The rivalry between Dawson and Lumpkin counties is expected to heat up Saturday night when sheriff's deputies from each county face off in a charity basketball game.

"We've always had kind of a rivalry with the Lumpkin County Sheriff's Office, so this is going to be interesting," said Dawson County Sheriff Billy Carlisle. "It's definitely going to be a competition."

Proceeds from the 7 p.m. game at Lumpkin County High School will be split between the two department's Relay for Life teams. There will also be a 50/50 raffle and concessions will be available.

Several years ago when the two agencies went head-to-head in a charity game, Dawson County came out the champions, a feat local deputies say will happen again on Saturday.

"As defending champions, we expect to win again," said Maj. Tony Wooten. "We have some good players that are in great shape."

James Bruhl, Bryan Cantrell, Greg Edwards, Ray Goodie, Chris Harris, Mich Long, Jeff Moore, Dan Ramsey and Wooten will play for Dawson.

Lumpkin County Sheriff's Lt. Wesley Burnett said his team is up for the challenge.

"We're going to play to win," he said.

Lumpkin's roster includes: Jason Betsill, Catherine Budd, Burnett, Shawn Chapman, Doug Cochran, Chris Gibbs, Roger Halstead, Chris Jenkins, Jack Jones, Scott Martin, Shane Murphy, Aaron Norrell, Danny Rider, Marcus Sewell, Matt Wimpy and Aaron Welch.

Both teams, for the past several years, have been activity involved in their respective counties' Relay for Life campaigns, which raise dollars for cancer research and is the American Cancer Society's signature fundraising event.

"Myself, as well as many of our staff, has had someone touched by cancer, so this is a good cause for our two agencies to come together and work to raise funds that will go toward finding a cure for cancer," Burnett said. "It's a good chance for the communities to come together for an important cause."

Carlisle said he is proud to have employees that are so dedicated to such a "worthy cause."

"Our employees are always so eager to help and give back," he said.

Lumpkin County Relay for Life will be held overnight beginning at 6 p.m. April 12 at Lumpkin County High School. Dawson County Relay for Life is from 6 to 11 p.m. April 26 at Veterans Memorial Park.