch interference. Facing a third and long, Jones would find McCord Purdy for a first down. A couple of plays later, facing another third and long, the Jones/Purdy connection were able to pick up another first down after a screen pass.
On the next play, DE Josiah Williams, would get into the backfield to force a fumble. The Warriors would recover and take over on offense. On their second play of the drive, the Warriors would fumble the ball, but QB Alex Freeman was able to recover it. The Dragons, would bring pressure on third down and pick up the sack to force a punt. A short punt by the Warriors would give Dragons possession at the Warrior 35-yd line.
The Dragons, would add to their lead as Jones would connect with Sawyer Purdy for a 28-yd touchdown. The PAT was no good and with 1:10 left in the first quarter, Pickens led White County, 13-0. Heading to the second quarter, the Dragons were ahead of the Warriors, 13-0.
With the Warriors facing a third down, the Dragons would dial up another blitz as McCord Purdy would get home after the corner blitz to force a fourth down. Hagen Mullins, would partially block the Warriors punt and Landon Poole would take it 31 yards for the touchdown. The PAT was good and with 11:09 left in the first half, Pickens led White County, 20-0.
The Dragons, would get the ball back after forcing and recovering a fumble. The Dragons, would cash in on the turnover as Jones found McCord Purdy for a 13-yd touchdown. Their second connection of the first half. The PAT was good and with 8:10 left in the first half, Pickens led White County, 27-0. Facing a third down, Freeman, would find ach Godfrey for a big gain into Dragon territory.
They would follow that up with a nice run by Savion Anderson down to the Dragons 25-yd line. Anderson, would again find a hole and get down to the Dragon 10-yd line. Facing a fourth and goal from the Dragon 6-yd line, the Warriors would look to throw a corner route, but it would fall incomplete. Poole, would get off a great punt from deep inside his own territory as the ball would rest at the Warrior 32-yd line.
After forcing a punt, the Dragons, would run a couple of plays to end the first half as they led the Warriors, 27-0 at the half.
After a scoreless third quarter for both teams, the Dragons, would add to their lead midway through the fourth quarter after a 45-yd touchdown run by Faber. The PAT was good and with 6 minutes left in the game, Pickens led White County, 34-0. The Warriors, would get on the board with 57 seconds left in the game after Freeman found Godfrey for a 25-yd touchdown. The PAT was good and the Dragon lead would be cut to 34-7.
The Dragons, would just take a knee to run out the remaining time as they moved to 4-0 on the season and 1-0 in 6-AAA play with a 34-7 win.
6-AAA Football Standings:
Pickens: 4-0 (1-0)
North Hall: 4-0 (1-0)
GAC: 3-1 (1-0)
Dawson: 1-2 (0-0)
Johnson-Gainesville: 0-3 (0-0)
Lumpkin: 2-2 (0-1)
Chestatee: 2-2 (0-1)
White County: 0-4 (0-1)
The Dragons, will be back home on Friday, September 19th as they host the Dawson Tigers to begin a three game home stand. Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm.
Dragons move to 3-0 after taming Bobcats
PHS Football, Team FYN Sports August 30, 2025
Ellijay, Ga — It was rivalry week across the state of Georgia this week with one particular match up gaining interest was the rivalry game between the Pickens Dragons and the Gilmer Bobcats. Both teams were off to fast starts to the season as they were both 2-0 heading into the game. In what’s always an emotional and physical game, the Dragons were able to pull away and pick up a 38-24 win.
After the Dragons went three and out to start the game, the Bobcats, would drive down inside the Dragon 30-yd line. The Dragons, would get a stop on their 27-yd line for a turnover on downs. On the first play from scrimmage after getting the stop, the Dragons would take the lead after a 73-yd touchdown run by Ike Wyngaard. The PAT was good. Heading to the second quarter, the Dragons led the Bobcats, 7-0.
The Bobcats, would tie things up about midway through the second quarter as Cheyne Smith would score on a 19-yd touchdown run. The PAT was good and with 6:27 left in the first half, the game was tied at 7. Wyngaard, would strike again as the Dragons would only need one play to retake the lead after a 76-yd touchdown run by Wyngaard. The PAT was good and with 6:05 left in the first half, the Dragons were up, 14-7.
The Dragons, would add to their lead as Ezra Faber, would rip the ball out of the hands of the running back and take it 21 yards for the touchdown. The PAT was good and with 5:06 left in the first half, the Dragons led the Bobcats, 21-7. The Bobcats, would put together a quick scoring drive as Madden Hopkins would power his way in for a 4-yd touchdown. With 2:15 left in the first half, the Dragons lead was cut to 21-14.
The Dragons, would answer that scored with a score of their own as Faber would cap off the drive with a 10-yd touchdown run. The PAT was good and with 59 seconds left in the first half, the Dragons now led the Bobcats, 28-14 heading into the half.
The Bobcats, would trim the lead to 11 after a 32-yd field goal by Carter Gearhart to make it 28-17 with 7:12 left in the third. The Dragons, would match that later on in the quarter as McCord Purdy would connect on a 40-yd field goal to put Pickens up 31-17 heading to the fourth.
The Dragons, would stretch their lead out after Wyngaard made his third house call of the night. This time, from 34 yards out. The PAT was good and with 10:12 left in the game, Pickens led Gilmer, 38-17. The Bobcats, would stay alive as Peyton Chancey would score on a 27-yd touchdown run. The PAT was good and with 6:46 left in the game, the Dragons led it, 38-24.
The Dragons, would cap off the win with an interception by McCord Purdy in the end zone. Pickens, ends a two game losing streak to Gilmer with the 38-24 win.
The Dragons, finish out the non-region portion of their schedule with a 3-0 record. They will be on a bye next week. Pickens, will be back in action on Friday, September 12th on the road against White County to start region play. Kickoff for that one is set for 7:30 pm.
Dragons sweep Warriors to begin region play
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports March 8, 2025
Cleveland, Ga — The Pickens Dragons, took to the road on Friday, March 7th as they took on the White County Warriors in the third and final game of the series. After taking the first two games of the series, the Dragons, were looking for the series sweep. After getting runs from the 2nd-5th inning, the Dragons, picked up the win in the series finale, 8-1.
The Dragons, would go down in order in the top half of the first as Warriors starting pitcher, Shelton Ramey, would force a ground out, a fly out, and pick up his first strikeout of the game. In the bottom of the first, Trevor Butler, would draw a lead off walk. Dragons starting pitcher, Christian Starks, would induce a 6-3 double play to clear the bases. Caleb Campbell, would keep the inning alive for the Warriors as he drew a 2-out walk.
Starks, would get out of the first inning with his first strikeout of the game. Heading to the second inning, Pickens and White County, were tied at 0.
In the top of the second, Kam Jenkins, would lead off with a hustle double as the ball would fall in between several Warriors in no mans land. Matthew Davis, would move the courtesy runner Zach Williams over to 3rd with a ground out. After Ramey picked up a strikeout for the 2nd out, Williams, would come in to score after a wild pitch to give the Dragons a 1-0 lead. Ramey, would pick up his 3rd strikeout of the game to send it to the bottom of the second.
In the bottom of the second, Starks, would toss a scoreless frame as he picked up his 2nd and 3rd strikeout of the game, and fielded a comebacker for the ground out. Heading to the top of the third, Pickens led White County, 1-0.
Ezra Faber, would lead off the top of the third by working a full count walk to reach 1st. A double by Jennings Allen, would put runners at 2nd and 3rd with nobody out. A.J. Rice, would bring in Faber with an RBI ground out to make it 2-0 Dragons. Allen, would advance to 3rd on the play. Allen, would then come in to score on a wild pitch to make it 3-0 heading to the bottom of the third.
In the bottom of the third, Starks, would pick up two quick outs with a ground out and a strikeout. Butler, would keep the inning going by drawing his 2nd walk of the game. Starks, would get out of the inning with a fly out. Heading to the fourth, Pickens led White County, 3-0.
