The DCHS Tigers had a week off for fall break, and now face their last and best chance at the postseason by taking on Cumberland County’s Jets in Crossville Friday. The Jets are still looking for a win this season.
“Simply put, we have to have a playoff mentality, meaning a win you keep playing and a loss you are done,” said DCHS Head Football Coach Steve Trapp.  “Making the playoffs is always a team goal and even though we would like to have had a more successful regular season, we could potentially get in with a 3-and-7 record. Cumberland has the same opportunity, so the hungrier team wins.”
Since both teams are 0-3 in the conference, the winner Friday moves forward to a state playoff berth.
Statistically, DeKalb County should be able to win this contest. The Tigers’ points for and against overall are 216/323 averaging 24 points-per-game while the Jets are 96/353, averaging 10.7 points per ballgame.
A perfect-game scenario would be a comparison to DeKalb’s first win, a 42-0 shutout of Cannon County, The Tigers scoring was done with four TD passes, one by Cantrell and three TD throws by backup QB Axel Aldino after Cantrell left the game due to injury.
Bradford was 12-for-86 on the ground. The Tigers spread the ball through the receiving corps with Riley Sexton, Paxton Butler, Braxton Linder and Bradley Miller all catching a TD for DeKalb. Miller and Jesse Smith each scored by recovering fumbles while on D and Andrew Fuson was flawless going 6-of-6 in the PAT department.
Bradford has been solid all season for the Tigers averaging 57.7-yards per game, doubling the national average among high schools of 22.5 among running backs. A tough-as-nails powerhouse runner, Bradford provides Cantrell with a run-pass option opposing defenses dread.
Now Cantrell is back healthy, he’s also a threat with the keeper, making him a triple-threat averaging 110.7 passing yards per game and 123.2 total yards per game. National average is 48.1 and 38.4.
Common denominators among the four conference teams played by both teams including Upperman, Stone Memorial, Livingston Academy and Macon County find DeKalb having 95/168 points for/against or a 57 percentile while Cumberland County went 53/152 for 35 percent against the same teams.
The Tigers defense could be a deal maker for DeKalb with players like Jesse Smith who leads in sacks and tackles making his presence known on both sides of the ball. along with Linder, Paxton, Miller and Sexton in the secondary.
The Tigers O-line is solid and gives TC good protection to let plays develop which will be key for a Tiger win Friday.
Other variables include a Cumberland County loss 42-20 to Stone Memorial Friday while the Tigers had fall break to rest and prepare. The Jets will have home-field advantage playing DeKalb in Crossville for their senior night celebration.
DeKalb County fans tend to show up and make some noise creating a presence which is a definite morale booster for the Tigers.
If DeKalb can use its resources across the board and keep from giving up big plays on third downs to Cumberland County chances are good they’ll come out on top Friday.