OAKWOOD — Dawson County football is still learning its way in its first season under coach Sid Maxwell.
Now the Tigers are doing so with a big region win under their belts.
Dawson County traveled to West Hall on Friday and claimed the scalp of the defending Region 7-AAA champion, blanking the Spartans 17-0 in Oakwood.
"We've had a pretty tough schedule early on this season; we've been battle tested, and that really helped us tonight," Maxwell said. "The belief we're building in ourselves is big... But we can't pat ourselves on the back, because it isn't going to get any easier."
Dawson County (2-2, 1-0 Region 7-AAA) made the most of two second quarter touchdowns -- the second aided by a special teams miscue from the Spartans -- and hung tough on defense, blanking West Hall (2-3, 0-1) despite five trips inside the Tigers’ 25-yard line for the Spartans.
"I think we did good defensively, being able to contain West Hall and limit their their big play," Maxwell said. "When you play solid defense you always have the opportunity for success."
West Hall managed 206 yards of offense -- led by Tristian Hester's 111 yards rushing -- but it was missed opportunities that proved most damaging, and the Tigers defense played its best with its back to the wall, recording 13 tackles for loss on the night.
The setback gave West Hall its third straight defeat and first in region play since 2013.
Dawson County, meanwhile, opened its region season with a win for the first time since 2011, putting up 262 yards, including 224 yards rushing. Hunter Mitchell paced Dawson County with 23 carries for 153 yards, while quarterback Coey Watson added 44 yards and a touchdown, while also throwing a touchdown pass.
"(Mitchell) switched from defensive back to running back this week -- we've had some injuries... I guess he showed me he's a running back," Maxwell said.
West Hall saw points go begging on its opening possession, driving all the way to Dawson County 10 on 15 plays -- only to watch a 24-yard field goal attempt fly wide.
The Tigers made the most of the let-off and marched 80 yards to take a 7-0 lead on Watson’s 12-yard run -- the quarterback suckering defenders with a perfectly-executed keeper with 11:23 left in the half.
The Spartans’ offense stalled on their next possession, setting up another big play for Dawson County, as West Hall muffed the punt snap to set the Tigers up with a first down on the Spartans’ 15-yard line.
Watson again took advantage, lofting a 13-yard scoring strike to Tucker Maxwell for a 14-0 lead with 8:34 remaining in the half.
Dawson County would not cross midfield again in the second quarter -- but it also would not yield to the West Hall offense, as it forced two turnovers inside its own 20, including an interception in its own end zone, as Jeremy Whalen picked off a Spartans pass. Whalen also pounced on a fumble at the Dawson County 15 in the second quarter.
The Tigers needed every ounce of their defensive grit, as West Hall -- and average punts of just under 15 yards per attempt in the quarter -- kept them trapped in the shadow of their own goal line. The Spartans could not force their way into the end zone however and missed on a 37-yard field goal attempt to close the half.
West Hall missed out on another scoring opportunity just after the interval, marching to the Dawson County 14 -- only to turn the ball over on downs.
And while the Spartans kept the Tigers offense quiet throughout the third, the visitors began to find running room as the quarter waned -- ripping off long runs via Watson and Hunter Mitchell to set up a 35-yard field goal from Alan Sanchez, whose kick gave Dawson County a 17-0 lead with 9:39 left to play.
Dawson County will look to keep rolling next week at home against Franklin County.
West Hall will look to bounce back next week at East Hall.
SCORING SUMMARY
DAWSON CO....0...14....0....3 -- 17
WEST HALL.....0.....0....0....0 -- 0
Second Quarter
DC -- Watson 12 run (Sanchez kick) 11:23, 7-0
DC -- Maxwell 13 pass from Watson (Sanchez kick) 8:34, 14-0
Fourth Quarter
DC -- Sanchez 35 field goal, 9:39, 17-0
