JEFFERSON — The Jefferson Dragons devoured Dawson County with a devastating offensive show en route to a 56-16 triumph in their Region 8-AA opener Friday at Memorial Stadium.
Scoring at will, the Dragons (2-0, 1-0) raced to a 21-0 lead in the first quarter and never looked back.
"We were concerned about the size of Dawson County," said Coach T. McFerrin, "but out speed made the difference."
Led by quarterback Darious Minor and running backs J.J. Damons and Lucas Redd, the defending 8-AA champions made it it look easy, with each Dragon star scoring twice,
Redd scored on two short runs. Damons returned a punt for 56 yards and snared a 19-yard pass. And Minor electrified the crowd with a 84-yard punt return and 31-yard scamper.
McFerrin called off the dogs in the second half, playing mostly reserves, but Jefferson still scored two more touchdowns that were set up by interceptions.
Chris Jackson scored on an 11-yard run and Drequn Sewell caught a 14-yard pass from backup quarterback Cody Hardy to close out the Tiger scoring.
"We're going to live and die by running," said Dawson County Coach Jeff Lee and, on this particular night, the Tigers (0-2, 0-1) died with only 126 yards on the ground.
Dawson County quarterback Ethan Brown scored on a 1-yard run just before the half and, on an odd extra point formation, forced his way into the end zone for the 2-point conversion. He also ran for another 2-point conversion in after Levi Wilson snared a 30-yard reception from freshman quarterback Tyler Dominy in the second half.
In an twist, the Tigers had more first downs (12) than the Dragons (7) due primarily to the Dragons' big-play offense that scored quickly and decisively. Jefferson only needed to punt once and that was late in the game.
Dawson County got 41 yards rushing from Brown and Josh Swisher and receiver Bruce Clark caught five balls 59 yards.
For McFerrin, it was the 303rd win of his career. He's one of only seven football coaches to reach this mark in Georgia.
Jefferson returns to action with a trip to Fannin County on Friday, while Dawson County will play host to Banks County.