Davis, would add to the Dragons lead in the top of the fourth as the lefty would pull one over the right field fence for a solo home run to make it 4-0. Ramey, would get out of the fourth with a pair of ground outs. In the bottom of the fourth, Campbell, would lead off by drawing his 2nd walk of the game. After picking up his 5th strikeout, Brady Gaddis, would draw a walk. John Bannon, would pick up the Warriors first hit of the game to load the bases with 1-out.
Starks, would do a good job of settling in and calming himself down as he would pick up his 6th and 7th strikeout of the game to keep the Warriors scoreless. Heading to the fifth, Pickens led White County, 4-0.
In the top of the fifth, Allen, would reach with a 1-out double. Rice, would follow that up by drawing a walk to put runners on 1st and 2nd with 1-out. After a strikeout, Cade Sutton, would send a shot down the right field line for a 2-RBI triple as both Allen and Rice would come in to score. Jenkins, would keep the inning alive for the Dragons by drawing a walk.
Davis, would then reach on a two base error as both Sutton and courtesy runner Zach Williams, would come in to score in the play to make it 8-0 Dragons heading to the bottom of the fifth.
Daven Abernathy, would come on in relief of Starks in the bottom of the fifth. The Warriors, would threaten a big inning yet again as they would load the bases. Abernathy, would work around a pair of walks and a single to keep the Warriors scoreless. Heading to the sixth, the Dragons led it, 8-0.
In the top of the sixth, Sam Hammontree, would lead off by drawing a walk. Caden Kirchoff, would come in to pitch run for Hammontree. Warriors relief pitcher, Josh Adams, would pick up a strikeout and two fly outs to keep the Dragons off the board. In the bottom of the sixth, Abernathy, in his second inning of relief, would force three ground outs in a scoreless frame. Heading to the seventh, the Dragons led the Warriors, 8-0.
Dawson Lowitt, would lead off the top of the seventh with a single. Chase Hulsey, who would come in to pitch run for Lowitt, would steal 2nd to get into scoring position. After a pair of strikeouts, Williams, would draw a 2-out walk. Hulsey, would advance to 3rd on a passed ball to put runners at 1st and 3rd. Adams, in his 2nd inning of relief, would strikeout the side to send it to the bottom of the seventh.
In the bottom of the seventh, Kam Jenkins, would come on in relief of Abernathy. Carter Nguyen, would lead off the inning with an infield single. Butler, would then draw his 3rd walk of the game to put runners at 1st and 2nd with nobody out. Alex Freeman, would then reach on an error to load the bases. After Jenkins would strike out Campbell for the first out, Ramey, would bring in Nguyen with an RBI ground out to make it 8-1.
Jenkins, would close out the game with his second strikeout of the inning as the Dragons would pick up the win, 8-1. The Dragons, sweep the series, 3-0.
Stats for the Dragons:
A.J. Rice: 1 walk, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored
Christian Starks: 4 IP, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 H, 7 K, 5 BB on 69 pitches
Dawson Lowitt: 1-1 with 1 single
Cade Sutton: 1-3 with 1 triple, 2 RBI, and 1 run scored
Kam Jenkins: 1-2 with 1 double, and 1 walk & 1 IP, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 H, 2 K, 1 BB on 25 pitches
Matthew Davis: 1-3 with 1 home run, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored
Sam Hammontree: 1 walk
Ezra Faber: 1 walk and 1 run scored
Jennings Allen: 2-3 with 2 doubles and 2 runs scored
Chase Hulsey: 1 steal
Zach Williams: 1 walk and 2 runs scored
Daven Abernathy: 2 IP, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 H, 1 K, 2 BB on 31 pitches
6-AAA Baseball Standings:
Pickens: 11-1 (3-0)
Lumpkin: 9-2 (3-0)
North Hall: 7-3 (3-0)
Dawson: 8-4 (3-0)
White County: 5-6 (0-3)
GAC: 3-6 (0-3)
Johnson-Gainesville: 2-10 (0-3)
Chestatee: 1-11 (0-3)
The Dragons, will begin probably the most important series of the season as they will travel down to Gainesville to start a three game set with the North Hall Trojans. Most polls have the Dragons and Trojans #2 and #3 in AAA. Game one, will be on Tuesday, March 11th at North Hall. First pitch scheduled for 5:55 pm.
Six run sixth inning propels Dragons to series win
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports March 7, 2025
Jasper, Ga — The Pickens Dragons, hosted the White County Warriors at Dunn Field on Thursday, March 6th for game two of their three game series in 6-AAA play. After a 4-0 victory on Tuesday at White County, the Dragons, were looking for a series win in game two. After trailing 1-0, 4-0, and 4-2 during the game, the Dragons, used a 6-run sixth inning to take the lead where they would hold on for the win, 8-4.
The Warriors, would scratch a run across early on in the ball game after a double by Alex Freeman and an RBI single by Caleb Campbell would make it 1-0. Dragons starter Jackson Nunn, would do a good job of limiting the damage as he would force a pair of ground outs to send it to the bottom half of the first. In the bottom half of the inning, the Dragons, would get back to back 1-out singles from Christian Starks and Cade Sutton.
Starks, would be forced out at 3rd as Kam Jenkins would reach on a fielder’s choice. Warriors starter Grant Gooch, would force a fly out to get out of the potential jam and send it to the second with White County leading, 1-0.
In the top of the second, Nunn, would work around a pair of walks as he would force a ground out, a pop out, and pick up his first strikeout of the game. Matthew Davis, would lead off the bottom of the second with a single to right. After a pop out to 2nd, Sam Hammontree, would reach on a fielder’s choice as Davis would be forced out at 2nd. Gooch, would get out of the second with a strikeout to send it to the third with the Warriors still leading it, 1-0.
Campbell, would lead off the top of the third with a single. Shelton Ramey and Sawyer Gailey, would follow that with singles of their own to load the bases with nobody out. John Bannon, would bring in Campbell after drawing a walk to make it 2-0. Nunn, would come back with back to back strikeouts. The Warriors, would add to their lead as Brayden Roach would drive in Ramey and Gailey with a 2-RBI single to make it 4-0 Warriors.
Nunn, would get out of the inning with a fly out. Heading to the bottom of the third, White County led Pickens, 4-0. In the bottom of the third, Sutton, would reach 2nd on a 2-out error by the right fielder. A passed ball would allow Sutton to advance over to 3rd. Gooch, would get out of the third after forcing a fly out to send it to the fourth with the Warriors ahead, 4-0.
Ezra Faber, would come on in relief in the top of the fourth for the Dragons. He would force a ground out, and pick up two strikeouts to send it to the bottom of the frame. In the bottom of the fourth, Davis, would reach for the second time with a 1-out single. He would then advance to 2nd on a wild pitch. Dawson Holland, would then draw a walk to put runners at 1st and 2nd with 1-out.
A single by Hammontree, would load the bases for the Dragons. Jennings Allen, would bring in Allen with an RBI single to make it 4-1. A.J. Rice, would drive in Holland after reaching on a fielder’s choice. The Warriors, would get out of the fourth with a ground out. Heading to the fifth, White County now led it, 4-2.
In the top of the fifth, Faber, in his 2nd inning of relief, tossed another scoreless inning with a pair of ground outs and his 3rd strikeout. Sutton, would lead off the bottom of the fifth by drawing a walk. Jenkins, would draw a walk as well as the Dragons had runners on 1st and 2nd with no outs. Dawson Lowitt, would then reach on a fielder’s choice as Sutton would be thrown out at 3rd.
Freeman, who came on in relief of Gooch after the back to back walks, would then pick up a strikeout for the 2nd out. Lowitt, would be forced out at 2nd as the Warriors would get out of the fifth still ahead, 4-2.
In the top of the sixth, Faber, would pick up his 4th and 5th strikeouts for the first two outs of the inning. Cooper Garrett, kept the inning alive for the Warriors with a 2-out single. Rice, would then rob Freeman of a line drive hit as he would leap to make the grab to send it to the bottom of the sixth, Dragons trailing, 4-2. In the bottom of the sixth, Allen, would reach with a 1-out double.
