By Andrew Cato, ShowMe Times Sports Editor

SCOTT CITY -- The Bearcats got up quick and never looked back on Friday night as they dominated the Scott City Rams on both sides of the ball for a big 54-6 victory.

The Bearcats’ biggest concern coming into the game was their rush defense, after giving up over 400 yards on the ground last week against Sikeston. The ‘D’ showed up in a big way during the contest, allowing only 19 yards on the ground and holding Scott City’s offensive production to under 150 yards.


The ‘Cats were led on the defensive side of the ball by junior Ryan Joyner, with eight total tackles, and senior Tyler Miller, who had six total tackles, two pass breakups, and an interception for a 44 yard return.


Offensively, the ‘Cats exploded, scoring early and often throughout the first half. After a bad snap pushed the ‘Cats back to their 48 yard line, quarterback Cody Stevens (7-12 for 127 yards and 3 TD’s passing, 6 attempts for 64 yards rushing) was able to connect with Miller for a touchdown pass. Stevens was able to connect with Miller for another TD, as well as tight end Jake Lee for another six points.


The Bearcats’ one-two backfield punch was just too much for Scott City’s defense to handle; Nick Summers (9 attempts for 117 yards) and Josh Overall (9 attempts for 79 yards, 1 reception for 12 yards) were able to account for nearly 200 of Dexter’s 327 rushing yards and five TD’s in the contest.

---

---


Head coach Aaron Pixley was very pleased with his squad’s effort in the contest, and felt the game was a great way to bounce back from last week’s first loss of the season.

“We executed very well on offense. We did most everything we wanted to do in the passing game and the running game,” Pixley noted. “Defense shut the running game down, and that was great. We’re playing a team that runs the ball well, rushes for a lot of yards, and we’ve been giving up a lot of rushing yards lately, but our defense played excellent. [Scott CIty] got some passing yards late there, but it was a very well executed game. I’m glad we came out of the locker room fired up, because we need to be ready for this game to bounce back.”

With the ‘mercy clock’ running throughout the second half, Pixley was pleased that some of his younger players were able to get valuable experience under the Friday night lights.

“Starters in games like this, they don’t like coming out,” he added. “I’m very glad some of my young guys got their first chance to play this season in a varsity football game, but that’s all due to my starters executing and playing well.”


With the victory, the Bearcats move to 3-1 on the season and begin looking ahead to next week’s opponent - the Malden Green Wave.


Malden, also 3-1 on the year, have posted wins over Scott City, Piggott (Ark.) and Portageville. Their only loss so far came at the hands of the Hayti Indians in the second week of the season.


Pixley noted the added distraction of ‘Fair Week’ as a concern, but said the ‘Cats should have a good shot if they have a solid week of practice.

“It’s a week where we’ve got the fair, it’s a very distracting week. We have to really be disciplined all week long and not get distracted. We have to make sure we focus on what we’re supposed to do, and come out ready to play, because they’re a very good football team,” Pixley said. “We’re going to have to be ready Friday night or we’ll get in a rough spot. We just have to have a great week of practice.”

The ‘Cats will be back at home when they face Malden next week - kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m.

For the full breakdown of the game's stats, click here.