With a big crowd of supporters cheering them on, the Tigers gutted out a 54-52 win over Calhoun in Dawsonville Saturday night

It was the first home State Playoff win for Dawson County, which has earned a spot in the PrepCountry.comGACA Coaches Poll this week at No. 9.

Just as the team has done all season, Dawson spread out the scoring with Gunnar Armstrong leading the way with 16 points.

Jonathan Sanderson added a dozen, while Bruce Clark attacked the boards for 12 rebounds to go with his 10 points. Will Anglin and Tyler Dominy added eight points apiece.

Dawson jumped out to a 22-15 lead at halftime, but the Yellow Jackets hung on with a 16-13 third-quarter run.

However, the Tigers got a boost from the mass of fans inside the DCHS gym.

They would not let us lose, said Dawson head coach Thad Burgess. What a feeling to see how Dawsonville and surrounding communities have attached to this team.

Burgess believes the teams players represent what high school sports are all about, great kids, great students, great families, and a great community backing them.

The playoffs will only get tougher as Dawson hosts the No. 8 team in Class AA, Buford tonight.

The Wolves will present a challenge to the Tigers with size and athleticism.

Our players will give every ounce of energy they have, and lay it on the line, Burgess said, no doubt in my mind.