After a close call on a strikeout of Rice, Starks, would drive in Allen with a 2-out RBI double to make it 4-3. Sutton, would follow that up with a double to left center that would bring in Starks to tie the game. After Jenkins drew a walk and Lowitt would be hit with a pitch, the Dragons had the bases loaded with 2-out. Davis, would drive in Sutton and courtesy runner Zach Williams with a 2-RBI double to give the Dragons a 6-4 lead.
Holland, would get in on the fun with a 2-RBI double as both Lowitt and Davis would come in to score to make it 8-4 Dragons heading to the seventh.
In the top of the seventh, Faber, would pick up his 6th strikeout for the first out. Holland, would then go flying as he would drive to catch a liner by Ramey for the 2nd out. Gailey, would keep the game alive for the Warriors by drawing a 2-out walk. Faber, would force a ground out to seal the win for the Dragons, 8-4.
Stats for the Dragons:
A.J. Rice: 1 RBI
Christian Starks: 2-4 with 1 single, 1 double, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored
Cade Sutton: 2-3 with 1 single, 1 double, 1 walk, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored
Kam Jenkins: 2 walks
Dawson Lowitt: 1 HBP, and 1 run scored
Matthew Davis: 3-4 with 2 singles, 1 double, 2 RBI, and 2 runs scored
Dawson Holland: 1-2 with 1 walk, 1 double, 2 RBI, and 1 run scored
Sam Hammontree: 1-4 with 1 single
Jennings Allen: 2-3 with 1 single, 1 double, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored
Zach Williams: 1 run scored
Ezra Faber: 4 IP, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 H, 1 BB, 6 K on 49 pitches
The series, will shift back over to White County on Friday, March 7th as the Dragons will be looking for a series sweep. First pitch is set for 5:55 pm.
Rice throws no hitter as Dragons defeat Warriors
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports March 5, 2025
Cleveland, Ga — The calendar flipped over to March which meant it was time for the region schedule for baseball to get underway. The Pickens Dragons, made the trip up to Cleveland to begin a three game series with the White County Warriors. The Dragons, came into the game with an 8-1 record. The Warriors, came into the game with a 5-3 overall record. Junior Auburn commit A.J. Rice, threw his 2nd no hitter of the season as the Dragons got the win, 8-0.
The Dragons, would go down in order in the top of the first as Warriors starter, Trevor Butler, would force a pair of ground outs, and pick up his first strikeout. In the bottom of the frame, Rice, would work around a 1-out walk drawn by Alex Freeman, as Rice would strikeout the side to send it to the second inning, with the score tied at 0.
Kam Jenkins, would draw a walk on a full count to lead off the top of the second. A sacrifice bunt, would move the courtesy runner Caden Kirchoff, over to 2nd. An RBI single from Matthew Davis, would drive in Kirchoff to make it 1-0 Dragons. Davis, would then steal 2nd to get into scoring position. A 2-out RBI single by Sam Hammontree, would bring in Davis to make it 2-0.
A double by Jennings Allen, would put runners at 2nd and 3rd with 2-out. A 2-RBI double by Rice, would make it 4-0 Dragons heading to the bottom of the second. The Warriors, would go down in order in the bottom of the second as Rice forced a ground out, a line out, and picked up his 4th strikeout to send it to the third with Pickens leading, 4-0.
Butler, tossed a scoreless top of the third with a ground out and a pair of strikeouts. In the bottom half of the third, Rice, would strikeout the side to push his total up to 7 for the night. Heading to the fourth inning, the Dragons continued to lead White County, 4-0.
The Dragons, would go down in order in the top of the fourth as Butler would force a pop out, and pick up another pair of strikeouts to push his total up to 6. In the bottom half of the fourth, Rice, would again strikeout the side. The second inning, continued to be the difference maker as the Dragons still led the Warriors, 4-0, heading to the fifth.
Butler, doing his best to keep his team in it, tossed his third consecutive scoreless inning in the top of the fifth as he forced two ground outs and picked up his 7th strikeout. In the bottom of the fifth, Rice, would force a ground out, and pick up his 11th and 12th strikeout to send it to the sixth with Pickens leading, 4-0.
Cade Sutton, would lead off the top of the sixth by drawing a walk as the Dragons would have their first base runner since the second inning. Sutton, would then advance all the way to 3rd after an error by the Warriors. After Butler picked up back to back strikeouts, Davis, would reach on a dropped third strike as Sutton would come in to score to make it 5-0 Dragons.
Dawson Holland, would keep the inning going with a 2-out single to put runners at 1st and 2nd. Butler and the Warriors, would get out of the sixth without any other damage done after a ground out. In the bottom of the sixth, Rice, would force a ground out, and pick up strikeout #13 and #14 on the night. Heading to the seventh, Pickens led White County, 5-0.
Rice, would reach with a 1-out single in the top of the seventh. Christian Starks, would drive in Rice with an RBI triple to make it 6-0. A sacrifice fly RBI by Sutton, would bring in Starks to make it 7-0. A 2-out double by Jenkins, would keep the inning going for the Dragons. Dawson Lowitt, would drive in courtesy runner Coleman Keener with an RBI single to make it 8-0 Dragons heading to the bottom of the seventh.
In the bottom half of the seventh, Rice, would finish the complete game no hitter with his 15th and 16th strikeout, and a ground out. The Dragons, pick up the win in their 6-AAA opener, 8-0.
Stats for the Dragons:
A.J. Rice: 2-4 with 1 double, 1 single, 2 RBI, and 1 run scored & 7 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 16 K on 86 pitches
Christian Starks: 1-4 with 1 triple, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored
Cade Sutton: 1 walk, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored
Kam Jenkins: 1-3 with 1 double, and 1 walk
Dawson Lowitt: 1-4 with 1 single and 1 RBI
Matthew Davos: 1-4 with 1 single, 1 steal, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored
Dawson Holland: 1-3 with 1 single
Sam Hammontree: 1-3 with 1 single, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored
Jennings Allen: 1-3 with 1 double, and 1 run scored
Caden Kirchoff: 1 run scored
Coleman Keener: 1 run scored
The Dragons and Warriors, will be back at it on Thursday, March 6th as the series shifts to Dunn Field for game two of the three game set. The first pitch is scheduled for 5:55 pm.
Dragons drop road game against Ringgold
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports March 1, 2025
Ringgold, Ga — The Pickens Dragons, made the trip up to Ringgold on Friday, February 28th as they took on the Tigers in their final non-region game before 6-AAA play started. Coming into the game, the Dragons, were 8-0. The Tigers, were 5-3. After trailing 7-1, the Tigers, would come back to pick up an 8-7 win over the Dragons.
A.J. Rice, looked to get things started early for the Dragons as he reached on lead off single. The Tigers, would induce a double play to clear the bases. Cade Sutton, would keep the inning alive as he would reach base after an error. Tigers starter Wesley Blair, would get out of the inning with a ground out. The Tigers, looked to put some runs up early as they would pick up a pair of walks and a single to load the bases with nobody out.
Dragons starter Christian Starks, was able to get out of the bases loaded jam as he picked up a pair of strikeouts and a fly out to send it to the second with the score still tied at 0.
Sam Hammontree, would reach with a 1-out single. Dawson Holland, would follow that up with a single of his own. Matthew Davis, would then draw a walk to load the bases with 1-out. A 2-RBI single by Jennings Allen, would score both Hammontree and Holland to make it 2-0 Dragons. Davis and Allen, would come around to score as Rice would reach on an error.
Rice, would then make his way home as Starks would reach on an error to make it 5-0 Dragons. The Tigers, would get out of the top of the second with a double play trailing the Dragons, 5-0. Blair, would reach on an error to lead off the bottom of the second. The Dragons defense, would then turn a 4-6-3 double play to clear the bases. Cade Broom, would keep the inning going by drawing a 2-out walk.
Starks, would get out of the second with his 3rd strikeout of the game to send it to the third with the Dragons leading the Tigers, 5-0.
In the top half of the third, Dawson Lowitt, would draw a 1-out walk to reach base. Lowitt, would then take 2nd after a throwing error on a pick off attempt. Hammontree, would draw a walk to put runners at 1st and 2nd with 1-out. Holland, would then reach on a fielder’s choice as Hammontree would be forced out at 2nd. Holland, would then steal 2nd to put runners at 2nd and 3rd.
