It’s football time in DeKalb County, Tennessee this Friday, April 18. 2023; vs. Warren County (McMinnville); 7 p.m.; away game.
It’s football time in Tennessee on Saturday, September 2, 2023; 11 a.m.; Nissan Stadium, Nashville.
The DeKalb County High School football program has been an integral part of the school’s sports programming for many years. Although somewhat successful, it seemed to be overtaken by the school’s basketball program’s games throughout the years. Yet, the momentum and scoring continue to build.
Beginning this Friday night, April 18th, the popcorn and chili games begin for the DCHS Tiger football team under the superior direction of Coach Steve Trapp of Smithville. The local football field was named several years ago for the former Dr. John Leonard VanHooser, who served our community for many years as Smithville’s only medical physician.
To return to football, the DCHS 2023 schedule follows:
Friday, 8/25 vs. Smith County (Carthage); 7 p.m.; Home
Friday, 9/1 vs. Livingston; 7 p.m.; Home
Friday, 9/8 vs. Watertown; 7 p.m.; Away
Monday, 9/11 vs. Watertown; 6 p.m.; Home
Friday, 9/15 vs. Gordonsville; 7 p.m.; Home
Friday, 9/22 vs. Stone Memorial (Crossville); 7 p.m.; Away
Friday, 9/29 vs. Macon County; 7 p.m.; Home
Friday, 10/6 vs. CCHS (Crossville); 7 p.m.; Home
Friday, 10/20 vs. White County; 7 p.m.; Away
Friday, 10/27 vs. Upperman (Baxter); 7 p.m.; Away
Recently, I was speaking with Danny Conger about the former DCHS football coaches throughout the years. The following is a list bearing their names:
· 2005-2023 Steve Trapp
· 2002-2004 Wayne Cantrell
· 1998-2001 Donnie Farley
· 1996-1997 Chris Vance
· 1971-1995 Wayne Cantrell
· 1970 John Ray Eaton
· 1968-1969 Hilrey Carr
· 1967 Charles Jennings
· 1966 Bobby Haile
· 1965 Walter Pruitt
· 1961-1964 John Brock
· 1957-1960 E. B. Cutrell
· 1955-1956 Jim Lane
The longest winning season, (9) nine, for the Tigers was 8/17/12 – 10/12/12. The longest losing season for the Tigers was 17 from 2004 – 2006.
Homecoming was usually held in the early season where all current and former students of DCHS would return to the campus and reunite. All graduation years was included. The Homecoming Queen and two attendants were chosen, most likely from the school’s infamous Tigerette Club. If a female student passed the initiation process, she instantly became a member of the elite school organization.
At the beginning of the 2023-24 football season, the Tennessee High School preseason Top # 25 rankings were announced by the TSSAA. They include:
1. Lipscomb Academy (Nashville)
2. Baylor (Chattanooga)
3. Brentwood Academy (Brentwood)
4. Oakland (Murfreesboro)
5. McCallie (Chattanooga)
6. West (Knoxville)
7. Montgomery Bell Academy (Nashville)
8. Alcoa
9. Beech (Hendersonville)
10. Christ Presbyterian Academy (Nashville)
11. Ensworth (Nashville)
12. Anderson County (Clinton)
13. Maryville
14. Powell
15. Webb (Knoxville)
16. Germantown
17. Franklin Road Academy (Nashville)
18. Houston (Germantown)
19. Bartlett
20. Cane Ridge (Nashville)
21. Bearden (Knoxville)
22. Haywood (Brownsville)
23. Page (Franklin)
24. Greenville
25. Riverdale (Murfreesboro)
In conclusion, there are approximately 40+ players on the upcoming DCHS football roster for the forthcoming year. The quarterbacks will be Jordan Parker and Briz Trapp. All games will be broadcast on WJLE-FM (101.9). As for the Smithville weather forecast for Friday, it will be clear with a low in the 80's.
