The DeKalb County Jr. Pro Junior Tigers clinched third place in the conference after taking the Fentress County Bulldogs down in an 18-12 game at the Middle Tennessee Football Conference Championships in Livingston Saturday.

The Tigers offense came out ready to play, and after a quick drive put DeKalb on the Bulldog’s seven-yard line, tight end Stetson Agee dashed into the end zone. A good PAT by Mason Winter gave the Tigers an early 8-0 lead.

The Bulldogs did not give up, however, putting six on the board before the end of the first quarter, then scoring again in late in the second, going ahead of DeKalb 12-8 before the half ended.

The Tigers defense stepped up in the second half, stopping Fentress cold and allowing the Bulldogs no more points.

The game took a turn for DeKalb when Tiger tackle Trey Crabtree put in a spectacular sack in the end zone for a game-changing safety that brought DeKalb two points from the lead, 12-10.

Two impressive runs by Konner Young and Mason Winter soon put the Tigers deep into enemy territory, allowing Trapp to sprint for a 10-yard touchdown. When Seth Cantrell converted the PAT the Tigers took an 18-12 lead and hung on to it.

Quarterback Briz Trapp went six of nine for 31 yards passing the ball, as well as tallying 28 yards on the ground in the game. Mason Winter, Conner Close, Seth Cantrell and Westin Wright each put a reception on the books as well.

Gabe Hollingsworth led the way for the Tiger on defense with four tackles, while Kaleb Spears and Stetson Agee had two tackles each. Mason Winter, Conner Close and Trey Crabtree each had one tackle, while Crabtree recorded a sack and a safety.

Westin Wright led DeKalb receiving with 17 yards, Seth Cantrell had 15 yards, and Conner Close put in two yards.

Konner Young ran the ball 12 times for 34 yards, Briz Trapp rushed for 28 yards and a touchdown, and Stetson Agee ran for 25 yards and a touchdown. Conner Close had 21 yards rushing, and Mason Winter added 15 yards.