The Dawson County Lady Tigers Competitive Cheer team overcame technical difficulties to put together an almost flawless routine to capture first place at the War Eagle Classic in Gainesville on Oct. 27.

The team took to the floor at Chestatee High School with their usual “We Are Dawson!” soundtrack and launched immediately into a series of dance moves and tumbling routines when suddenly the gymnasium went quiet and the music began to cut in and out over the loudspeakers.

Momentarily confused by the circumstances, the Lady Tigers recovered quickly and maintained their composure while pausing their routine when the music stopped and starting once it played again.

“Unfortunately, we will get called on the music,” said Head Coach Kim Fleming. “Since we paused for the music we went overtime and that will cost us five points.”

Fortunately for the team those five points did not matter as they continued to perform and nailed the technical and visual aspects of every stage of the performance.

“Our energy and showmanship looked amazing on the floor,” Fleming said. “We are right where we need to be heading into regional.”

With their fifth victory of the regular season the Lady Tigers firmly positioned themselves as the team to beat when they host the regional invitational on Nov. 3 at Dawson County High School, but they acknowledge that it took a lot of work to get to where they are right now, especially after the team struggled at the South Forsyth Classic the week before.

“We worked so hard over the last week to hit the stuff we struggled on at Forsyth,” said senior cheerleader Kiki Barker.

“It was a complete 180 in our performance from last week,” said fellow senior Nicole Mulkey.