BEARCAT NATION, you have been voted the Heartland's Best Fans on Heartland Football Friday!

DHS Athletic Director Chuck Powers accepted the award from Todd Richards during Friday night's 10 o'clock news on KFVS-12.

"It's a great honor, we have great fans. It all starts with the coaches, and our fans out there on Friday nights," he said.

When asked where he would put the trophy, Powers laughed and said he would keep it on his desk for a few days.

Congratulations Bearcat Nation!

By Andrew Cato, ShowMe Times Sports Editor

CAPE GIRARDEAU - The JV Bearcats opened the season on Wednesday afternoon in the Notre Dame JV Tournament. The ‘Cats faced off against the Jackson Indians and fell 52-22.

The JV ‘Cats were without the services of Holden Bruce, who had season-ending knee surgery last Friday.


The Indians came out hard and fast, thanks to an eight-point effort in the opening frame from Brandon Leuders. Myles Urhan and Noah Krunk were the only Bearcats to find the basket, with two points each to bring the score to 21-4 at the end of the first.

Nick Noble and Cody Gibson were both good from three-point land in the second quarter, with a three apiece. Jackson’s Blake Reiman hit a pair of treys, and the Indians held a commanding 34-12 lead going in to halftime.

The Bearcats’ defense played better to open the second half, forcing several turnovers in the third, but Jackson put in 10 unanswered points to increase their lead to 49-17 at the end of the frame.


Krunk hit the only field goal of the fourth quarter for the ‘Cats - the rest of their five points came off free-throws from Jacob Murdock and Stevie Payne - but the Bearcat D was able to hold the Indians to only three points in the fourth.


The defensive effort was too little, too late for the Bearcats, as were handed their first loss of the season in the 30 point blowout.


The ‘Cats will be in action again on Friday morning, when they face off against the Charleston Blue Jays in the consolation bracket. Tipoff is scheduled for 11:30 a.m.

Thanks to SMT Reader - and Bearcat Mom - Tracy Horton for the photo!

By Andrew Cato, ShowMe Times Sports Editor

BEARCAT NATION, you are in the finals of the Heartland Football Friday Heartland's Best Fans contest, sponsored by KFVS-12!

It's down to Dexter and Anna-Jonesboro in the finals, and YOU get to cast your vote to decide which fans in the Heartland are the best!

Head over to KFVS-12's website to cast your vote today!

Results will be aired during the 10:00 p.m. newscasts' sports section, headed by Todd Richards, on Friday, Nov. 25!

By Andrew Cato, ShowMe Times Sports Editor

The DMS Bearcats played host to the Poplar Bluff Mules in their first contest since the Stoddard County Tournament on Monday night.


The ‘Cats were able to split the contest with the Mules, with the seventh grade falling 43-26 and the eighth grade winning (with a crazy ending) 45-44.


In the seventh grade contest, the ‘Cats kept up with Poplar Bluff throughout most of the first half, and trailed 8-6 at the end of the first quarter. Bluff went on a quick 5-0 run to take a 13-8 lead, and hit a big three late in the second quarter to take a 22-14 lead at halftime.

The ‘Cats battled back early in the third quarter, thanks to a seven-point effort by Jason Jarrell, but the Mules held a 34-24 lead heading into the closing frame.

Poplar Bluff’s defense stepped up in the fourth quarter, and held the Bearcats to two points off four free throws to claim the 43-26 win.

In the eighth grade matchup, the ‘Cats were without the services of big man Cole Renken, who dressed out but didn’t play.

Chandler Young led the ‘Cats in the first half with a 13 point effort, as well as several big rebounds on both ends of the court. Jacob Pedigo had some foul trouble late in the opening half, and saw limited action as a result. Despite the adversity, the ‘Cats were able to keep within three points at the end of the half, as Poplar Bluff held a 25-22 lead.

Bluff’s offense exploded in the third quarter, and the Mules doubled up the Bearcats with 16 points in the frame to take a 41-30 lead at the end of the frame.


The ‘Cats came back with some strong defense in the fourth quarter, with Young recording two blocks and Pedigo recording a pair of steals.


The last minute of the game seemed like something straight from Hollywood - Pedigo had an offensive rebound and putback to cut Bluff’s lead to 44-37. Young blocked a layup attempt with just under a minute left, and Pedigo picked up the loose ball and took it the length of the floor for another layup to bring the score to 44-39 with :33 left in the game.


The ‘Cats forced another turnover, and after a quick timeout, Pedigo hit a three to cut the lead to 44-42 with :20 left. Pedigo stole the ball on the ensuing play, and quickly dumped it off to Austin Chesser for a layup to tie the game at 44-44 with :03.7 left in the contest. Chesser was fouled on the play, and after a technical foul was called on Poplar Bluff’s head coach, Pedigo hit a free throw to seal the 45-44 victory.

The young ‘Cats will be in action again Tuesday (Nov. 22) night when they hit the road to face the Jackson Indians.


Tipoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.

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Bearcat Youth Wrestling sign-ups have been announced!

The future Bearcats can sign up during the Red & Black Duel, held at the DHS Gym (adjacent to the Lobby) on Tuesday (Nov. 22) night at 6:00 p.m.

All wrestlers in the first through eighth grades are encouraged to come out and sign up for either the Elk's or AAU league.

In the Elk's league, the little Bearcats will learn the basics of wrestling, and will be limited to a local league. The AAU League is the 'Traveling Team', with the little 'Cats hitting the road to take on area competition.

The price for the Elk's league is $10, while the AAU league is $22. Please make all checks payable to Bearcat Youth Wrestling.

Don't forget to bring your canned food item and head out to the DHS Gym in support of the Bearcat Wrestling team as they duel for Varsity positions!