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.