Portageville, Missouri – Dexter has a new league of young men working to extend their football skills. The Dexter Bearcat 6th Grade traveling team was formed for the first time this year. The team has planned to follow up the DPR season by combining several of the Dexter area 6th grade youth to compete against other area teams.
The young Bearcat team traveled to Portageville this weekend to participate in a round robin tournament against two teams from Portageville (5th & 6th grade) and a New Madrid 6th grade team. The event format was very similar to that of a pre-season jamboree held at the high school level where teams play a controlled execution of plays while receiving instruction from coaches throughout the contest.
The Bearcat 6th graders took on the Portageville 5th Grade team in opening action. With a lot of rotation among the first and second teams, the ‘Cats were obviously able to dominate this game.
The second contest pitted both 6th grade teams from Dexter and Portageville. The Bearcat defense was dominant, while the offense quickly moved the football down the field.
After the warm-up of the two half field jamboree formats, the teams were set to play a full field contest for a set 30 minutes. Two coaches continued to remain on the field for instructional purposes and the clock ran continuously until the final 2 minutes of the contest. At that point, the clock started and stopped as normal to high school rules.
The Bearcats were set to play the big, strong New Madrid 6th grade team in their opening game. New Madrid had one player whose dad was rumored to have played professionally in Canada and was a complete horse at his defensive end and offensive guard positions.
New Madrid came out initially with a strong offensive grind that eventually ended with a long run to the endzone. PAT’s (point after touchdown) are handled differently in this league as a normal offensive play ran or thrown into the endzone results in 1-point, where if a kicker under no pressure is able to kick the ball through the uprights will receive 2-points. New Madrid converted their run into the endzone making the score 7 to 0.
The Bearcats were unproductive in their first series and were held deep in their territory and forced to punt in both their first two offensive series. The ‘Cats were simply unable to clear enough of a hole to allow the backs to gain the needed yards for a first down.
New Madrid held excellent field position throughout the contest and quickly began to push the ball down to the five yard line. That is when the Bearcat defense bowed it’s back and displayed their best defensive performance of the day. Luke Boyer matched up against the two most athletic linemen for New Madrid clogging up the middle. His efforts allowed the other members of the defensive unit to make the plays to deny New Madrid entry into the endzone. A procedure penalty and a sack by defensive end Braxton Foster and company turned the ball over on downs back to the Bearcats.
Continuing to find the going tough, the Dexter offense found a seam when Seth Rogers scooted to the outside and was able to display his blazing speed up the sidelines for a 70+ yard touchdown run. The Bearcats possess a secret weapon in Travis Propst. Propst came into the game to kick the PAT from normal high school distance. The kick was long, high and was good, making the score 8 to 7 in favor of the Bearcats.
As the game was winding down to a close, New Madrid had one final chance to get on the scoreboard. With their first three downs yielding very little yardage against the hardnosed defense of Dexter, New Madrid backed up for one final toss of the football. The pass was right on target from the quarterback to his receiver in the deep middle third of the field and he ran 80+ yards for the winning score. The PAT was no good and the game ended with a score of 13 to 8.
Following the hard fought loss, the 6th graders were called back to the field after a short intermission to play the Portageville 6th grade. The Bearcats were able to perform well against the Portageville team winning by a score of 8 to 0.
Defensively, the Bearcats had an outstanding performance for the first outing of this combined 6th grade team. Colby Powers, Colton Gibson and Hunter Lawrence played particularly well for the team from their interior line and linebacker positions.
In addition to Rogers, the offensive play by Dexter had several bright spots. Garrison Collier was explosive from his offensive center position, as well as Brock Simmons on the offensive line.
From a specialty position, the Bearcats positioned two athletes that alternated between receiver and the quarterback positions. Joe Rice was the starting QB for the ‘Cats while Nate Gargas alternated in to offer his dashing running style. Colton Gibson and Seth Rogers handled the running back positions.
Overall, the hope for this group is to begin to merge a very good group of Dexter athletes to begin their careers in the DHS Bearcat football program. Instrumental in the formation of this group is Loyd Rice and the parents of each of these young athletes. The Dexter Park and Rec has graciously allowed the group to continue to use the practice facilities and football equipment the additional time of this short season.
The team established a “no dad” coaching policy. Darren Hillis, Brett Dorton, Jason Comfort, Drew Pixley, Alex Becker and Alan Hedrick coach the team this year.
The experience was a great one for the young men as the Portageville schools, coaches, PA announcers, and student athletes were involved with supporting the games today. Most of all, the smiles on the faces and the accomplishments of the afternoon was satisfying to parents, coaches, and players.
On Saturday the Dexter Middle School Lady Bearcats hosted a tournament for area 8th grade girls basketball teams at the Bearcat Event Center. The tournament began at 8 am and had some teams playing their last game at 4 pm. Along with the Lady Bearcats the tournament also featured the Sikeston Bulldogs, Cape Tigers, Puxico Indians, Charleston Bluejays, Senath Lions and the Cairo Pilots.
