The DeKalb County Tigers stood toe-to-toe with the defending state champions in their last tune-up for the regular season Friday evening, scoring on their first drive of the night while holding even with the perennial powerhouse.
“We did much better than our scrimmage last week against Gordonsville,” admitted Coach Steve Trapp of his squad’s performance against Friendship Christian here Friday evening, noting the energy and determination was there before the home crowd that did not exist at Gordonsville last week. “We didn’t have the effort and energy at Gordonsville and that hurt our execution. This week we stepped on the field with the right state of mind.”
The scrimmage couldn’t have begun any better as Quarterback Axel Aldino dropped back and threw a 30-yard strike on the first play from scrimmage.
“He (Aldino) stood in there and got hit but kept his composure and threw a good ball,” Trapp noted, pointing out Friendship Christian has a couple of highly recruited defenders, one being a D-1 prospect. “I’d dare say we won’t face anyone else like that the rest of the season.”
On the same opening series Aldino scrambled out of trouble and was able to gain 20 yards. He then dropped back and pitched a 20-yard touchdown pass to Grayson Redmon who hauled the offering in over his shoulder.
The touchdown proved to be the only score of the night for the varsity although players were able to move the ball effectively throughout the scrimmage. Friendship’s varsity also had a touchdown during the controlled scrimmage where each team was given several consecutive possessions to work on their offense while the other team fielded their defense. The scrimmage also allowed for some junior varsity action.
The scrimmage will be the last for DeKalb before it hosts Warren County in the annual border battle Aug. 17. Coach Trapp says he would like another tune-up but their opponent in an upcoming jamboree pulled out, leaving the Tigers no time to find another opponent.
As for the scrimmage, Coach Trapp was happy with the turnout for community appreciation night, many of those taking test drives to benefit the football program while others bought BBQ, the proceeds also going to help the program.
“It was a great atmosphere,” the coach said, noting he is looking forward to the excitement of the season opener with Warren County.
