By Gracie Smith

Demopolis Tigers head coach Tom Causey discussed the upcoming season with Kiwanis Club members Tuesday at their weekly meeting. Causey mentioned several factors behind the Tigers’ plan for another successful season, including the coaching staff, new facilities, and continued community support.

In spite of losing 13 key players from last year, Causey is optimistic about the leadership potential of the young team members. “Our goal is to be the best 5A football team on December 4th,” Causey explained. “To be that team, we’ve got to develop leadership, and we’ve got to do it quick.”

With both returning and new coaching staff members, Causey ensured that the team would learn proper leadership from the coaches. “[All] of the assistant coaches are fine men,” Causey said. “They will be great examples to the players and to the students at the high school.”

Causey said that he is pleased to welcome James Moody back to the coaching staff at DHS. “He will fit in great with our coaching staff,” Causey said. “He is a great influence on the kids, and we’re lucky to have him back.”

Causey also announced that a dedication for the new stadium will be held on August 8th. “We’d love to have everyone out to see it,” Causey said. “It is a fine facility and something that we need to be extremely proud of here in Demopolis.”

Although the season schedule is full of difficult opponents, such as 6A team Wetumpka and former 6A team Carver, Causey explained that the goal of the team was to become a better and stronger team in addition to winning games. “Last year, we got better from week 1 to week 13,” Causey said. “That is the goal of our team—we want to be as good as we can be. Our goal is to win the 15th game of the season.”

And the Tigers are certainly capable of winning that 15th game. “If we can get our defense to give up less than 12 points a game, we can win a state championship,” Causey said. However, Causey emphasized that poll standings are insignificant, citing the unranked Tigers playoff run two years ago.

Causey highlighted the role of the community in the success of the football team. “The community support you give our team is unbelievable, and that’s the main thing that separates Demopolis from anywhere else,” Causey said. “I want to tell you how much we appreciate when you show up on Friday night and the stadium is packed.” Causey recalled last season’s close game against Greenville and how the noise from the Demopolis stands caused Greenville to get several delay-of-game penalties. “That is a huge advantage to have,” Causey said. “When the opponents come into our house, it needs to be packed.”

For now, 79 players are continuing their 6:30 am workouts until the beginning of formal practices on August 3rd. The first day of full-pads practice is set for August 6th. “This day sets the tone and tempo for the rest of the season,” Causey said. “We want to find out which dogs are going to bite.”

The Tigers are scheduled to kick off the season on August 21 with a jamboree with Linden and Central Tuscaloosa.