Davis, would drive in both Lowitt and Holland with a double to make it 7-0 Dragons. The Tigers, would get out of the inning with a ground out to send it to the bottom of the third. In the bottom of the third, Jackson Black, would lead off with a single. Garrett Edgar and Eli Crew, would follow with back to back walks to load the bases with nobody out. Haddon Fries, would drive in Black with a sacrifice fly RBI to make it 7-1.
Starks, would get out of the inning by inducing a 4-6-3 double play to send it to the fourth with the Dragons leading the Tigers, 7-1.
Starks, would look to get something going for the Dragons as he would reach on an error with 1-out. Sutton, would follow by drawing a walk to put runners at 1st and 2nd. Starks and Sutton, would then advance up a base after a passed ball. The Tigers, would get out of the third with a pop out and a ground out to send it to the bottom of the fourth with the Dragons leading, 7-1.
In the bottom of the fourth, the Tigers, would draw a few walks as well as take advantage of some errors by the Dragons as they would plate 5 runs to get back into the game. Heading to the fifth, the Dragons, were hanging on to a 7-6 lead.
The Dragons, would go down in order in the top of the fifth as the Tigers would force a pair of fly outs and a line out. Daven Abernathy, who came on in relief in the bottom of the fourth, would work around a 1-out walk in the bottom of the fifth as the Dragons would send it to the sixth, clinging to a 7-6 lead.
In the top of the sixth, the Dragons, would again go down in order as the Tigers would pick up a ground out and two strikeouts to send it to the bottom of the sixth. In the bottom of the frame, Crew, would reach first on an error with 1-out. Fries, would follow with a single to put runners at 1st and 2nd. A wild pitch, would allow pitch runner Franklin Helsel and Fries to move up a base.
Helsel, would then come in to score on a fielder’s choice. Fries, would also come in to score after a fielder’s choice as the Tigers would take an 8-7 lead into the seventh.
Sutton, would lead off the top of the seventh with a single. Kam Jenkins, would then follow that up by drawing a walk to put runners at 1st and 2nd. A ground out by Lowitt, would advance the runners over to 2nd and 3rd. The Tigers, would end the game with a double play as Ringgold would hold on to defeat Pickens, 8-7.
Stats for the Dragons:
A.J. Rice: 1-4 with 1 single and 1 run scored
Christian Starks: 3 IP, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 H, 5 BB, 3 K on 66 pitches
Cade Sutton: 1-3 with 1 single and 1 walk
Kam Jenkins: 1 walk
Dawson Lowitt: 1 walk and 1 run scored
Sam Hammontree: 1-3 with 1 single, 1 walk, and 1 run scored
Dawson Holland: 1-3 with 1 single, 1 steal, and 2 runs scored
Matthew Davis: 1-2 with 1 double, 1 walk, 2 RBI, and 1 run scored
Jennings Allen: 1-3 with 1 single, 2 RBI, and 1 run scored
The Dragons, will be back in action on Tuesday, March 4th as they begin 6-AAA play with a three game series against the White County Warriors. The first game of the series will be at White County with a first pitch time scheduled for 5:55 pm.
Dragons clinch #1 seed in 6-AAA region tournament
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports February 1, 2025
Jasper, Ga — On the final day of January, the Pickens Dragons welcomed the White County Warriors to the Dragons Den for a 6-AAA contest. The Dragons, came into the game 21-0 overall and 11-0 in 6-AAA. The Warriors, came into the game at 5-17 overall and 4-7 in 6-AAA play. The Dragons, used a big first quarter to cruise to an 89-42 win.
The Dragons, got things going right after the tip as McCord Purdy, found Dodge Davis for the three to make it 3-0. That would help kickoff a 7-0 run for the Dragons as they took a 7-0 lead. Blayne Gunter, who recently returned for the Warriors, would put an end to the run and make it 7-2. The Dragons, would then go on a 10-0 run to stretch their lead out to 17-2. A basket by Dawson Oliver, would put an end to the run and make it 17-4.
Dodge Davis, would then get the layup to go through contact. He would make the free throw to make it 20-4. After a three by Cohen Michaud, Purdy and Brock Barton, would hit back to back threes to give the Dragons a 26-7 lead. The two teams would trade baskets to end the first quarter as the Dragons led it, 28-9.
A bucket by Barton, would start the scoring in the second quarter as he would make it 30-9. The Dragons, would then go on a free throw streak as Parker Davis and Jamin Martin, would go 6-6 to make it 36-9. A three by Michaud, would make it 36-12. After a layup by Caleb Lanford, Gunter, would go on a 5-0 run as he would hit a three and then complete an and-1 play to cut the lead down to 38-18.
A jumper from DJ Mitchell, would make it 40-18. A buzzer beater from Gunter, would make it 40-20 with Pickens ahead at the half.
Much like he did to begin the game, Dodge Davis, would start the second half off with a three to make it 43-20. Purdy, would follow that up with a layup to make it 45-20. A three by Tripp Nix, would get the Warriors on the board in the third. The Dragons, would then go on an 8-0 run to stretch the lead out to 53-23. A basket by Gunter, would put an end to the run and make it 53-25.
Lanford and Dodge Davis, would then hit back to back threes to make it 59-25. Michaud, would make a pair of free throws to make it 59-27. The Dragons, would then go on a 7-0 run to stretch the lead to 66-27. After a three by Gunter, Parker and Dodge Davis, would close out the third quarter with back to back baskets to make it 70-30 heading to the fourth.
Parker Davis and Lanford, would begin the fourth quarter by going on a 9-0 run to make it 79-30. After a bucket by Gunter, the Davis brothers, would make back to back baskets to stretch the lead to 83-32. Michaud and John Phillips, would then go on a 4-0 run to make it 83-36. Mitchell, would end the mini run with a three to make it 86-36. After Phillips split a pair of free throws, Oliver, would connect on a layup to make it 86-39.
Montego Morgan, would get in on the scoring action with a three to make it 89-39. A late three by Tyler Franklin, would make it 89-42. The Dragons, would dribble out the clock and come away with an 89-42 victory.
Leading scorer for the Dragons:
Dodge Davis: 24 points
Parker Davis: 23 points
Caleb Lanford: 12 points
McCord Purdy: 12 points
Brock Barton: 10 points
DJ Mitchell: 5 points
Montego Morgan: 3 points
Jamin Martin: 2 points
6-AAA Boys Region Standings:
Pickens: 22-0 (12-0)
GAC: 17-6 (9-3)
Lumpkin: 15-8 (9-3)
North Hall: 13-10 (6-6)
Dawson: 8-15 (5-7)
White County: 5-18 (4-8)
Chestatee: 4-19 (3-9)
Johnson-Gainesville: 1-19 (0-12)
With that win, the Dragons, have clinched the #1 seed for the 6-AAA region tournament that will begin for the boys on Wednesday, February 12th. Before that, the Dragons will make the trip down to Milton to take part in the Longhorn Showcase where they will take on the North Gwinnett Bulldogs in non-region action on Saturday, February 1st. Tip off is set for 1:30 pm.
Davis brothers combine for 50 as Dragons sweep Spartans
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports January 29, 2025
Norcross, Ga — The Pickens Dragons, took to the road for the final time during the ’24-’25 season as they battled the Greater Atlanta Christian School Spartans on Tuesday, January 28th. Coming into the game, the Dragons, were 20-0 and 10-0 in 6-AAA. The Spartans, were 15-5 and 7-2 in 6-AAA. The Dragons, got 26 from Dodge Davis and 24 from Parker Davis in route to a 76-50 win over the Spartans.
Parker Davis, got the scoring started with a layup to make it 2-0 early. A layup by Baer Bailey, would tie the game up at 2. From there, the Dragons would go on an 11-0 run as Dodge Davis, Caleb Lanford, MCord Purdy, and Parker Davis would all combine to give Pickens a 13-2 lead. The Spartans, would counter with a 5-0 run as Vinh Nguyen would hit a three and Bailey would make another lay in to make it 13-7.
