Spartans jump out to 1-0 start in Region 7-AAA

DAWSONVILLE -- West Hall faced down a determined Dawson County on Friday, taking a 26-3 victory in Dawsonville.<br /> <br /> The Spartans (4-1, 1-0 Region 7-AAA) did it in a fashion that is becoming their calling card in 2014: ground game and defense.<br /> <br /> West Hall rushed for 221 yards and held the Tigers (0-4, 0-1) to a third quarter field goal en route to the win.<br /> <br /> "It was big because we knew we had to come up here, and they had an extra week to prepare for us," Spartans coach Tony Lotti said. "I was pleased with how hard our kids played. They hit us with some stuff we didn't realize they'd break out with."<br /> <br /> That unexpected part was an option ground attack that helped the Tigers roll up 161 yards.<br /> <br /> "We made some adjustments at halftime to see if we could stop what they were doing to us a bit," Lotti said. "But it's getting to a point I don't have a whole lot to say to them. They're starting to self-adjust."<br /> <br /> West Hall was led by Kwon Williams, who put up 67 yards and 2 TDs on the ground, while Ty Statham rushed for 101 yards and a score.<br /> <br /> "I feel like we do have some playmakers and that's a nice thing," Lotti said. "And our younger kids who are starting to come through our program are stepping up. We have the next man in mentality."<br /> <br /> Bradley Hodgson also kicked two field goals in the win.<br /> <br /> West Hall will take a bye next week before taking on East Hall on Oct. 10.