Tigers Hoping to Turn Season Around at Stone Memorial Tonight (Friday)

September 4, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

Last year the DeKalb County Tigers started the season 0-2 with losses to Warren County and Upperman but then defeated Stone Memorial to launch their region campaign. The 2019 Tigers ultimately finished the regular season at 6-4 and runners up in the region before a 2-1 run in the state playoffs.

(Click link below to hear WJLE’s Tiger Talk Program)

https://www.wjle.com/tiger-talk-september-4/

Tonight, the Tigers find themselves in the same position with losses to Warren County and Upperman but they are hoping that history repeats itself, at least in terms of turning around the season as they travel to Crossville to meet the Stone Memorial Panthers. Kick-off is at 7 p.m. and WJLE will have LIVE coverage with the Voice of the Tigers John Pryor and Luke Willoughby.

Stone Memorial opened their season with a 34 to 14 loss to Grace Christian of Knoxville two weeks ago but defeated Clay County 32-0 last Thursday night.

Tiger Coach Steve Trapp, speaking on WJLE’s Tiger Talk program, said while the Tigers kicking game improved in the Upperman game with the addition of Jasper Kleparek to the team there were some letdowns that need to be addressed.

“There were some things we definitely fixed. Our kicking game was better. Having Jasper join our team really gives us a lot of confidence in the kicking game as far as extra points and field goals. I think our punt game was a lot better. T.J. Alexander and the punt team did a very good job. But in the end there was one big special teams play that got us like in the first week, a dropped snap on a punt. This time it was on a kickoff return to open the third quarter and we wound up losing by six points. I think another big thing as far as the negative goes is first down efficiency. That leads to third down efficiencies. I think we had some crucial drops on first down and third down and that eliminates drives. We have to be good on first downs to make third downs easier and convert third downs to extend drives. Upperman was able to do that more often than we were and that was the difference in the game,” said Coach Trapp.

As for tonight’s opponent, “there are a lot of similarities between us as far as the spread offense and things like that. Defensively they do things a little differently than what we do. They are always going to have a threat at quarterback. A dual threat guy who can run and throw. Its no different this year. Again a lot of things we do they do as well so we have to cover the entire field and our defense has to be prepared. Defensively they are probably going to blitz more than what we have seen the last couple of weeks so we have to be ready for that as well,” said Coach Trapp.

The Tigers have never won a regular season region football championship and Coach Trapp knows its important to win that first game especially in only a four team region.

“We have a goal each year to win the region. Its something we have never done here. There are only four games in our region and to lose one may eliminate you from the opportunity to be the first place team. Regardless we want to get the region season off on the right foot. Right now its all about being a clean football team that executes and plays hard each and every play,” said Coach Trapp.

DeKalb County High School Principal Randy Jennings has a message for Tiger football fans planning to make the trip to Crossville tonight for the game at Stone Memorial.

“Due to the large size of the stadium at Stone Memorial High School there will be no ticket restrictions for fans. All fans will have to wear a mask and social distance upon entering the stadium”, said Principal Jennings.

WJLE’s Pre-Game shows begin with “Coach to Coach” at 5:00 p.m. featuring former UT assistant coach Doug Matthews with former coach Dave McGinnis and broadcaster Larry Stone talking Tennessee and SEC football.

“Coach to Coach” is followed by “Murphy’s Matchups at 6:00 p.m., a look at Tennessee High School Football from Murphy Fair with commentary on games and coaches interviews.

“Tiger Talk” airs at 6:30 p.m. with the Voice of the Tigers John Pryor interviewing Coach Steve Trapp and Tiger football players Aiden Curtis, Isaiah Harrington, and Diego Coronado.

September 4, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

A man on the run for stealing a utility trailer in Williamson County months ago was spotted and eventually captured in DeKalb County early Wednesday morning.

40 year old Bradley Wayne Powell is charged with theft of property over $2,500 and is under a $25,000 bond.

The Nolensville Police Department had information that Powell was in DeKalb County and came here Tuesday looking for him. He was reportedly spotted in the yard of a home on Lower Helton Road. When officers stopped to speak with him, Powell said he needed to use the restroom and then entered the home before darting out the back door to make his getaway on foot. Nolensville officers contacted the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department and a search began for Powell. He was later spotted in the area of Dry Branch Road but continued to elude capture. Residents claimed to have seen Powell in the area at different times Tuesday afternoon.

In a social media post, Nolensville Police reported how Powell was captured.

“Powell had been playing hide and seek with us for several months. This morning (Wednesday) at 2am the games ended. His snoring gave him away. NPD Team members located him in DeKalb County TN sleeping in an old camper. Powell was booked into the Williamson County Jail early Wednesday morning. He was given a $25,000 bond on a charge of Theft over $2,500 related to a stolen trailer taken from Nolensville in October 2019. The trailer was recovered about 6 weeks later and returned to its owner. Powell was developed as a suspect.

The arrest was made without incident”.

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department was also involved in the capture of Powell

September 4, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

The Tennessee Department of Transportation advises motorists to be vigilant as construction work continues on Highway 56 from Smithville to the Warren County line.

Jones Brothers Contractors, LLC continues to install concrete box culverts and drainage structures, with ongoing bridge, grade, and utility work on the new roadway alignment. There has been no change in traffic patterns. Traffic is still using the existing highway. Motorists are advised to use caution and watch for construction equipment adjacent to the roadway. Flaggers may be present to move equipment across the roadway, unload equipment, or complete utility work. A portion of County House Road is closed to allow the contractor to complete work in that area. Motorists should follow posted signs for County House Road detour until work is complete. The contractor is also working at the intersection of South Tittsworth Road and the new alignment. Traffic will be shifted onto a diversion to allow the contractor to construct the new alignment. Motorists should use caution in this area and watch for flaggers.

TDOT opened bids last June and Jones Brothers Contractors, LLC was the low bidder on the construction project at $43,691,948 which is being done in two phases from south of state highway 288 near Magness Road to East Bryant Street in Smithville and from south of the Warren-DeKalb County line to near Magness Road in DeKalb County. A proposed third segment from near State Route 287 in Warren County to near the DeKalb County Line is not yet ready for bid letting.

The state is building largely two lanes of a proposed four lane project and maintaining traffic on the existing Highway 56 (alignment) while construction is done on the new portion.

The estimated completion date for the two phases is May 31, 2022.

The Tennessee Department of Transportation will halt all lane closure activity on interstates and state highways for the Labor Day holiday travel period. Construction crews will stop all lane closure activity beginning at noon on Friday, September 4 until 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 8. This will provide maximum roadway capacity for motorists traveling during the Labor Day holiday.

“The Labor Day holiday is typically a busy travel time,” said TDOT Commissioner Clay Bright. “We want to ensure that travelers using Tennessee’s roadways during this period arrive at their destinations quickly and safely without being impeded by road construction delays.”
While lane closure activity will be stopped, workers will still be on site in many construction zones, and drivers are urged to obey posted speed limits. Drivers convicted of speeding in work zones where workers are present face a fine of $250 to $500, plus court fees and possible increased insurance premiums.

The “Hands Free Tennessee” law, which requires drivers to put down their phones and focus on the road, includes a $200 fine if the violation occurs in a work zone while workers are present.

From your desktop or mobile device, get the latest construction activity and live streaming SmartWay traffic cameras at www.TNSmartWay.com/Traffic. Travelers can also dial 511 from any land-line or cellular phone for travel information, or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TN511 for statewide travel. As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and Know Before You Go! by checking travel conditions before leaving for your destination. Drivers should never tweet, text or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel.

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