A three by Lanford, would stretch the lead to 16-7. After a pair of free throws from Ledger Kincaid, Mario Hill Jr would make a basket to cut the lead to 16-11. A three by Dodge Davis, would temporarily put an end to the Spartans run. Hill Jr and Kincaid would then team up again to go on a 5-0 run to make it 19-16. A layup by Dodge Davis would give the Dragons a 21-16 lead heading to the second quarter.
Purdy would get things going in the second quarter with a three to make it 24-16. Nguyen and Hill Jr, would then combine for a 6-0 run to cut the lead to 24-22. Parker Davis, would then make back to back shots to give the Dragons a 28-22 lead. After a couple of fouls by both teams, Hill Jr., would step to the line and make both free throws. Mikey Carpenter, would then get his name in the score book to make it 26-24.
The Dragons, would close out the first half with Lanford hitting a three, and Parker Davis completing an and-1 play to give Pickens a 34-26 lead at the half.
The Dragons, would begin the second half by going on a 6-0 run as Parker Davis would make a layup, Dodge Davis would split a pair of free throws, and Brock Barton would hit a three to make it 40-26. A three by Bailey, would put an end to the run and make it 40-29. Later on in the quarter, Barton, the Davis brothers, and Lanford, would help stretch the lead out to 51-37.
A three by Hill Jr., would make it 51-40. The Davis brothers, would go on a 6-0 run to end the third quarter as the Dragons took a 57-40 lead into the fourth.
The Spartans, would start the fourth quarter by hitting a three to make it 57-43. After Parker Davis and Hill Jr. traded baskets, Parker Davis, would complete another and-1 play to make it 62-45. Kincaid, would hit a three to make it 62-48. A 5-0 run by Dodge Davis, would make it 67-48. After a basket by Bailey, the Dragons, would close out the game on a 9-0 run to pick up a 76-50 victory.
Leading scorers for the Dragons:
Dodge Davis: 26 points
Parker Davis: 24 points
Caleb Lanford: 13 points
Brock Barton: 7 points
McCord Purdy: 6 points
6-AAA Boys Basketball Standings:
Pickens: 21-0 (11-0)
Lumpkin: 14-8 (8-3)
GAC: 15-6 (7-3)
North Hall: 12-9 (5-5)
Dawson: 7-14 (4-6)
White County: 4-17 (3-7)
Chestatee: 4-17 (3-7)
Johnson-Gainesville: 1-17 (0-10)
The Dragons, will begin a three game home stand to close out the regular season beginning with a game against the White County Warriors on Friday, January 31st. The Dragons, defeated the Warriors back on January 3rd. Tip off is set for 7:30 pm.
Dragons open 2025 with big region win
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports January 3, 2025
Cleveland, Ga — On Friday, January 3rd, the Pickens Dragons made the drive up to Cleveland to take on the White County Warriors in a 6-AAA match up to begin the 2025 portion of the schedule. The Dragons, came into the game a perfect 12-0 on the season and 3-0 in region play. While the Warriors came into the game at 3-9 overall, they held a 2-1 record in region play. Behind a big performance from Dodge Davis, the Dragons, kept their hot streak rolling with a 73-35 win.
The Dragons, began the first quarter by going on a 14-0 run. Caleb Lanford, and Dodge and Parker Davis contributed to the big run. Dawson Oliver, would end the run with a floater to make it 14-2. Dodge Davis and McCord Purdy, would then hit back to back threes to make it 22-2 Dragons heading to the second quarter.
Purdy, would start the second quarter with a layup to make it 24-2. Tripp Nix, would then connect on the first three pointer of the night for the Warriors to make it 24-5. After a three by Lanford, Nix, would make another three to make it 27-8. The Dragons, would then knock down 8 straight three pointers as Dodge Davis would hit seven of the eight. His brother Parker, would make the other one to make it 51-8.
Oliver, would put an end to the run with a pair of free throws. Parker Davis, would make a layup to make it 53-10. Oliver, would make another pair of free throws to close the first half as the Dragons led it, 53-12.
Dodge Davis, began the second half with a layup to stretch the lead to 55-12. After a three by Cohen Michaud, Brock Barton, would answer with a three of his own. After both teams traded baskets, the Dragons, would go on a 7-0 run to close out the third quarter as they led it, 68-20.
Purdy, would open the scoring in the fourth quarter by splitting a pair of free throws to make it 69-20. After a bucket by Nix, the Dragons would go on a 5-0 run as Aiden Mumaw would make a layup, and Jamin Martin would hit a three to make it 74-22. The Warriors, would counter with their own 5-0 run to make it 74-27. After a three by DJ Mitchell would end the run, The Warriors, would go on another 5-0 run to make it 77-32.
A floater by Martin, would end the run and make it 79-32. A three by Nix, would be the final scoring of the game by either team as the Dragons, come away with the 79-35 victory.
Leading scorers for the Dragons:
Dodge Davis: 37 points: (9 threes)
McCord Purdy: 12 points
Parker Davis: 11 points
Caleb Lanford: 6 points
Jamin Martin: 5 points
Brock Barton: 3 points
DJ Mitcherll: 3 points
Aiden Mumaw: 2 points
6-AAA Region Standings:
Pickens: 13-0 (4-0)
Lumpkin: 9-6 (3-1)
GAC: 10-4 (3-1)
North Hall: 8-6 (2-2)
White County: 3-10 (2-2)
Chestatee: 2-13 (1-3)
Dawson: 4-11 (1-3)
Johnson-Gainesville: 1-9 (0-4)
The Dragons, will be right back on the court on Saturday, January 4th as they take on the Coahulla Creek Colts in the first home game of 2025. Tip off is set for 5:30 pm.
Dragons end 2024 with a 12-0 record
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports December 31, 2024
St. Simons Island — The Pickens Dragons, were lucky enough to ring in the new year down near the beach as they were one of eight teams that took part in Basketball at the Beach. A scouting service/media outlet named Relentless Hoops, put on the event. Frederica Academy, hosted the event. On Monday, December 30th, the Dragons, defeated the Johnson-Savannah Atom Smashers by a score of 62-54. On Tuesday, a big third quarter helped the Dragons pick up a 63-41 win over the Groves Rebels.
Dodge Davis got the scoring going for the Dragons with a bucket. The Rebels, answered with a basket to tie it up at 2. The Dragons, would then go on a 7-0 run to lead it, 9-2. Back to back buckets from Tyrone Chisholm, would cut the lead down to 9-6. After both teams traded baskets, the Dragons would close out the first quarter on a 4-0 run as Montego Morgan would hit a three, and McCord Purdy would split a pair of free throws to make it 17-10 going to the second.
Avion Dillard, would get the scoring started in the second quarter as he would cut the lead to 5. A 5-0 run by Purdy, would stretch the lead out to 22-12. Davion Adams, would end the run with a basket to make it 22-14. The two teams would go back and forth the rest of the first half as the Dragons led the Rebels, 25-18 at the break.
The second half began with Cameron Jenkins getting the bucket for the Rebels to once again cut the lead to 5. A combined 5-0 run by Caleb Lanford and Parker Davis, stretched the lead out to 30-20. A basket by Chisholm, would again get the lead down to single digits. Dodge Davis, would then go on a 6-0 run to make it 36-22 Dragons. After a bucket by Kaleb Detty put an end to the run, the Dragons, would rattle off 13 straight points to make it 49-24. A free throw by Adams closed out the third as Pickens led Groves, 49-25.
Dillard, would split a pair of free throws to begin the fourth quarter. Parker Davis, would score the first field goal of the fourth to make it 51-26. After a bucket by Detty, Dodge Davis would make a pair of free throws as the Dragons led it, 53-28. After both teams made a basket, Chisholm, would go on a 5-0 run to make it 55-35. Camden Jones, would put an end to the run with a bucket to make it 57-35.
The Rebels, would then go on a 6-0 run to cut the lead to 57-41. The Dragons, would end the game on a 6-0 run as Brock Barton and Parker Davis combined for the run. The Dragons, took this one, 63-41.
