DAHLONEGA — The opening week rivalry game between the visiting Dawson County Tigers and the Lumpkin County Indians started out slowly but scored two second-half touchdowns for a 13-0 Lumpkin victory.

In the first half, each team struggled to gain ground against the other with the exception of a promising Dawson County drive that included three consecutive first downs, but ended with a failed attempt to convert on fourth-and-long.

“We just couldn’t execute,” Lumpkin County coach Tommy Jones said of his team’s struggles in the first half. “We would make two or three good plays and then make one mistake or give up a penalty.”

Those woes left both sides empty-handed at the half, and both went into the locker room with changes to make for the third quarter.

When Lumpkin County (1-0) kicked off to open the second half, it seemed as if Dawson County (0-1) might find a spark in Ian Perry’s 40-yard return. But the Indians defense again held Dawson County scoreless.

It wasn’t until Ian McIntosh scored on 46-yard run with 8:25 to go that Lumpkin County took control of the game with a 6-0 lead after the point after attempt was blocked. The game remained close until Lumpkin County took a 13-0 lead on a 3-yard touchdown run by Lance Chuvala with 8:50 to go in the fourth quarter.

Neither team threatened offensively again, due to tight defense on both sides. The game was ultimately sealed by a Chuvala sack on a crucial fourth down attempt by Dawson County.

Lumpkin County’s victory came from its persistent running game, led by Jake McClure’s 81 rushing yards and McIntosh’s 77.

The Indians finished with 230 total yards of offense, with 197 coming on the ground, compared to Dawson County’s 94 yards of total offense.

“You have to take your hats off to Dawson County,” Jones said. “Their kids played hard, and it was a great game all around.

“The goal behind our football program is to get better every day, every week, and every year.”

Lumpkin County plays host to Flowery Branch at 7:30 p.m. Friday. Dawson County visits Jefferson at 7:30 p.m. Friday.