The 2012 DeKalb County High School football team became the second team in Tiger history to post a 9-0 record this far in the season, equaling the feat set by the ‘79 squad.
With the 42-7 victory over the Upperman Bees on Friday night in Baxter, the Tigers have set the stage for a winner-take-all District 8-AA championship game against the Livingston Wildcats.
The Bees jumped out to an early lead, scoring on the third play of the game. A 59-yard pass  surprised the Tigers’ defense and gave the home crowd a huge thrill.
However, the Tigers would tie the game three minutes eighteen seconds later when DeKalb quarterback Lucas Phillips banged his way across the goal line with an 18-yard run. Driver’s kick was good, and at the 7:46 mark, the game was tied at 7.
Two Tiger possessions later, DeKalb hit pay dirt again when running back Chris Chapman rambled seven yards into the end zone. The Driver kick was blocked, but with just six seconds remaining in the first quarter, the Tigers led 13-7.
DeKalb would only score once more in the second quarter with a 3-yard run by Chapman that gave the Tigers a 20-7 lead at halftime.
The scoring began for the Tigers in the third quarter at the 8:08 mark. Subbing for  Will Molander, who had hurt his ankle on the previous drive, was sophomore Dustin Warner who scored on a 52-yard pass from Phillips. Driver’s kick was good, giving DeKalb a 27-7 lead.
After a fumble recovery by Tiger defensive tackle Eli Gill that gave the ball back to the Tigers at the Bee’s 20-yard line. Phillips connected with wide-out Sonni Fullilove for an 11-yard touchdown. Driver’s kick hit the right up-right, but DeKalb stretched their lead to 33-7.
After a three-and-out by the Bees’ offense, DeKalb’s big-play offense struck again when Warner broke open for a 47-yard touchdown reception from Phillips. Driver’s kick was good, and with 4:15 remaining in the third quarter, the Tigers padded their lead 40-7.
DeKalb’s last score of the game came at the 2:19 mark of the fourth quarter. Freshman quarterback Joey Moon sliced his way 11-yards to the end zone, for his first touchdown of his high school career.
Phillips went 1 of 20 for 232 yards and four touchdowns, while adding 140 yards rushing and one score on just 11 carries for the high-octane Tiger offense.
The Tiger defense forced one fumble and interception by Alex Hayes and another to Chris Chapman. Chapman’s pick gave him a state-leading seven for the season. The Tigers will enjoy a well-deserved bye week and will hit the gridiron once again next week, traveling to Livingston. Kick-off is slated for 7 p.m. TIGER PRIDE!!!