Despite playing some great defense the Dawson County Middle School football team lost a close game to visiting Banks County, 6-0, last week.

A big crowd was on hand Aug. 27 to see the Tigers play.

"I was impressed with all the fans that came out to support our players. Hopefully, at the next two home games there will be just as many, if not more, fans. I want to thank everyone for their support," said Head Coach Benjy Edwards.

With the loss, Dawson County is now 1-1 on the season with a bye week coming up.

The Tigers will face rival Clear Creek Middle School Sept. 10 at home.

The Tiger defense has caused nine turnovers in the first two games this season.

Dawson County forced Banks County into four turnovers.

"The defense played great again. We came up with some big stops and big turnovers the entire game. I hope the defense continues to play lights out. It will give us a chance to win every ball game if they continue playing like they are," Edwards said.

Offense was another matter for Dawson County.

The Tiger offense managed just one first down the entire game, which didn't come till 2:02 of the third quarter.

"The offense is definitely struggling. We are going to look at moving people around and trying different personnel in the game. Our receivers have to stay on their blocks longer and the offensive line has to get movement," Edwards said.

Banks County took the opening possession and marched down the field, eating up most of the opening quarter.

With goal to go the Tigers forced a Leopard fumble, which was recovered by Kinkade Weaver with just 2:34 left.

The Tigers couldn't move the ball and Banks County capitalized.

The Leopards scored the game's only points on a quarterback sneak on the last play of the first quarter.

The two-point conversion was not good.

Banks County led 6-0.

Seth Adams of Dawson County recovered another fumble by Banks that stopped a drive with 5:26 left in the second quarter.

Dawson County also had an interception by Shawn Thomas with 2:52 left in the third quarter at the Leopard 24-yardline.

"We definitely did not play our best game. We still have a lot to work on in all phases of the game," Edwards said. "Clear Creek will be very big and physical like Banks was. We know they always play hard-nosed football and will come out with the ground game and pound. We will definitely have to tackle CJ Striker, who played well against us last year as a seventh grader."

Next week's kickoff will be at 5:30 p.m.