Playing their last preseason scrimmage Friday night, the DCHS Tigers travelled to Upperman to play Clay County in a jamboree format.
The junior varsity kicked off the game’s action in the first half, and contained the Bulldogs to one score. The varsity team took the field in the second half, securing a 20-7 victory in Baxter.
“It was an excellent dress rehearsal,” said head Football Coach Steve Trapp. “We hope the good Lord will bless us all year and we’re going to work hard. We mixed it up and left it all out there. We’ve got to get better and learn from our mistakes. I’m pleased with how we performed, never completely, but somewhat.”
Clay County struck first finding the end zone on a fourth-and-5 situation by running up the middle, with a good PAT with 9:25 left on the clock. The junior varsity made a defensive stand and contained the Bulldogs until the half.
Varsity Tiger quarterback Tyler Cantrell found an open Paxton Butler for a 30-yard touchdown pass to even things up at 7 after Andrew Fuson converted the PAT.
Some stand-up defense by Tigers Hunter Fann, David Bradford and Isaac Cross kept the time of possession solidly in the DeKalb camp.
Cantrell then connected with Bradley Miller for the next score, but the Tigers failed to convert the PAT for a 13-6 lead.
Some breakout runs by Jesse Smith and Colton Seifert opened up the field for DeKalb as Cantrell would find Bradford once more for a touchdown, 20-7.
The football season officially opens this Friday with a border battle against the Warren County Pioneers at Nunley Stadium in McMinnville. Warren County has lost some big players last year, with senior K’Rojhn Calbert and Hunter Hawkins now playing college ball.
According to Pioneer Coach Tom Moore, the Pioneers will be using the throwing game more this year allowing quarterback Isaiah Grayson to pass more frequently.
DeKalb County showed a well-balanced team Friday, which bodes well for the upcoming game in Warren County. Some of the variables are DeKalb’s offensive line will have to protect Cantrell so he can reach his receivers and Warren County’s defense, which has been looking strong stopping the run so far, will have to continue.
The stands should be full for this game, being so close to home for both teams and the first season game to boot. Game time is 7 p.m.
Year-by-year scores
2016
Dekalb County tigers 27 Warren county Pioneers 7
2015
DeKalb County tigers 23 Warren county Pioneers 14
2014
Warren County Pioneers 34 Dekalb county tigers 30
2013
Dekalb county tigers 20 Warren county pioneers 7
2012
Dekalb county tigers 50 Warren county pioneers 0
2011
Dekalb county tigers 26 Warren county pioneers 7
2010
Warren county pioneers 19 Dekalb county tigers 16
2009
Warren county pioneers 49 Dekalb county tigers 42
2008
Dekalb county tigers 42 Warren county pioneers 25
2007
Warren county pioneers 24 Dekalb county tigers 0
2006
Warren county pioneers 21 Dekalb county tigers 0
2005
Warren county pioneers 50 Dekalb county tigers 6