Leading scorers for the Dragons:
Dodge Davis: 16 points
Parker Davis: 11 points
Caleb Lanford: 11 points
McCord Purdy: 10 points
Brock Barton: 6 points
Jamin Martin: 4 points
Montego Morgan: 3 points
Camden Jones: 2 points
The Dragons, will enter the 2025 with a 12-0 record. Pickens, will be on the road to begin the new year as they will head up to Cleveland to take on the White County Warriors in a 6-AAA match up. Tip off 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.
Dragons sweep region series with White County
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports March 14, 2024
Cleveland, Ga — On Thursday, March 14th, the Pickens Dragons baseball team celebrated pi day by heading up to Cleveland, Ga to take on the White County Warriors in the third game of their 3-game set. Coming into the third game, the Dragons, had won the previous two games, 4-0. In those two games, they combined to give up just 3 hits, 1 walk, and 1 hit batsman while striking out 27 batters. The Pitching for the Dragons, continued its stellar series as A.J. Rice, Cason Cannon, and J.P. Nunn combined for a shutout in the 7-0 win.
The Dragons, got things started early in the top of the first as Connor Shouse drew a lead off walk on a full count to reach base. Shouse, would advance to 2nd on a wild pitch, and steal 3rd. Trey Payne, would drive in Shouse with an RBI ground out to make it 1-0. Pickens threatened to score more in the top half of the frame as Kam Jenkins and Dawson Holland hit back to back singles, but the Warriors would get out of it to send it to the bottom of the first.
In the bottom half of the first, Rice, the starter for the Dragons, picked up his first strikeout on three pitches. After the Warriors would reach on a 1-out double, Rice would get out of the potential jam with a ground out and a pop fly to send it to the second with Pickens leading, 1-0.
In the top of the second, Trace Ledbetter, led off by drawing a walk on four pitches. Christian Starks, would follow that up with a single to put runners at 1st and 2nd. Rice, would then move them over on a sacrifice bunt. Shouse, would bring in Ledbetter on an RBI ground out to make it 2-0. A 2-out RBI double by Trey Payne would drive in Starks to make it 3-0 Dragons going to the bottom of the second.
In the bottom of the second, Rice, would have a clean 1-2-3 inning as he forced a ground out and picked up his 2nd and 3rd strikeout. Going to the third, Pickens led White County, 3-0.
In the top of the third, Holland, kept the inning alive with a 2-out walk, but the Warriors got out of it with a ground out. In the bottom of the frame, the Warriors would reach base with a lead off single. That would be all for the Warriors in the third as Rice struck out the side to bring his total to 6. Going to the fourth, Pickens led White County, 3-0.
In the top of the fourth, Starks, picked up his 2nd hit of the night with a 1-out single. The Warriors, were able to turn an inning ending double play to send it to the bottom of the fourth. In the bottom of the inning, Rice, picked up two ground outs and his 7th strikeout in a scoreless fourth. Going to the fifth, Pickens still led White County, 3-0.
Shouse, would lead off the top of the fifth by drawing his 2nd walk of the game. He would then steal 2nd to get into scoring position. Shouse, would then swipe his second bag of the inning as he would steal 3rd, then score on an error to make it 4-0. Jenkins, would keep the inning going by drawing a 2-out walk. His courtesy runner, Nunn, would advance to 2nd on an error. The Warriors, would get out of the inning with a strikeout.
In his final inning of work, Rice, struck out the side for the second time to bring his strikeout total to 10 on the night. Going to the sixth, Pickens led White County, 4-0.
In the top of the sixth, the Dragons worked a little 2-out magic as Starks reached base after his third hit of the game. Rice, would follow that up with an RBI double to stretch the lead out to 5-0. Shouse, would then draw his third walk of the night to put two runners on. The Warriors, would get out of the sixth after forcing a pop up. Cannon, would come on in relief of Rice in the bottom of the sixth.
Cannon, would work around a 2-out single as he struck out 2 in his lone inning of work. Going to the seventh, Pickens led White County, 5-0.
Cade Sutton, would lead off the top of the seventh by drawing a walk. Jenkins, would bring him in with an RBI double to make it 6-0. Jenkins, would be thrown out at 3rd trying to stretch it to a triple. Holland, would then pick up his 2nd hit of the night as he smacked a double into center. After Holland advanced to 3rd on a wild pitch, Sam Hammontree would drive Holland in with an RBI ground out to make it 7-0 Dragons going to the bottom of the inning.
Nunn, would come on in relief of Cannon in the bottom of the seventh to finish the game off. Nunn, would toss a scoreless inning with a strikeout, a pop out, and a ground out to seal the 7-0 win and a sweep for the Dragons.
Stats for the Dragons:
Connor Shouse: 3 walks, 1 RBI, and 2 runs scored
Trey Payne: 1-4 with a double and 2 RBI
Cade Sutton: 1 walk and 1 run scored
Kam Jenkins: 2-3 with a single, a double, a walk, and 1 RBI
Dawson Holland: 2-3 with a single, a double, a walk, and 1 run scored
Sam Hammontree: 1 RBI
Trace Ledbetter: 1-3 with a walk, a single, and 1 run scored
Christian Starks: 3-4 with 3 singles, and 2 runs scored
A.J. Rice: 1-2 with a sac bunt, a double, and 1 RBI & 5 IP, 2 H, 0 BB, 0 R, 0 ER, 10 K on 71 pitches
Cason Cannon: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 BB, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 K on 14 pitches
JP Nunn: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 BB, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 K on 17 pitches
7-AAA Baseball Standings:
Pickens: 12-3 (5-1)
Lumpkin: 8-6 (4-2)
Dawson: 10-4 (4-2)
White County: 8-7 (2-4)
West Hall: 4-11 (2-4)
Wesleyan: 4-7 (1-2)
Gilmer: 6-7 (0-3)
In the series sweep against White County, Dragons pitchers combined to go 21 IP, 6 H, 1 BB, 1 HBP, 0 R, 0 ER, 40 K on 276 pitches. The Dragons will now turn to the busy week they have next week as they will play four games. The first game being a non-region game against the Fannin Rebels on Monday, March 18th at Dunn Field. First pitch set for 5:30.
Dragons pitching wows in doubleheader against Warriors
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports March 13, 2024
Jasper, Ga — It was a gorgeous day to play two on Tuesday, March 12th as the Pickens Dragons hosted the White County Warriors for a doubleheader in 7-AAA action. Coming into the game, the Dragons were 9-3 overall, and 2-1 in region play. The Warriors, were 8-4 overall, and also 2-1 in region play. Dragons starters Connor Shouse and James Tilley, were masterful in both games as they both threw complete game shutouts in a pair of 4-0 wins.
Game 1:
Shouse, started game 1 of the doubleheader and he pitched beautifully. In the top of the first, Shouse fired a 1-2-3 inning on 9 pitches to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the frame, Trace Ledbetter reached base with a 1-out single. He would be left stranded and they would head to the second, tied at 0.
In the top of the second, Shouse picked up his 2nd and 3rd strikeout, as well as a ground out in a scoreless frame. The Dragons, would go down in order in the bottom half of the inning. Going to the top of the third, Pickens and White County were still tied at 0.
Shouse, threw another 1-2-3 inning in the top of the third as he tossed two more Ks and forced a grounder. In the bottom of the third, the Dragons, got back to back hits from Christian Starks and AJ Rice to start the frame. Rice, would then steal 2nd to put a pair of runners in scoring position. The Warriors, were able to get out of it with a ground out, a pop out, and a strikeout. Going to the fourth, Pickens and White County were still tied at 0.
In the top of the fourth, Shouse, tossed a scoreless inning on 8 pitches recording two strikeouts and a ground out. In the bottom of the fourth, Tyler Payne led off with a single. That would be all for the Dragons in the fourth however as they’d head to the fifth, tied at 0.
In the top of the fifth, Shouse, had a 9-pitch frame with a fly out and two more strikeouts to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom half of the fifth, Trey Payne would lead off with a single. Payne, would then advance to 3rd on a 2-base error by the catcher. Starks, would drive in Payne with an RBI single. Rice, would follow with a double. Shouse, would the hit a double down the left field line to score Starks and Rice.
