West Hall’s missed chances seemed only more obvious in retrospect Friday night following the Spartans’ 17-0 loss to Dawson County.

The Spartans were unable to convert any of their five chances into the Tigers’ red zone, failed to convert two crucial field goals, and gave up two turnovers in a shutout loss that gives West Hall (2-3) a 0-1 start in Region 7-AAA.

The result gives a rejuvenated Dawson County team (2-2, 1-0 in region) a strong sense of confidence heading into the rest of the region slate.

“I feel like we can beat any team we play,” said senior running back Hunter Mitchell, who finished with 162 yards rushing on 18 carries.

West Hall’s offense hasn’t been able to score a touchdown in 13 quarters, dating back to a Sept. 4 win over Chestatee. The Spartans are now riding a three-game losing skid, their first since the 2012 season.

But Dawson County, under first-year head coach Sid Maxwell, will look forward to tackling the rest of its region schedule for the first time in a few years. The Tigers haven’t had a winning season since 2012, when they last reached the Class AAA playoffs.

“This defense had a great game, containing the tremendous athletes that West Hall has, and it’s a great result for a young group,” said Maxwell, who previously coached at Lambert and Sequoyah High. “We’ve had a tough schedule so far, so I think we’re battle-tested, and the bumps and bruises we’ve had will make us better.”

The Spartans were left to rue early opportunities to score, including on their first drive. Four straight first downs, including dogged running by Kwon Williams (15 rushes for 40 yards) allowed West Hall to get all the way down to the Dawson 2-yard line before the Spartans were stuffed on third down. Israel Lopez then pulled his 24-yard field goal attempt wide, which allowed the Tigers to take over.

It was Mitchell who led Dawson’s ground attack, when he ripped off a 48-yard dash up the middle just before the end of the first quarter. Quarterback Coey Watson then used a 12-yard quarterback sneak soon after to burst into the right end of the end zone for a 7-0 lead with 11:23 left in the second.

“It’s a measurement of a quarterback to see if he can move the chains and really take it to the opponent,” said Maxwell.

Mitchell finished with 53 yards on the scoring drive alone on just his second varsity start as a running back. The senior had played as corner for the past three years, and stepped in when the first and second-string rushers went down with injuries.

“I was probably a little nervous on the bus, but not when I stepped out onto the field,” he said.

The Tigers then capitalized on a West Hall error to double their advantage on the next drive. Anthony Lotti was unable to recover a bobbled snap on his punt attempt, which allowed Dawson County to start on West Hall’s 15-yard line.

Two plays later, Watson found Tucker Maxwell (one reception, 14 yards) in the right side of the end zone for a 14-0 lead.

West Hall began its next three possessions inside Dawson territory, but was unable to convert either opportunity into points. Jacob Satterfield (8 for 16 passing, one interception, 60 yards) was unable to connect on a long downfield pass with wide receiver Hykeem Bennett, which led to a punt on the first drive.

Junior safety Jeremy Whalen then picked off Satterfield with the Spartans driving on Dawson County’s 11-yard line just minutes later. And with 3:57 left in the first half, Tristian Hester lost a fumble that handed the Tigers back the ball on the Dawson 21.

Satterfield was sacked five times Friday night, including three times on West Hall’s final drive of the game.

Lopez attempted a 37-yard field goal for West Hall with 25 seconds left to play in the first half, but his kick was too low, and the Spartans went into halftime down by two scores.

Dawson kicker Alan Sanchez tacked on an insurance field goal from 35 yards to push the lead to 17-0 with 9:45 left in the fourth quarter.

“The belief we have is big,” said Maxwell. “These young men haven’t had a lot of success in the past, so this is something to be excited about.”

Tyrese Osborne was West Hall’s lone bright spot, rushing for 120 yards on 16 carries. The last time West Hall was shut out was in a Nov. 1, 2013 loss to White County.

Tigers 17, Spartans 0

Difference maker: Senior Hunter Mitchell turned his second career start at running back into a strong force of will as he bowled toward five first downs that helped extend Dawson County's drives. 

Stat that matters: 3. West Hall was unable to score on each of its three possessions in the first half that began in Dawson County's own end. 

Turning point: Leading 14-0, Dawson County's Jeremy Whalen intercepted a pass by West Hall's Jacob Satterfield, which ended a promising Spartan drive with 4:49 left in the second quarter. West Hall was on the Tigers' 11-yard line at the time. 

Next up: West Hall takes a bye week before travelling to take on county rival and Region 7-AAA foe East Hall on Oct. 9. Dawson County next plays East Hall on Oct. 2.