By Andrew Cato, ShowMe Times Sports Editor

The Dexter Bearcats will open conference play on Friday night when they hit the road to face off against the Charleston Blue Jays in a matchup that has gone in Dexter’s favor for the last few years.


Saying the Jays have struggled in the last few seasons would be an understatement - the squad posted a 1-9 record in the ’08-’09 season and a 0-10 record last year - but Charleston has showed signs of improvement so far this season. The Blue Jays have posted wins over Kennett and New Madrid so far this year. The only common opponent between the two teams is Sikeston, who put up lopsided wins over both Dexter and Charleston.


Head coach Aaron Pixley’s squad is a little banged up after last week’s game against Malden, but he doesn’t see it as a problem for his team. “Shoot, we’re banged up right now,” Pixley said. “We’re trying to get healed, and it just doesn’t get any easier for us - this team, not only can they run, but they’re big and physical. Other people have got to step up, but that’s football. The next guy steps up and we move on.”

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Pixley complimented his squad’s effort during practice this week, and noted the ‘big play ability’ of the Blue Jays as a key concern heading into Friday night’s conference opener.

“[Practice has] gone pretty well this week. Had a good day today, things were clean and crisp and we got in and out, which is what you want on a day like today,” Pixley said after Thursday afternoon’s helmets-only walkthrough.


“They’re very fast, typical of their team. They can break big plays - they’re explosive when they get in space,” he continued. “They have some big kids up front, and they’re much improved on defense. They tackle a lot better, and a solid football team. They’re much better than they were last year.”

The momentum of last week’s ‘grudge match’ win over Malden, coupled with Charleston’s big-play ability and the state-ranked Caruthersville Tigers looming on the horizon - the ‘Cats face off with Caruthersville next week - could turn this into a ‘trap game’ for Dexter.

“We’ve only talked about Charleston - nothing else,” Pixley said of the situation. “As far as I’m concerned, that’s the only thing that will be going through my mind for sure, and my team’s mind tomorrow night. We have nothing else to look at - the only thing in front of us right now is Charleston, and that’s what we have to be focused on.”




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Editor’s Note: The ‘Cats will again be without offensive lineman Dylan Aaron, who has missed the last few games with a shoulder injury. Dylan Hefflin, who has taken over as the everyday starter, will be in his place.


The ‘Cats will also be without two of their biggest offensive weapons: Nick Summers and Tyler Miller.

Summers suffered a concussion after a head-to-head hit during last week’s matchup with Malden - I’d expect to see a lot more of Alex Cliff and Josh Overall in the backfield, and maybe even JV standout Jonathan Foels for a play or two.

Miller is suffering from a bruised quad; Chase Young and Cody Neldon will be able to pick up the slack from the wideout position, and I’d also expect to see a few more balls go Jake Lee’s way.


As always, if you can’t make it to the game, I’ll be Tweeting the scores and big plays of the contest from the sidelines - just keep checking back with our Facebook or Twitter page for updates!