The Dawson County High School varsity Tigers football team lost a heartbreaker in the final minutes of Friday night's game against Fannin County.

Dawson County was leading 28-21 with just four minutes remaining in Friday's homecoming game. The Tigers needed to convert just two more first downs and the game would have been over.

However, fate was not on their side. The Tigers were forced to punt on fourth and three giving the ball back to the Rebels. On the next defensive series the Tigers blew coverage on third and 23, which allowed a tying touchdown pass with only 33 seconds remaining in the contest.

On Dawson County's next offensive series the Tigers drove the ball down to Fannin's 40-yardline with just 16 seconds to go in the game.

Freshman quarterback Coey Watson threw a pass over the middle that was intercepted by the Rebels. The Rebel defensive back scampered into the end zone untouched for the game-winning score.

Fannin claimed a 35-28 win.

Despite the interception, Watson had a solid game. He completed 13 of 18 attempts for 199 yards and two touchdowns.

"Coey (Watson) was just trying to make a big play and unfortunately the pass was picked off," Lee said.

The Dawson running game was shut down by a stingy Fannin defense.

Last week against Franklin County, Andrew Goley rushed for more than 100 yards, but this week the Rebels were keyed in on the junior running back. Goley was limited to 26 yards on 12 carries and a touchdown.

Also picking up yards on the ground were Kyle Hayes with 26 yards on eight carries and a score. Tiger Jeffrey Partain had eight carries for 36 yards and Watson picked up 35 yards on five attempts.

Dalton Edwards had four catches for 77 yards and a touchdown. Edwards' touchdown came on a 33-yard reception in the second quarter.

Tiger Nick Murphy also had two catches for 56 yards and a touchdown. Murphy's score came on a 56-yard reception in the second quarter from Watson.

Defensively the Tigers allowed 317 total yards, 214 rushing and 103 passing.

The top tackler was Conor Woodbury with 18. Also picking up tackles were: Luke Martin-15, Kyle Hayes-14, Brent Whalen-12, Colby Padgett-11 and Jeremy Whalen-10.

Luke Martin now has 113 tackles on the season and is 16 shy of the school record of 129 set by Zach Martin two years ago. Luke Martin is only a sophomore.

"Luke is the backbone of our defense. He is a special player," said defensive coordinator Jed Lacey.
Up next for Dawson County will be a trip to Homer to face Banks County. The Leopards are currently 4-3 overall and 1-2 in region play.

Banks County is coached by Biff Parson in his second year. Parsons has done a fine job following a 0-10 record last season.

The Leopards have wins over Johnson, 28-24, East Jackson, 43-0, North Cobb Christian, 24-8, and Lumpkin County last Friday night by a 49-46 score.

The Leopards have losses to Commerce, 28-21, Franklin County, 22-21, and Fannin County, 30-23.

Dawson County defeated Banks County 42-19 last season.

Kick off will be at 7:30 p.m.