The Dawson County High School varsity soccer team won both matches played last week in convincing fashion.

The Tigers defeated Fannin County, 11-1, on March 4, and Cartersville, 4-0, on March 7. Both games were played at Tiger Stadium in Dawsonville.

The game on Tuesday saw the Tigers score goals in bunches to take a 7-1 lead into halftime.

Several Dawson County Tigers entered the scoring column, but Cole Edwards was the offensive star.

He scored a hat trick with two first half goals and one in the second half.

Also scoring in the game for Head Coach Jed Lacey's No. 4-ranked, Class AAA, team were Alan Sanchez, Randy Schultz, Drew Bishop, Brandon Lund, David Velasquez and Kevin Gonzalez.

Lund also picked up three assists in the victory.

"This team plays so well together. They just love passing to each other. It's fun to watch them play," Lacey said.

With the win, the Tigers moved to 1-0 in Region 7-AAA play.

Dawson County has a 5-1 overall record currently.

"This was a good way to get our region season underway. It is always nice to win the first one. We got 22 players in the game tonight. It is nice when we can get our starters some rest and save our legs for the rest of the season," Lacey said.

Cartersville visited Tiger Stadium on Friday night for a match against the Tigers.

The first half ended up being a defensive struggle. Lund finally scored a goal for the Tigers with just 4:48 remaining before halftime on a pass from Edwards that gave Dawson County a 1-0 advantage.

After halftime, the Tigers poured on the offensive pressure. Scoring goals were Edwards, with two more goals, and Jacob Miller with just 8:41 remaining for the win.

Edwards now has eight goals on the season.

His teammate, Lund, now has seven goals and 10 assists.

Goalie Brooks Fulford now has four shutouts this season.

"We have been waiting to play this game for five years," Lacey said. "This is a marque win for us. Cartersville soccer carries a distinction well known throughout the state. We have always wanted to get them on our schedule but it never worked out. Finally, when we did we put a circle on the schedule wanting to get a quality win with this one."

Lacey praised his team's defense.

"I do have to say our defense played great again tonight. The quartet of David Velasquez, Austin Stewart, Josh Sage and Ben Leaver along with goalkeeper Brooks Fulford, you feel every night you have a chance to win," he said.

Up next for Dawson County is the Tournament of Champions in Jekyll Island this weekend.

The Tigers will play at 3:20 p.m. Thursday against Mt. Pisgah, 3:20 p.m. Friday against Kell High School and 1:30 p.m. Friday against Creekview High School to finish up the tournament.