Playing in Blue Ridge is always a treat for any hardcore football fan. The Rebel fans support their team with a passion and it is a tough place to play. Its intimidating for any visiting team when the Fannin faithful start waving those Rebel flags and when that cannon goes off. Last year, Fannin County High School Head Football Coach Clark Drennan and his team posted an impressive 9-2 record and a region 8-AA championship. The Rebels advanced to the second round of the state play-offs before losing to Holy Innocents 21-7. This year Fannin is off to a 2-1 overall record and is currenlty 1-1 in Region 8-AA, after being trounced 41-6 by Jefferson High School last Friday night. The Rebels have picked up wins over Gilmer County 38-14 and East Jackson 20-6. Fannin will be strong on the offensive side of the ball as it returned all of its offensive lineman, along with running back Josh Gaddy (5-10, 165). Gaddy rushed for 780 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. Prediction: Coach Drennan must find a way to keep his offensive lineman fresh during the first few weeks of hot weather. He will have to rotate them on both sides to keep them fresh. The Rebels are going to try and pound the ball down the throat of the defense. Dawson almost pulled off an upset last year, losing 13-7. The Tigers had a chance to win the game at the end of regulation, but just ran out of time. Look for the Tigers to play Fannin tough again. Fannin will be out for blood after getting embarrassed in Jefferson last week. Dawson County High School Head Football Coach Jeff Lee and his defense must find a way to limit the Fannin running game. This game is a toss-up, but we will have to go with Fannin in a very close game. Fannin County 20 Dawson County 17 E-mail Pam Jacobs at sports@dawsonnews.com.