The boys’ soccer team continues to play well with wins over North Forsyth and Rabun County last week. With the two wins, Dawson is currently 6-2 overall and 2-0 in Area play.

On Wednesday, March 19 the Tigers played host to AAAAA North Forsyth High School. Head Coach Jed Lacey’s team dominated with a 3-1 win over the Raiders from Coal Mountain.

“This was a big win for us. We beat neighboring North Forsyth for the first time in school history,” said Lacey.

Dawson jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead with both goals scored by Mauricio Escobar at the 12 and 20-minute marks. It was Escobar’s team-leading eighth and ninth goals of the season.

The Raiders answered with a goal of their own with just two minutes left before halftime to cut the Tiger lead to 2-1.

The game was put out of reach with just seven minutes gone in the second half. Jose Miranda followed his shot, and off a rebound, put one past the Raider goalie.

“It was a very physical game and we love playing in these type of games,” said Lacey. “I do not think they knew we were as fast as we are. What helped tonight was we were the more disciplined team. We play a certain style and did it to a tee tonight.

“Sam Edwards did another outstanding job in goal, stopping nine out of the 10 shots taken at him tonight. The only one that got by came off a very questionable free kick call, which he deflected off the crossbar and came back and hit Sam off his shoulder and went in. He is an amazing goalkeeper,” said Lacey.

Friday the team traveled to Rabun County for a big Area match-up with the Wildcats. The Tigers came away with a hard fought 2-1 win.

Escobar scored his tenth goal of the season 10 minutes into the first half to give Dawson a 1-0 lead at the break.

Alex Cote added his fourth goal of the season late in the second half for a 2-0 lead.

The Wildcats scored late to cut Dawson’s lead to 2-1. The Tigers held on in a frantic ending to secure the victory.

“Rabun is a very good club. They fight you to the end. Their coach has done a great job building that club to where they are now. When you go into Rabun [County] you better be prepared for a battle,” said Lacey.

The Tigers are off to an amazing start, despite only having two seniors on the team. Dawson is also battling injuries to several key players.

Tigers Alex Cote and Jose Miranda were injured in the contest and are listed as day-to-day.

“Alex is a warrior. He scored the game-winning goal with his injury. Alex did not want to come out because of all the other injuries that we are going through.

That is why he is a captain and our leader,” said Lacey.

“You never want injuries, but especially now that we are in region play and Union County is looming right around the corner. We just got to find two more players who want to take advantage of an opportunity to get on the field and help us win. Injuries are part of soccer, but just not this many and not now,” he added.

“I thought Blake Frady came into the game against Rabun and completely took control of the pitch,” said Lacey. “We took a chance and needed to make a move to help after we had some more injuries and wow, did he step up. Blake is just so fast that he can run down anyone on the field. What a blessing this might turn out to be.”

The Tigers will travel to Union County on Friday for a huge match-up against the Panthers. Game time is set for 7 p.m.