Despite the cold weather, baseball season for Coach Thad Burgess' Dawson County Tiger team began with a scrimmage game against Elbert County on Saturday.

On a chilly and windy Valentine's Day, the Tigers played seven innings in front of a decent crowd of Blue Devil and Tiger fans.

As agreed upon before the game, neither team kept score.

The offensive highlight on the windy afternoon was a home run to right field by J.T. Eggert, who is still fresh from his basketball season on Wednesday.

"We have a long way to go," Burgess said. "We are still struggling to find pitching depth, which is so important playing three region games a week. Our younger kids - so not there yet physically - will have to pitch."

Burgess also commented on his team's batting.

"Our hitting is way off, but it seems to be a good defensive team. We allowed the leadoff batter for Elbert on base in all seven innings," he said.

This week will bring freezing temperatures to Dawsonville as they attempt to open the regular season.

"Having the indoor facility is a big help, but I would like to be able to get on the field, but that doesn't seem possible this week due to the weather," Burgess said. "This is the story of high school baseball."

The varsity season will open up on Feb. 21 with a doubleheader against Chestatee in Dawsonville.

The first game will begin at noon.

Dawson County's junior team will open the season with a doubleheader against Gilmer County on Feb. 20. First pitch will be at 4:30 p.m.