After a sacrifice bunt from Ledbetter moved Shouse to 3rd, Cade Sutton would drive Shouse in with an RBI single to make it 4-0 Dragons going to the top of the sixth.
In the top of the sixth, on a 3-2 count, Shouse, threw what looked like strike 3, but it was called a ball for a lead off walk. Up until then Shouse had been perfect. The next batter would be hit by the first pitch. Shouse, would settle down and come back by striking out the side. In the bottom of the sixth, Starks, reached on a 2-out error. He would be left stranded at 2nd. Going to the seventh, Pickens led White County, 4-0.
In the top of the seventh, Shouse, finished off a complete game no hit shutout with two ground outs to Sutton and a fly out to Holland on three consecutive pitches as the Dragons took game 1 of the doubleheader, 4-0.
Stats for the Dragons in game 1:
Connor Shouse: 1-3 with a double, 2 RBI, 1 run scored & 7 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 HBP, 12 K on 73 pitches
Trace Ledbetter: 1-2 with a single and a sacrifice bunt
Cade Sutton: 1-3 with a single and 1 RBI
Tyler Payne: 1-3 with a single
Trey Payne: 1-3 with a single and 1 run scored
Christian Starks: 2-3 with 2 singles, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored
AJ Rice: 2-3 with a single, a double, and 1 run scored
Game 2:
James Tilley started game 2 of the doubleheader for the Dragons and he tossed a heck of a game. In the top of the first, Tilley worked around a 1-out error to strikeout the side. In the bottom of the inning, Connor Shouse led off by reaching on an error. Shouse, would then steal 2nd to get into scoring position. Trace Ledbetter, would advance Shouse to 3rd on a grounder. After Cade Sutton reached on a fielder’s choice, Tyler Payne would bring in Shouse on a grounder.
After advancing to 3rd on the Payne ground out, Sutton, would come into score on a wild pitch to make it 2-0 Dragons going to the top of the second.
In the top of the second, Tilley would work around a lead off single as he struck out 2 and forced a fly out in a scoreless frame. The Dragons, would go down in order in the bottom of the second as they would go to the third with Pickens leading White County, 2-0.
In the top of the third, Tilley, threw a 1-2-3 inning as he got two pop outs and his 6th strikeout of the game. In the bottom half of the frame, AJ Rice, would lead off with a single. Shouse, would follow that up with a single as Rice would advance to 3rd. Shouse, would then steal 2nd to put runners at 2nd and 3rd. The Warriors, would turn a double play as Ledbetter would be thrown out on a dropped 3rd strike, and Rice would be thrown out trying to score.
Shouse, who never stopped running on the play, took 3rd, then had the presence of mind to go home as nobody was covering the plate. Going to the top of the fourth, Pickens led White County, 3-0.
In the top of the fourth, Tilley, struck out the side in-between a catchers interference ruling to bring his total up to 9 on the night. In the bottom of the inning, Kam Jenkins reached after a 1-out double. Trey Payne, would bring in Jenkins’ courtesy runner JP Nunn, with an RBI single to make it 4-0 Dragons going to the fifth.
In the top of the fifth, Tilley, got around a 1-out double to pick up his 10th strikeouts, a ground out, and a pop out to send it to the bottom of the frame. In the bottom of the fifth, Shouse, would lead off with a single. After the Warriors got Ledbetter to fly out to center, they forced an inning ending double play to send it to the sixth with Pickens leading, 4-0.
In the top of the sixth, Tilley, tossed another scoreless inning as he picked up his 11th and 12th strike out, a long with a fly out to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the sixth, the Dragons would go down in order on a ground out, a fly out, and a line out. Going to the seventh, Pickens led White County, 4-0.
In the top of the seventh, Tilley finished off a masterful start by striking out the side to give him 15 on the night. The Dragons, take game 2, 4-0, to sweep the doubleheader.
Stats for the Dragons in game 2:
Connor Shouse: 2-3 with 2 singles and 2 runs scored
Cade Sutton: 1 run scored
Kam Jenkins: 1-3 with a double
Trey Payne: 1-2 with a single and 1 RBI
AJ Rice: 1-2 with a single
JP Nunn: 1 run scored
James Tilley: 7 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 15 K on 101 pitches
With the sweep of the doubleheader, the Dragons take the series from the White County Warriors. The third and final game of the series will be on Thursday, March 14th in Cleveland, Ga. First pitch set for 5:55 pm.
Dragons tied atop standings after first week of region play
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports March 8, 2024
Peachtree Corners, Ga — It was a nice day for baseball as the Pickens Dragons traveled to Wesleyan to take on the Wolves for game three of their three game region series on Thursday, March 7th. The Dragons, had already clinched the series win as a result of sweeping the doubleheader on Wednesday, March 6th. In a back and forth game, it was the Wolves who came away with the win in game three, 7-4.
’24 Georgia Tech signee Connor Shouse, led off the game with a double to right. A fly ball to right field by Trace Ledbetter, moved Shouse up to 3rd. Cade Sutton, would bring in Shouse on an RBI ground out to make it 1-0 Dragons. In the bottom half of the first, Dragons starter AJ Rice, had a 1-2-3 inning with two ground outs and a strikeout. Going to the second, the Dragons led Wesleyan, 1-0.
In the top of the second, the Dragons would go down in order on a ground out, a fly out, and a strikeout. In the bottom of the inning, the Wolves would have their first base runner of the evening as he would reach on an error. That runner would be wiped out on the next pitch after an inning ending double play to send it to the third with Pickens still leading the Wolves, 1-0.
In the top of the third, Rice reached base with a 1-out single. After stealing 2nd, Rice would advance to 3rd on a fly out by Shouse. The Wolves, were able to escape the scoring threat as they got a pop up for the 3rd out. In the bottom of the third, the Wolves would take the lead as they scored 4 runs on a walk, a stolen base, and 3 hits. Going to the fourth, Wesleyan led the Dragons, 4-1.
Sutton, led off the top of the fourth by drawing a four pitch walk. Dawson Holland, followed that up with a single. Sutton, would advance to 3rd on the throw. Holland, would then steal 2nd. After Christian Starks drew a walk, Kam Jenkins drove in Sutton with a sacrifice fly RBI to make it 4-2. A 2-out single by Trey Payne would load the bases. The Wolves, would get out of the top of the fourth with just the one run given up as the bases were left loaded.
In the bottom of the frame, Rice, fired a 1-2-3 inning picking up his 3rd and 4th K in the process. Going to the fifth, Wesleyan led Pickens, 4-2.
Shouse, led off the top of the fifth with his 2nd hit of the day as he reached with a single. Shouse, would then steal 2nd to put himself in scoring position. With 1-out, he then swiped 3rd. Sutton, would draw a walk to put runners at the corners. Sutton, would steal 2nd to put himself in scoring position. Starks, came up with a little 2-out magic as he drove in Shouse and Sutton with a 2-RBI single to tie it at 4 going to the bottom of the fifth.
In the bottom of the fifth, the Wolves, retook the lead as they scored 3 runs on a walk, 2 hits, and an error to take a 7-4 advantage into the sixth.
In the top of the sixth, Tyler Payne, who came on to pitch hit for James Tilley, worked a walk to lead off the inning. A grounder by Trey Payne, would advance Tilley to 2nd, who came in to run for Tyler Payne. With 2-outs, the Dragons got a walk by Shouse and a single by Ledbetter to load the bases. The Dragons, were unable to scratch a run across as the Wolves caught a liner in center for the 3rd out. Going to the bottom of the sixth, Wesleyan still led, 7-4.
In the bottom of the sixth, Cason Cannon, who came on to finish out the bottom of the fifth, pitched a 1-2-3 sixth inning as he picked up two strikeouts and a ground out to send it to the seventh with the Wolves leading, 7-4.
Holland, led off the top of the seventh by working a walk to start the inning. After a strikeout for the first out, Holland would advance to 2nd on a ground out. Holland would then move to 3rd after a balk was called on the pitcher. The Wolves, would get the third out to pick up the win in game three, 7-4.
