The Dawson County Middle School softball team will begin action this week. The program, made up of players from both Dawson and Riverview middle schools, will be led by Coach Jeff Compton.

The team is made up of 13 players and began its season yesterday in action against Lumpkin County Middle School. Results were unavailable as of press time.

The team will be back in action Friday with a 4:30 p.m. game at Pickens County Middle School in Jasper. The game will be played at Roper Park.

Dawson County will play its first home game next Tuesday with a re-match against Lumpkin County.

The season will be a first for middle school sports in the county. The decision was made to combine both middle school softball teams to form one squad.

"Combining both schools will help Dawson County compete with other schools and build a foundation for players entering Dawson County High School," Compton said.

Practice has been going well for the Eagles, despite the inclement weather, according to Compton. Compton has been teaching and coaching for 10 years in Dawson County.

Assisting Compton this season will be coach Tina Brady.

All practices and games will be held at Riverview Middle School this season.

Pitching seems to be one of the strong points for this year's team.

"I am really excited this year with our pitching. I have two great pitchers, Ashton Bruce and Maggie Schandera, who will be a driving force this season," Compton said.

"I am excited and expect great things to happen for the middle school softball team. I really see a lot of potential from many of the players," he added.

Members of this year's team are: Katie Brady, Ashton Bruce, Ashton Bryant, Gabby Buchan, Caroline Collett, Sydney Estes, Mary Beth Farris, Lacy Mills, Maggie Schandera, Karley Thurmond, Brandi Williams, Madison Worley and Hannah Tinsley.