Fall is a busy time for all ages around Dexter, and nothing is different for the Dexter Parks & Recreation Little League Football Program.

With sign-ups complete and players all assigned to their respective teams, Tuesday night was the first step in realizing a dream for many of these young athletes: to one day become a Bearcat under the lights of Charles Bland Stadium on Friday nights.

The little league football program was started in the 1970‘s. A group of businessmen and dads from the Dexter area noted that there was no such program for their sons to learn the game in. They all came together to purchase the equipment and organize what is now known as the Dexter Little League Football program.

Names such as Sonny Jones, Darrell Hicks, and Marty Poetz, among others, have long since been forgotten for their contribution to getting the league up and running, but the excitement for the league has not changed over the years.

Under the supervision of the Parks and Rec Department of Dexter, Jamie Rowe and her team are extremely busy continuing the tradition. There is a tremendous amount of work as equipment is handed out, forms are processed, and kids are divided up into teams.

The league has always been structured around teaching the techniques and fundamentals of football. Obviously, the spirit of competition never leaves the game, but the DPR’s leadership has done a great job over the years, keeping a balance of competition and education within the league.

One of the greatest events this league provides is the 'Day With Bearcat Football' program. For several hours, one Saturday morning a year, these youngsters hit the DHS practice field to learn from none other than the Dexter Bearcat Varsity Football team, under the supervision of the DHS coaching staff.

Practices began Tuesday (Aug. 30) night for all four teams in the league. Coaches for the 2011 Season are:



The young Bearcats will practice on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays until their season begins on Saturday, September 17, 2011. The season opener will find the Red Team vs the Black Team at 9:30 AM followed by the Blue Team vs the Green Team at 11:30 AM.

Make plans to come out and support the young gridiron gang on Saturdays throughout the fall at Charles Bland Stadium. The games are always fun and entertaining for everyone, especially the annual night game when these youngsters get a taste of the ‘Friday Night Lights’. This year, the night games will be held on two separate nights on September 27th and 29th.

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For the full 2011 Little League Football schedule, click here.
For the full 2011 Little League Football roster, click here.

Thanks to SMT Reader Leigh Ann Kincy for the pictures!