Head coach Thomy Edwards' Dawson County Middle School Tiger football team fought hard but came away with a tough, 12-0, loss to Clear Creek Middle in last week's Mountain League championship game.

The Oct. 4 game was played at Clear Creek, just outside of Ellijay.

The game was a rematch for both teams. Two weeks earlier the Bobcats came away with a 6-0 double- overtime win.

"Our boys played hard and never gave up," Edwards said. "I thought we gave it our best shot. I'm really proud of this football team."

Dawson County stopped a Clear Creek drive in the first quarter. With 5:38 to play, Tiger defender Kolton Brumbelow punched the ball out of the hands of a Bobcat running back. Brumbelow then pounced on the ball to stop a potential scoring opportunity.

The first quarter ended in a 0-0 tie.

On the second play from scrimmage for Clear Creek in the second quarter, the Bobcat offense took the ball down field for a 3-yard quarterback sneak.

The 2-point conversion was no good and the Bobcats took a 6-0 lead with 5:55 remaining before halftime.

Dawson County answered, going on a long drive of its own.

Behind the strong running of Hunter Burt, Taylor Cronan and Hunter Lebaron the Tigers took the football down to Clear Creek's 5-yard line.

On fourth down and goal from the five, the Bobcats stopped Lebaron short and took over possession of the football.

Neither team could get anything going offensively in the second half.

The Tigers were desperate to get something going on offense. The hurry turned into two Dawson County interceptions that stopped the Tigers offense.

Clear Creek scored on the last play of the game with a quarterback sneak that turned into a 21-yard touchdown run.

It was a disappointing end to a great season for Dawson County.

The Tigers ended the season with a 5-2 record.

"It was a great effort from our players," Edwards said. "We came out a little flat to start the game. Our guys bounced back to fight hard after the touchdown early. Clear Creek didn't play as many players both ways like we have to. I think that was one advantage for them on a warm day like today. Overall, we had a great season."

Dawson County finished the season as the runner-up in the Mountain League.