Dragons complete season with FCAA title
The Pepperell Middle Dragons wrapped up a memorable season recently by claiming the Floyd County Athletic Association Region Championship and avenging its only loss in the process.
The Dragons took down Model in the championship game on Oct. 5 at Model High with a hard-fought 13-7 victory. The win comes after they suffered their only loss vs. that same Blue Devils team earlier in the season by a 28-14 score.
Pepperell finished off the 2023 season with a 6-1 record, including other wins over Darington 48-0, Chattooga 39-6, Coosa 3614, Ashworth 37-12 and Armuchee 48-6 to set up the championship game rematch vs. Model.
The Dragons’ offense averaged 33.5 points per game and had 1,412 rushing yards and
419 passing yards for 1,831 total yards. In all the unit had 26 rushing touchdowns and two passing touchdowns while only turning the ball over four times all season.
Pepperell’s defense was stellar as well, giving up just 568 total yards (479 passing, 89 rushing) all season and allowing just 73 points (10.4 per game). The Dragons had 10 fumble recoveries, five interceptions and five defensive touchdowns while also
blocking four punts.
Pepperell was led by head coach Brian Henderson along with assistant coaches Kent Mathis, Clay Burkhalter and Austin Rains.
Team members included Blayze McCary, Dawson Towe, Jesse Price, Tristan Evans, Chance Hopper, Cole Beard, Payden Newberry, Reggie Poole, Kohen Treglown, Dwight “Tre” Chatman, Landon Mills, Everett Chamblee, Christian SandovalReyes,
Tyler Barkley, Zander Leclair, Maddox Casey, Ryder Hogencamp, Brandon Heath, Landon Turner, Isaac Rains, Damian Dean, Chase Garrett, Michael Patzan-Arana, Julian Rodriguez, Matthew Dempsey, Hayden Reese, Zion Small, Donnie Kilcrease, Collin Camp, Christopher Phillips, Aaron Wood, Owen Stamey, Carson Crabtree, Bo Pilcher, Michael Wallace, Jalonnie Adams and Zier Williams.