The Dawson County Tigers won their fifth state playoff game in school history in a high-scoring affair Friday night in Dawsonville. Facing the state’s top leading rusher in Treylon Sheppard (2,874 yards coming in), the Tigers outlasted and outdueled the star back in a 44-22 win.

The Tigers (10-1) also made school history with their tenth win, a first for the program. They’ve been knocking on that door for quite some time under coach Sid Maxwell. Since his arrival, the Tigers have made state every year and have a 34-12 overall record and 4-3 playoff mark.

Dawson’s run-heavy offense put up nearly 600 yards, led by Sevaughn Clark’s near 300-yard output. He threw for roughly 150 and ran for another 140. Teammate Ahmad Kamara rushed for 175 yards as well. Clark’s main passing target was senior Ryan Glass, who finished with over 100 yards.

The Tigers were able to limit Sheppard’s damage and out-perform Haralson County.

The second round presents a bigger challenge for the Tigers, who will be ready and willing to take it on. State-ranked third, Monroe Area (a #1-seed) has one of the state’s top dual threats in Chandler Byron. He is actually the second leading rusher behind Sheppard, with 2,133 yards. Byron is set to become the highest-leading rusher from the QB position in a single season in state history, as he neared that record in the Canes’ first round win Friday night.

No doubt Dawson County will be ready for yet another duel with a run-heavy opponent.