October 17, 2019
By: Dwayne Page
It’s the last regular season home game this year for the DeKalb County Tigers Friday night as they play host to the Macon County Tigers in Smithville on Senior night.
But a win against the Lafayette squad coupled with a victory in two weeks over struggling Cumberland County in Crossville would give the Tigers a second place finish in the region and guarantee them a state play-off game at home in three weeks.
(Click link below to hear this week’s Tiger Talk program)
The DC Tigers enter the game Friday night at 4-4 and 1-1 in region play. Macon County is 4-3 and 2-0 in the region.
Last year at Lafayette, DeKalb County lost 20-17. Tiger Coach Steve Trapp is hoping for a different outcome Friday night.
“Macon County looks very similar defensively to what they showed against us last year. Offensively, they move around a lot with a lot of shifts and trades trying to get the defense a little bit confused or outnumbered with more bodies on one side than what you have so its really important especially defensively that our assignments and alignments are correct. They have really looked good in practice this week but once you get to Friday you have to make sure you are on par with everything. We talk to our guys all the time about making sure their eyes are right because if your eyes are right the rest will follow and that holds very true for this game. If we get lined up right I think our guys will have a good night but if we get lined up wrong and take on blocks in an incorrect way then some big plays may happen. We understand what is on the line but we can’t focus on that until the game is over. Its about having that mental toughness and that next play mentality and doing the best you can each and every moment you have the chance to,” said Coach Trapp.
Macon County has defeated Mount Juliet Christian 55-7, Glencliff 70-8, Cumberland County 48-12, and Stone Memorial 16-6. Their losses have been to Smith County 13-9, Westmoreland 21-11, and to Trousdale County 28-0.
DeKalb County has beaten Stone Memorial 33-0, Grundy County 49-12, Cannon County 41-10, and Smith County 28-24 and lost to Warren County 35-21, Upperman 35-0, Watertown 42-20, and Livingston Academy 31-0.
Region Standings:
*Livingston Academy: 8-0 (3-0)
*Macon County: 4-3 (2-0)
*DeKalb County: 4-4 (1-1)
*Stone Memorial: 1-6 (0-3)
*Cumberland County: 0-7 (0-2)
Kick-off will be Friday night at 7 p.m.
WJLE’s pre-game shows begin with “Coach to Coach” at 5 p.m. featuring former coaches Doug Matthews, Dave McGinnis, and broadcaster Larry Stone.
“Murphy’s Matchups” airs at 6 p.m. featuring the Guru of Tennessee High School Football Murphy Fair.
“Tiger Talk” begins at 6:30 p.m. featuring DCHS Coach Steve Trapp and Tiger Football Players Isaac Knowles, Evan Jones, and Nathaniel Crook. John Pryor, the Voice of the Tigers, is the host of the program.
WJLE’s “LIVE” play by play coverage starts at 7 p.m. with the Voice of the Tigers John Pryor and Luke Willoughby.
LISTEN LIVE ON WJLE AM 1480/ FM 101.7 and LIVE STREAMING at www.wjle.com.