The streak is over for the DeKalb County Middle School Saints who took it on the chin Thursday night during their visit to Smith County, losing their first game in more than a season, 28-8.

The defending conference champions, who went undefeated last season, were stopped in their tracks by their hosts Thursday. This comes after the Saints made short work of them last season, pounding Smith 34-8 when they visited Smithville.

With the one-sided loss, the Saints must now regroup and get ready to play host to Trousdale County Thursday at 6:30 p.m., a squad they beat 20-16 last year in one of their toughest games. Coach Justin Poteete was unhappy with his squad’s performance at Smith County and says things have to change or it could be a long season for the defending champions.

“Until we get more physical we won’t have any success,” Poteete said. “Up front we have to drive to the whistle and we have to be ready to make plays and not shy away from the moment.”

The coach said the defense will have to toughen up if they expect to win games. “Defensively, we looked soft,” he said, something that Thursday’s opponents will try to exploit. “Trousdale is going to try to run all over us and rightfully so after the performance we displayed Thursday night. Our defense will know what’s coming but it’s up to them to be more physical and violent.”

Poteete said the physical element is what makes football at that level. “Middle school football is as simple as that.”