DAWSONVILLE — Dawson County football began its Region 7-3A campaign in now familiar fashion on Friday.
After spending four non-region contests running over, around and through opponents, the Tigers kept up their ground and pound rushing attack to devastating effect against Lumpkin County, amassing 508 yards rushing in a 36-3 win in Dawsonville.
Six different backs had at least 40 yards rushing, led by Dakota Sonnicheson's 150 yards and 2 touchdowns, while Riley Herndon added 107 yards on just two carries. Ahmad Kamara also chipped in with 81 yards and 2 scores on 10 carries, while Isaiah Grindle added 73 yards.
Meanwhile, the Tigers (5-0, 1-0 Region 7-3A) largely kept Lumpkin County's rushing attack under wraps, allowing just 103 yards -- all rushing. Luke Smith paced the Indians (2-3, 0-1) with 19 carries for 45 yards, while Kyle Amburgey had 43 yards.
Lumpkin fought against one of its oldest rivals, as Dawson led 15-3 at halftime -- after giving up touchdown runs on the Tigers' first two possessions.
But Sonnicheson put to rest any thoughts of a Lumpkin comeback with a 72-yard touchdown run just 44 seconds into third quarter for a 22-3 Dawson County lead.
Lumpkin County will look to bounce back on Oct. 5 against Cherokee Bluff -- the Indians have a bye next week.
Dawson County, meanwhile, will travel to East Hall next week, looking to move to 6-0.
