by Rusty Ellis
The DeKalb County Tigers got one final tune-up scrimmage in before their jamboree in Carthage, as they hosted Providence Christian Academy in what turned out to be a spirited, physical scrimmage from the jump.
Briz Trapp connected with a trio of touchdown passes, including one to Marquez Chalfant on the opening possession, as the offense seemed fully in-sync with the season around the corner.
For head coach Steve Trapp, the scoring was a sight to behold, as he says it’s the one thing that’s avoided them throughout their camp scrimmages.
“Our first couple of scrimmages have been gritty, but we’ve not scored,” Trapp said. “Some of that is due to formatting, but the guys had a lot of energy before we got on the field, so that was good to see…they do have to realize that when we put that helmet on, no matter where we are, we’ve got to bring that energy and get after it.”
Chalfant was a force on both sides of the ball, creating chunk plays on offense and pressure up-front on defense.
When he’s fully locked in, Trapp knows he, along with both Briz and Malachi Trapp can be game-changers for the Tigers.
“He’s still getting better each week, and he’s got the ability to make a lot of plays for us,” Trapp said. “Him and Malachi and Briz, we classify our team as pretty athletic because of those guys…it’s exciting to have those types of guys, so it’s all about working with them and seeing what we can do with them.”
Andrew Dakas was another name that jumped out early on defense, as he made several tackles in the backfield to help fuel the defense.
Trapp says that’s just a continuation of the camp that Dakas has had thus far.
“He’s practiced so well, and this is the first time he’s played with the first-team,” Trapp said. “He’s not a big guy, but he does everything we ask him to do, and he does it the way it’s supposed to be done with a lot of energy and effort. He did a really good job for us.”
DeKalb County will head to Carthage on Friday to take on Clay County in Smith County’s jamboree, and Trapp says he likes the direction his team is heading in with the season coming in a little over a week.
“The biggest thing was the first couple of scrimmages weren’t up to our standards,” Trapp said. “Now the question is how do they handle success…enjoy it and then move on, there’s still work to be done and we can still be better. If we’re still playing in November, that’ll still be the mindset then.”