Stats for the Dragons:
Connor Shouse: 2-3 with a double, a single, 2 stolen bases, and 2 runs scored
Trace Ledbetter: 1-4 with a single
Cade Sutton: 1 RBI, 2 walks, a stolen base, and 2 runs scored
Dawson Holland: 1-3 with a single and a walk
Christian Starks: 1-3 with a walk, a single, and 2 RBI
Kam Jenkins: 1 RBI
Tyler Payne: 1 walk
Trey Payne: 1-3 with a single
AJ Rice: 1-3 with a single and a stolen base
7-AAA Baseball Standings:
Pickens: 9-3 (2-1)
White County: 8-4 (2-1)
West Hall: 4-8 (2-1)
Dawson: 7-4 (1-2)
Lumpkin: 5-6 (1-2)
Wesleyan: 4-7 (1-2)
Gilmer: 5-4 (no region games played)
The Dragons, will be back on the turf at Dunn Field on Tuesday, March 12th as they take on the White County Warriors in another 7-AAA series. First pitch set for 5:55 pm.
Dragons and Warriors split season series
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports February 3, 2024
Cleveland, Ga — The Pickens Dragons were once again on the road as they traveled to take on the White County Warriors in 7-AAA action on Friday, February 2nd. Coming into the game, the Dragons were 16-6, and 7-2 in 7-AAA. The Warriors, were 6-16, and 2-7 in 7-AAA. The Warriors, would outscore the Dragons 27-14 in the fourth quarter to come away with a 64-47 victory.
McCord Purdy, got the scoring started in the first quarter as he put the Dragons up, 3-0. After David Boman split a pair of free throws and Dawson Oliver made a layup to tie it up, the Dragons would go on a 7-0 run as Parker Davis made a layup, and Hayden Jones would make back to back baskets with a layup and a three to make it 10-3. An and-1 play by Noah Futch would cut the lead down to 4.
After both teams split free throw makes, Jamin Martin would hit a three to make it 14-7 Dragons. Blayne Gunter, would answer with a three to make it 14-10. After a layup by Parker Davis, Futch would split a pair of free throws and the Dragons would take a 16-11 lead into the second quarter.
The Warriors, began the second quarter on a 9-0 run as Boman would hit a three, then Cohen Michaud would hit back to back threes to give the Warriors a 20-16 lead. Purdy, would stop the run with a basket, but that would be the only field goal the Dragons would make in the quarter. After Oliver split a pair of free throws, Boman, would hit a bucket to make it 23-18.
It would be a free throw contest to end the first half as the Dragons would make 5 and the Warriors would make 1. Heading into the break, the Warriors led the Dragons, 24-23.
Oliver, would begin the second half by making a pair of free throws to stretch the lead out to 3. After Parker Davis and Gunter traded baskets, the Dragons would go on a 5-0 run as Caleb Lanford hit a jumper and Purdy would connect on a three to give the Dragons a 30-28 lead. The Warriors, would answer with a 7-0 run to retake the lead, 35-30. A three by Martin would cut the lead to 2. Boman, would make a layup just before the buzzer to make it 37-33 going to the fourth.
Gunter, began the fourth with a basket to make it 39-33. A three from Lanford would cut the lead to 3. Boman responded with a three to make it a 6 point game again. Purdy, answered with a three on the other end to make it 42-39. After Reid Tanner split a pair of free throws and Oliver made a layup, Parker Davis would make a layup to cut it to 45-41. The Warriors, would then go on a 13-0 run to break the game open, 58-41.
Parker Davis, ended the run with a basket to make it 58-43. After a jumper from Braxton Anderson, Jones would come back with a bucket to make it 60-45. Boman, would make a pair of free throws to bring it to 62-45. After a basket by Purdy, Anderson would make a pair of late free throws to give the Warriors a 64-47 win.
Scorers for the Dragons:
Parker Davis: 14 points
McCord Purdy: 13 points
Hayden Jones: 7 points
Jamin Martin: 6 points
Caleb Lanford: 5 points
Dodge Davis: 2 points
7-AAA Basketball Standings:
Gilmer: 15-8 (9-2)
Pickens: 16-7 (7-3)
Dawson: 13-10 (5-5)
Wesleyan: 10-13 (5-5)
Lumpkin: 12-12 (5-6)
White County: 7-16 (3-7)
West Hall: 6-16 (2-8)
The Dragons, will end their four game road trip on Tuesday, February 6th as they head to Wesleyan to take on the Wolves. The Dragons, were able to come away with a win over Wesleyan in Jasper a couple of weeks ago. Tip off is scheduled for 7:30 pm.
Dragons hit 18 threes in road win at Lumpkin
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports January 31, 2024
Dahlonega, Ga — The Pickens Dragons, made the trek to Dahlonega on Tuesday, January 30th as they took on the Lumpkin County Indians in a battle of two of the hotter teams in 7-AAA. Coming into the game, the Dragons, were 15-6, 6-2 in 7-AAA, and winners of 7 out of their last 8. The Indians, were 11-11, 4-5 in 7-AAA, and winners of 8 out of their last 9. The Dragons, hit 17 threes during the game including 6 from freshman Jamin Martin en route to a 70-50 win.
The ball game started with Hayden Jones knocking down the first three of the night to make it 3-0. T.J. Gaddis, would cut the lead to 1 as he got his first shot to drop. A lay in by Parker Davis would put the Dragons back up by 3. Caleb Lanford, would follow with a pair of free throws and Dodge Davis would hit his first three of the game to make it 10-2. Gaddis, would cut the lead in half as he made the layup and the foul shot.
After a bucket by Parker Davis, Gaddis again answered with a basket to make it 12-7. The Davis brothers, would then hit back to back threes to make it 18-7. Cal Faulkner, would be the first Indian other than Gaddis to score as he made it 18-9 as they would go to the second quarter.
The Dragons, began the second quarter with a 5-0 run as Dodge Davis made a basket and Jones hit his 2nd three to make it 23-9. Gaddis, then completed his 2nd and-1 of the game as that made it 23-12. After a three by Jamin Martin, Faulkner would go on a 6-0 run to make it 26-18. The Dragons, would then go on a 10-0 run as Martin hit two more threes, Dodge Davis hit a three, and Montego Morgan split a pair of free throws to make it 36-18.
Jac Chambers, would end the run with a three to make it 36-21. Morgan, would connect on a three just before the end of the first half to put the Dragons up, 39-21 going to the break.
The second half began with the Indians going on a 7-0 run as Landon Pierce hit a three, then Preston Cox and Chambers made back to back buckets to cut the lead to 39-28. Martin, ended the run by sinking his 4th three of the game. Faulkner responded with a three of his own. Martin, came right back and nailed his 5th three. After another three by Pierce, Lanford and Martin made back to back threes to make it 51-34.
Faulkner and Pierce would end the third quarter by making back to back threes of their own to cut the Pickens lead down to 51-40 going to the fourth.
Gaddis, would start the fourth quarter by making a pair of free throws to cut the lead down to 51-42. Back to back threes by Lanford stretched the Dragons lead back out to 57-42. After a three by the Indians, the Dragons would go on a 9-0 run to make it 66-45. A bucket by Faulkner would end the run to make it 66-47. McCord Purdy, would then hit a three to make it 69-47.
After a three by Jackson Pulley, Lanford would split a pair of free throws to end the ball game as the Dragons came away with the 70-50 win.
Scorers for the Dragons:
Jamin Martin: 18 points (6 threes)
Caleb Lanford: 12 points (3 threes)
Dodge Davis: 11 points (3 threes)
Parker Davis: 11 points (1 three)
Hayden Jones: 8 points (2 threes)
McCord Purdy: 6 points (2 threes)
Montego Morgan: 4 points (1 three)
7-AAA Basketball Standings:
Gilmer: 15-7 (9-1)
Pickens: 16-6 (7-2)
Dawson: 13-9 (5-4)
Wesleyan: 9-13 (4-5)
Lumpkin: 11-12 (4-6)
White County: 6-16 (2-7)
West Hall: 5-16 (2-8)
The Dragons, will once again be on the road as they head to Cleveland, Ga on Friday, February 2nd to take on the White County Warriors. The Dragons, defeated the Warriors back on January 9th. Tip off set for 8:30.