The Dawson County High School varsity football season will come down to the Tigers' final game of the season on Friday night.
After the team's big 45-14 win over Fannin County last week, this week's home game against West Hall will determine which team takes the final playoff spot from Region 7-AAA.
"We need the entire Tiger nation to show up in force this Friday. We need as many fans there as we can get. We are fortunate to be playing at home in this type of game. We are asking as many as possible former Dawson County High School players to join us on the sidelines, not for just the present team, but for the past teams as well," said Tiger head coach Jeff Lee.
The game will also serve as Senior Night for the team's seniors.
"It will be Senior Night. Our students need to show up in force. West Hall fans have already stated that they will not be out done in the stands of this game," Lee said.
During last Friday's game, Tiger running back Cody Lamar got the Tigers on the board first with 10:37 remaining in the first quarter. Lamar scored from two yards out.
Max Muldoon tacked on the extra point and Dawson held a 7-0 lead.
Lamar added his second touchdown of the game with 10:11 left in the second quarter following another strong run from one-yard out. Muldoon's extra point was true and Dawson led 14-0.
"We were able to establish our run game early in the contest with Cody Lamar behind the first team offensive line," Lee said. "The offensive line, collectively, had the best night they have had all season."
The Rebels scored following a defensive slipup on the first play of their next possession. Swift running-back Peyton Satterfield streaked down the right sideline for a 67-yard score. The extra point was good and Fannin cut its deficit to 14-7.
Lee's offense came alive. The Tigers scored 17 more points before intermission to take a 31-7 lead into the locker room at halftime.
Quarterback Zach Buchan found wide receiver Chris Sayler twice for a 15-yard score with 4:55 left in the second quarter. Buchan then hooked up with Sayler again on a 46-yard bomb with just 28 seconds remaining in the quarter.
"Chris (Sayler) had a big night catching the ball for us," Lee said.
Dawson scored again following a fumble recovery that gave the ball back to the Tigers on the 31-yard line.
A run by Buchan took the ball down to the 19 yard line where Muldoon connected on a 36-yard field goal.
"Zack (Buchan) had a good night in directing our offense. He worked on his mistakes from the last couple of weeks and is starting to see a positive return for his work," Lee said.
Lee also picked up a milestone in his coaching career with the team's victory Friday night. Lee recorded his 100th win as a coach.
"To earn this win in my career is very special to me, but more importantly it has been the relationships that you build with your coaches and players," Lee said.
The winner of the Tigers' game on Friday night against West Hall will advance to play the winner of the game between Cartersville and Ringgold.
Friday night's kick-off is set for 7:30 p.m.