Dawson’s Dragons debut cut short; new scoreboard shines
Clinton High School cheerleaders lead the Dragons onto the field to open the 2025 season against Heritage. The game was later declared a no-contest because of inclement weather. (photo:Dwane Wilder )
The Dragons were hosting Heritage in a game rescheduled from Friday, but lightning prevented the teams from finishing the first quarter. The Mountaineers took the opening kickoff and drove for a touchdown and a 7-0 lead before lightning strikes in the area forced a 44-minute suspension. A close strike shortly afterward led officials to clear the stadium.
When play resumed, Clinton nearly tied the game on a touchdown run that was called back by penalty, but the contest was halted again because of lightning. Although a restart looked possible, continued strikes stretched the delay until officials finally called the game at 9:32 p.m. after 1 hour, 27 minutes.
The game was declared a no contest and will not be resumed. Statistics will not count.
Clinton’s new scoreboard features an LED video board and digital displays for the clock, scores, downs and yards-to-go, replacing the decades-old bulb-based board.
The upgrade will benefit not only the high school Dragons, but also Clinton Middle School and youth league teams that share the field.
“Some of the features for the new jumbotron/scoreboard include using VMIX, a broadcasting software that streams videos and pictures, both live and recorded, to the scoreboard in real time,” Clinton Sports Information Director Matt Hagen said Sunday.
“The board can also display the computer screen, like the radar we used last night showing rain in the area. It has audio features, such as a horn, and the controller is much more flexible.
“The jumbotron also has the ability to use four cameras, including wireless ones on the sideline. One of those was provided by the company Watchfire. The old scoreboard will be missed, but the new one is bringing fresh energy to the community, regardless of the level of sport being played.”
Clinton Athletics Director Josh Reid thanked the many partners who made the project possible.
“This scoreboard was put together in conjunction with multiple companies, with PowerAd being the main point of contact,” he said. “The LED video board is made by Watchfire, and the fixed-digit scoreboard is made by OES. Sponsors funded the board, and contributions came from the Anderson County School Board and Anderson County School District.
“I would also like to mention Commercial Sign and Crane, which installed the sign, along with the Anderson County Schools Maintenance Department and the Anderson County Highway Department. The completion of this project cannot be attributed to any one person but instead the family that is Clinton, which has supported our school and program throughout the years.”
Heritage used a mix of running and passing to take the early lead Saturday. The Mountaineers drove 61 yards in nine plays on the opening possession. Dylan Burgess caught a 6-yard scoring pass from quarterback Madden McNeil with 7:12 left in the first quarter, and Gavin Hyatt’s kick made it 7-0.
When play resumed after the first delay, Clinton went with direct snaps to running back Cameron Anderson in the rain. He made a 15-yard run and later sprinted around left end for a 65-yard touchdown, but a holding penalty wiped out the score.
Quarterback Jaylon Benjamin entered for one play before the Dragons lined up to punt. A low snap led to a fumble and a 21-yard loss, giving Heritage the ball at the Clinton 7 with 4:15 on the clock. Play was then suspended for the second and final time.
Clinton (0-0) will host rival Oak Ridge at 7 p.m. Friday.
