The Tigers fans flocked to Dawson County High School stadium Friday night with such enthusiasm that the game had almost a playoff atmosphere.

A week ahead of the regular season kickoff, the Dawson County varsity football squad appeared to be in midseason form in their scrimmage against Towns County, previewing an effective passing attack and swarming defense.

Although the game may not have counted, the sidelines were full of players eager to prove that they could fill a slot on a varsity roster, while the starters stayed loose with a little helmet-knocking action.

Now that the Tigers have gotten their uniforms a little dirty, they will jump right into Region 7-AAA competition in the seasons opening contest this Friday at 7:30 p.m.

East Hall, which made the jump to the new region along with Dawson, comes to town sporting the same record the past three seasons with a 1-9 mark in 2009, 3-7 in 2010, and 5-5 last year.

But the Tigers are more than a rebuilding team this season, and will be looking to make it six-straight wins against the Vikings.

The following week, Dawson will hit the road to take on Lumpkin County in what is still a non-region matchup between the rivals.