GC Previews: Dawson travels to Hubbard for Highway 30 Rivalry Game

Sep. 25—Dawson at Hubbard

7:30 p.m., Friday

At Jaguar Field

Records Class 2A DII Dawson, 3-1, Hubbard Class 2A DII 0-5.

Players to watch: Hubbard: QB/DB Kendon Johnson, FB/LB Colton Bailes, OL/DL Kooper Moore, OL/DL Cash Lamb; Dawson: RB/DB Colby Springer, QB Brant Boatright QB/DB, WR/DB, Elijah Allen, WR/DB Hastin Easley.

Update: Here we go! It's time for the Highway 30 Rivalry Game between two of the biggest rivals in the Golden Circle. Just consider this: Last year Dawson was mowing opponents down, scoring 50 points or more in four games and 30 points or more in three games, and coming into the Hubbard game unbeaten. Hubbard was struggling and a lot of folks thought it would be pretty one-sided. But Hubbard played the Bulldogs as tough as anyone in a 20-10 loss to Dawson.

It could be a repeat and it could be another close game, but everything points to a big Dawson victory under new Coach Bryan Kelley, whose kids are rolling into the game after a bye week. The last time Dawson played the Dawgs had their best game to date in a surprising 50-21 romp over Kerens in the final non-district game for both GC teams.

Brant Boatright had his best night of the season, completing 17-of-26 passes for 235 yards and five touchdowns against Kerens, and Colby Springer, who leads the Golden Circle in rushing this season, averaging 193.7 yards per game, had another big night, Hubbard will have to worry about a lot more than Springer and Boatright. Hastin Easley, who arguably has the best hands in the Golden Circle, could have a breakout game this week and Elijah Allen is a threat every time he touches the ball.

Kendon Johnson has been the leader for Dawson for three years, and he will no doubt be the key for the winless Jags, who suddenly after a couple of strong seasons, seem to be out-manned on Friday night. Johnson is fast and smart, but Dawson's defense has stepped it up in this season.

After last season, Dawson should be ready for the district opener this week. Hubbard will be more than ready, because a win over Dawson in the district opener could turn the season around for the Jags.

Johnson has been the heart and soul of Hubbard's offense for three seasons, and you can bet he will be at his best against Dawson along with Bailes, another tough and talented player for the Jags.

Kerens: QB Lane Lynch, RB/LB Nehemiah Massey, WR/DB Muzic Gunnell, OL/DL David Limon. Dawson: QB Brant Boatright, RB/SS Colby Springer, WR Hastin Easley