Time for some gridiron payback



DAVID HUNTER/ The Cannon Courier

Gridiron alumni from DeKalb and Cannon County will have one more chance for revenge on May 14 at the CCHS football stadium with kickoff set for 7 p.m.

"It is just a fundraiser and a good idea," current CCHS head football coach T.J. Daniels said. "I talked to (DCHS head coach Steve) Trapp and see what happens. This is our first year and we are looking forward to it."

Trapp added, "It is an exciting opportunity to have former players I have coached over the last 11 years, a few guys that I played with, and a few guys that I never played with to be able to come together as a team and have the opportunity to play one more time and represent not only themselves but also DeKalb County."

Besides the two current head coaches working together to put this event together, the alumni game is also being put on by the group, Alumni Football USA. Schools from around the state have been holding these type of football games for several years and the two district rivals decided to do one of its own in a couple of months.

Since making the announcement about the upcoming game, both coaches have received a lot of feedback from former players at each school about playing in the event.

"It is picking up, and the closer to game time it will get more exciting," Daniels said. "It is one more time to put on the pads and help out for a good cause. I have heard from a lot of former players and met a lot of guys I have not seen since I have played. It has been really cool."

Trapp added, "It has been great to see and reconnect with alumni and give them some insight and procedures on how our current program is ran."

An added bonus to the game is a chance for the budding rivalry between the neighbors to continue to grow since they have only been district foes for a short time.

"We get to play DCHS again, and a lot of us know each other, because we are not far apart," Daniels said. "We are just going to have a fun and competitive time."

Next year, the alumni football game between the two schools will be held at DCHS, according to both coaches.

Reach David Hunter at

dhunter@cannoncourier.com