Over the last week, I had an opportunity to speak with DCHS Tiger Football Coach Steve Trapp about the upcoming 2017 Football season.

Smithville Review: Since enrollment is up, that bumped DCHS football to 4A. In what ways will that change things?

Coach Trapp: It only changes what teams and games are now in our region. We have been in a seven team district for a few years, but now we only have five teams in our region.

SR: Will you have to prepare differently?

CT: Our preparation process does not change no matter who we are playing. We respect every opponent and the process it takes to be prepared and have success on Friday nights.

SR: Who are some standouts this season for Tiger football?

CT: A few guys with the most experience would be Jesse Smith (three-year starter), Gage Delape (two-year starter), Nick May (two-year starter), Bradley Miller (two-year starter), Tyler Cantrell (one-year starter). All these guys are seniors that have been on the field on Friday nights over their career at DeKalb. Braxton Linder is another senior who has filled a lot of roles in his career, but this will be his first year as a full time starter and will be a big asset to our team this year.

SR: What does the rest of the summer look like, practice wise, for your team?

CT: July 10 and 11 we will have three games each day in a 7 on 7 format at Cookeville high school. We will be hosting a 7 on 7 event against Sparta on July 13 at around 5:30 or 6 p.m. We will be in Gallatin on July 15 for a 7 on 7 event with eight games and then again at Cookeville High School on the 18th for a 7 on 7 event with six games. In between those dates and afterwards we will be practicing and preparing for the upcoming season every day from 3 to 7:30 p.m. We will be having the youth camp on the 12th and 14th from 8:30 to 11:30 each day. Our annual lift a thon will be the 20th and 21st.

SR: Are there any practice games coming up that we can look forward to?

CT: Our first full team scrimmage will be July 28 at home vs Gordonsville around 6 p.m., with our second fall scrimmage the following week on August 4 vs Friendship Christian away. Our Jamboree will be at Upperman this year vs Clay County on August 11.

SR: When is the first game of the season? What will be the biggest challenge against that team?

CT: First game is August 18 vs Warren County at their place. Our biggest challenge is getting all these young men to take of business each and every day leading up to that point to have the opportunity to be successful.