NORCROSS — A frantic fourth quarter rally fell just short for Dawson County on Friday night in the Tigers’ bid to unseat Greater Atlanta Christian in Region 7-3A.
The Tigers fell behind 23-7 early in the fourth, responded with a pair of late scores, but ultimately ran out of time in a 23-20 loss to the Spartans on the road in a battle for first place.
After a 38-yard run by Tyler Bride gave the fifth-ranked Spartans (5-2, 3-0 Region 7-3A) a 23-7 with just over 8 minutes left, the No. 10 Tigers (6-1, 2-1) went to work. Dakohta Sonneichsen capped a 4-minute drive with an 8-yard touchdown run but a 2-point try failed.
Dawson County recovered an ensuing onside kick but a 40-yard field goal sailed wide. The Tigers defense, however, gave them another shot recovering a fumble and senior quarterback SeVaughn Clark plunged in from 9-yards out to pull them within 23-20 with 1:10 left.
But the Spartans recovered a second onside kick attempt and ran out the clock.
Dawson County’s vaunted rushing attack managed 242 yards for the game but Clark, who had 117 yards and a pair of rushing touchdowns, was held to just 4 of 9 passing for 11 yards. Senior running back Ahmad Kamara had 115 yards on the ground.
GAC quarterback Josh Rose was 14-for-20 passing for 286 yards with a pair of touchdown passes and two interceptions. Ty James was his favorite target again with 6 catches for 154 yards and both of Rose’s touchdowns throws.
The win for the Spartans kept them in first place just one-half game ahead of Fannin County (3-3, 2-0) while the Tigers fell to third place with the loss.
GAC travels to Lumpkin County next week while the Tigers are off next week before traveling to Fannin County in two weeks.
