A DeKalb County Tiger Alumni football team will face a Cannon County Lions Alumni team on May 14 at Cannon County High School.

The teams will go all out: full gear, full contact, under the lights for charity. The roster for DeKalb includes Tigers who originally played as far back as the early 90s. DCHS Tiger Football Coach Steve Trapp, along with Michael Shaw and Clarence Trapp will coach the DeKalb team.

Coach Trapp told the Review that he was thrilled to get a chance to hit the field with his former players and teammates.

"It is very exciting to have the opportunity to not only coach a few of my former players, but to actually play a game with them is something that will be a treat for me personally," Trapp said. "Also to coach and play with a few guys I played with in high school, and guys that played in between me playing and coaching, is something that I am grateful to have the opportunity to do as well."

Trapp said that while the goal is to have fun with the event, game preparation is no laughing matter for his team.

"This game is something the leaders of this event are taking very seriously, and the process to be prepared both physically and mentally is something we are working very hard on," the coach said. "We greatly appreciate all those who are participating, and the efforts and sacrifices they are willing to make to just play one more game of football for DeKalb County. It is important that we represent the work and necessary training that is being put into this event in great way, as well as this county and the families represented throughout the years," said Trapp.

"Our practices are conducted in the same format as the practices that actual program uses," the coach continued. "We felt it was necessary that these alumni get the feeling of how we do things now compared to when they played, and get a truer understanding of the preparation of our current team. It has been a blast teaching, working, and playing with this group, and they have improved each week of practice."

Toby Nokes, a 1993 graduate and the oldest member of the team, said he is working hard to get back into fighting shape, and that he is playing not only for his son, but to get in a couple of licks for himself.

"It’s going to be great. I’ve coached youth football for 14 years, and my son is a senior. He asked me to play, so I figured I could play one more game for him," Nokes told the Review.

"I broke my shoulder before the 92 season so I had to quit, but I believe I’ll be alright for one more game," he shared." I had a little trouble for the first couple of days, but I’ve started to get back into it. I’ve been doing a lot of working out on my own. I thought I was going to die during the first practice, but I’m keeping up with these younger guys now."

Nokes summed the reason he and his teammates are back on the gridiron with one line. "Just one more chance to hit a line is all we really need," he said.

This is a different kind of football than when I played," said 2005 graduate Chris Cantrell. "It’s a little more technical. We’re doing a lot of passing, and were running coach Trapp’s offense, which is a learning experience, but it’s fun. I like it."

Cantrell said that while the while he intends to enjoy hitting the field after 11 years, he does not intend to lose.

"It’s always fun playing Cannon County," he said. "We never lost to them when I played, and were not planning to start now. It will be fun, though, and I look forward to it. It’s fun to bring up those old rivalries again, and I’m sure they’re looking forward to it too."

"I’m looking forward to the game. It’s been 18 years, and I think I speak for all the guys when I say it’s a blessing to be able to put on a helmet and pads and get back to the game of football that we all enjoy," said 1998 graduate Jason Miller. "It’s a little different from 1998. The play calls are different, but were adjusting quickly. I think we’ll be on the right track when game time comes."

Miller said that the opportunity to suit up again is exciting for the entire team.

"It’s a benefit, but for both football teams it’s more than just a game. It’s the friendships, getting back together after so many years and playing as a team. Were all really looking forward to this.

Coach Trapp said that it is important to buy tickets in advance from local sources, as funds from tickets bought locally before the game will go to the DeKalb County football program, but gate proceeds will not. Admission is $10.

"I understand our program gets the money from tickets purchased locally before the game, and not so at the gate. It is very important that people who want to attend this event buy their tickets in advance, because that is the only way our program makes any money off this event. If the ticket is bought at the gate the company in charge gets 100 percent of the ticket sale."

Tickets are available at Kilgore’s Restaurant, from any player, or can be purchased by calling 615-418-6874 or contacting Coaches Trapp or Shaw at DCHS.

"There is a lot of work being put in by former players to be a part of DeKalb County Football one more time and we would definitely enjoy a great representation of our community at this event."

Kick-off will be at 7 p.m. on March 14 at the Cannon County High School field.