The DeKalb Middle School Saints marched out of Cookeville with a season-opening win, dominating the host Avery Trace Raiders in the first half only to have to hold on with a white-knuckle grip to claim a 16-14 victory. The kickoff to the season in Cookeville looked to be well in hand for the Saints as the Justin Poteete-coached squad imposed its will on the hosts early. “We were able to move the ball on the ground,” Poteete noted, "and we did well defensively in the first half."