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Football preview: Forsyth Central at Dawson County
S-DCHS V Football pic1
The Dawson County defense lines up against a tough North Hall offense in last weeks scrimmage. - photo by Ryan Coker Dawson Community News

Football preview: Forsyth Central at Dawson County

When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.,

Where: Tiger Stadium in Dawsonville.

Records, rankings: Forsyth Central is 0-0 overall, 0-0 in Region 7-AAAAA, Div. B and unranked in Class AAAAA; Dawson County is 0-0, 0-0 in Region 7-AAA and unranked in Class AAA.

Series history: Forsyth Central leads 7-5.

Last meeting: Forsyth Central won 27-7 in 2014.

What to know: Be prepared to see the name Sid Maxwell again. The Tigers hired the former Lambert head coach after a year away from the sidelines. Maxwell started the Longhorns program when Lambert opened in 2009, and he went 27-16 with three playoff appearances in four varsity seasons. Maxwell is replacing Jeff Lee, who resigned after going 48-74 with two playoffs appearances in 12 seasons. Lee is now the head coach at North Bay Haven Charter Academy in Panama City, Florida.

Meanwhile, this will be the start of one of the more intriguing seasons for Forsyth Central in recent memory. The drought of winning seasons (13) is over after the Bulldogs went 6-4 last year. Central is celebrating its 60th anniversary going back to its days as Forsyth County High School, and it has a football team capable of making it a memorable one. Running backs Shaun Diebel and Sabrian Howard combined for 2,167 yards last season. The Bulldogs return a bevy of game-changers on defense in Cameron Daube, Sebastian Legarra, Hunter Stephens, Pierce Nufer and Robbie Repasz.

"They (Central) have the top two running backs in their region and their focus is on a power game running the football. They are a well-coached football team coming off its first winning season in 13 years. Coach (Shane) Williamson has done a great job turning the program around," Maxwell said.

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

Maxwell advises fans to get to the stadium early as parking is limited due to construction at the school.

"I know the players are hoping to have a big crowd this week. They are looking forward to the home field advantage and especially the support from the community - one heart - one beat - one team and one community. This is what football is all about," Maxwell said.