GAINESVILLE — While Kyle Bacus and Cutter Sanford gave North Hall a quick first quarter lead, it was the Trojans defense that earned the game ball Friday night against Pickens.
With the North Hall holding a 16-0 lead going into the fourth quarter, the Dragons scored on the first play of the final period and marched down inside the Trojans 10 in the final minute only to be turned away on a thrilling goal line stand as North Hall held on for a 16-8 victory.
The win for North Hall (3-0) was its second straight in nail-biting fashion as the Trojans saw a potential game-winning field goal by Flowery Branch sail wide in the final seconds two weeks ago.
Bacus, who finished with 107 yards rushing, scored on a 2-yard run and Sanford added a 5-yard run within a four-minute span to give North Hall a 13-0 lead. It stayed that way until Joel Barrientos added a third quarter field goal.
Chris Pittman put the Dragons (1-2) on the board with a 5-yard run on the opening play of the fourth quarter. Pittman finished with 101 yards rushing to lead Pickens.
North Hall will travel to arch-rival White County next week.
