Trapp & Tigers Thankful For Community Support

The Dekalb County Tigers are 5-0 and ahead of their week six match-up with Stone Memorial and head coach Steve Trapp said his players understand what is at stake.

In his 20th season as the Tigers head coach, Trapp is having the best start of a season since 2012. He said that due to the success of this season, the community of Smithville has rallied around the Tigers.

“We understand that we have a responsibility and an obligation to play good football in order for it to be that way,” Trapp said. “Fortunately, so far up to this point, football has been really good in Dekalb County all the way up. So, we are just grateful and appreciative of all the support.”

Coming off a 35-21 win over Gordonsville, the Tigers are second in the district behind top ranked Upperman. Trapp said while fans see the Tigers play hard on Friday nights, the real work is done during the week.

“We talk to them all the time about taking care of Monday through Thursday in order to have the fun you want on Friday,” Trapp said. “It’s all about keeping that mindset where it needs to be and being 1-0 each and every day. And then hopefully you’ve done it good enough to where you can be 1-0 every Friday night.”

In Smithville, Trapp and his staff use the “Tiger Pride” program to reward players for their hard work on in the weight room and in the classroom. Trapp said the energy his players play with on Fridays is instilled in them with the program from the start of the season in January until they play their last game.

Trapp said this season has been exciting, but noted that there is always improvements to be made.

“We are having a tremendous amount of fun,” Trapp said. “Ultimately we want them to be able to have fun, but there’s a huge process of work that has to be done. That is not always the fun part.”

The Tigers will look to keep their undefeated 2024 season alive this Friday at home against Stone Memorial. Kickoff at 7pm.