Dawson County will travel to Cumming this Friday to take on its final non-region opponent before 7-AAA competition begins later this month.

The last time the Tigers and Forsyth Central met, it was the Class AAAAA Bulldogs who rolled 39-7 over the AA Tigers.

But after five years, the momentum is now firmly on the side of Dawson County.

Forsyth Central is entering the contest 0-2 this season having given up an average of 25 points and scoring just 10 per game, although the Bulldogs have challenged themselves with cross-town rivals from 6-AAAAAA North Forsyth and South Forsyth.

With a 2-8 season last year, Forsyth Central may be looking to make Dawson its first stepping stone to an improved 2012 campaign, but the Tigers have shown that they are capable of spoiling those plans.

The quick-moving Dawson County offense has averaged 35 points per game thus far, while the defense has given up just 12 points per game.

After knocking off East Hall to gain an early advantage in Region 7-AAA and then punishing Lumpkin County the following week, the Tigers were looking at the possibility of going 3-0 to begin the season as AAAAAA North Forsyth came to town last week.

The Raiders had just edged Forsyth Central 10-7 and were searching for a little forward push to begin this season after a 1-9 campaign a year ago.

The Tigers quickly built a 21-7 lead thanks to a kickoff return for a touchdown by Chris Sayler, a touchdown catch by Zach Martin, and a touchdown catch by Mitchell Putnam.

Saylers second kickoff return for a touchdown looked to be enough to keep North Forsyth held down, putting Dawson up 28-14.

But the Raiders fought back with three late touchdowns to steal a 35-28 win over the Tigers on their home field.

However, the loss doesnt hurt Dawsons larger hopes of achieving success in 7-AAA competition.

After a bye week, the Tigers will host North Hall in the first of six region games.

The Trojans are off to a 2-0 start and will also have an open week to prepare for Dawson County on Sept. 28.