In the first game of the tournament on the center court Dexter had to go up against the Senath Lady Lions.
As the game began it was quickly apparent that the Lions were overmatched. The Lady 'Cats came out hot scoring 21 points to Senaths 2. Led by guard Sydney Rogers with seven points, Dexter's offense was hustling offense was too much to handle.
By halftime the Dexter Lady Bearcats had jumped out to a 33-6 lead. With such a lead built up it is tough to come out fired up but Dexter didn't slow down in the third quarter as they scored another 16 points to the Lions two.
The Bearcats rested their startes and gave some of the other girls a chance to get some valuable playing time. They did well in relief and closed the game out with a 51-12 win to send them into the next round of the tournament to face the Puxico Lady Indians. Shyann Mosby led the scoring attack with 16 points. Sydney Rogers had 13 points and Emily Mouser chipped in with eight.
In the Bearcats second game of the day they had to take on a much better Puxico Indians team that had just defeated the Cape Lady Tigers.
As the game began the Bearcats knew they were playing a better team in the Puxico Indians than they faced against Senath. After the first quarter both teams were playing well as the score was 17-10.
In the second quarter the Puxico Indians seemed to get all of their points off of the fast break as they were catching the Bearcats defense off guard. Going into the second quarter, coaches Chad Allen and Eric Sitze made all the right adjustments and helped the 'Cats widen their lead to 25-12 at halftime. In the second half the picked up the pace scoring eight points and playing better on defense limiting Dexters points to 10. In the final quarter Dexter took advantage of their trips to the free throw line, going 5-8 from the charity stripe.
Dexter won the game by the final of 42-28. Harley Allen was 5-6 from the free throw line with 11 points total. Sydney Rogers led all scorers with 13 points and Shyann Mosbey chipped in with nine points.
The 8th grade Lady Bearcats will face the Jackson Lady Indians on Monday Night at T.S. Hill Middle School in the Championship Game at 7:00 P.M.
The Lady Wildcats were proud to host the Dig Pink game on Thursday, October 18th, supporting those who were lost to breast cancer or those who are currently fighting it. The girls took pride in decorating their gymnasium with posters that give support and hope to the fighters. They wore pink headbands, shoelaces, jerseys, and socks for the eventful night. The fans in the crowd also showed their support by dressing in pink attire.
The team had many fundraisers prior to the Dig Pink game to raise money for The Ben Kruse 18 Fore Life Foundation by selling volleyballs and Dig Pink t-shirts, having a 50/50 raffle, and participating in a large bake sale.
Aside from the Hits for Hope game, it was also another big night for the Bloomfield Volleyball Team because it was Senior Night. It was the team’s last home game before districts on October 22nd, so the team was proud to honor their only senior player, Jessica Carlson.
Bloomfield’s varsity team played four sets against the Zalma Bulldogs, with the win going to the team to win three out of five games. Bloomfield came out on top during the first set, winning 25 to 13. They lost the second game by four points, letting the Bulldogs have their first and last win of the night with a score of 25 to 21. The Wildcats bounced back and dominated the third set, with a finishing score of 25 to 9. The final set was neck and neck between the two teams but Bloomfield won and took the victory over the Bulldogs with only a 2 point lead with a final score of 26 to 24, allowing the Wildcats to take the big win for that important night.
The Lady Wildcats played four sets and throughout the night and there were many amazing plays. Lindsey Young had a total of 15 kills, senior Jessica Carlson had a total of 8, Madison Staggs had 5, and Kayla Burns also had 5. Emily O’Neal, Kayla Burns, and Lindsey Young also had 1 block each for the Wildcats. Chelsea Delay had 19 assists and 16 digs total. Each teammate contributed to Bloomfield's big win and they did a fantastic job making each play and working on the court as a team.
Bloomfield Wildcats, along with many other local high school volleyball teams, are preparing for districts on October 22nd and 23rd. Bloomfield’s volleyball coach, Starla Pulley, and her team, have a positive outlook for the upcoming tournament given their great season so far.
We wish all the teams competing at districts good luck and congratulations to the Wildcats on their successful Dig Pink night!
Malden, Missouri – With the new playoff system this year, the Dexter Bearcats traveled south to meet the Malden Greenwave in the final regular season game of the 2012 football season. With Malden riding a 5 game winning streak, and Dexter with only one win on the season, the Bearcats were hopeful to find a final victory to round out their season.
The Greenwaves came into the game with great performances this season by Southeast Missouri's leading rusher, Romello “Mello” McCoy. They had also found a great surprise in freshman quarterback, Chapin Riley and their speedy junior wide out Gunner Jones. They both would prove to be a challenge to stop for the Bearcats.
The Greenwave found great sucess Friday night, as McCoy and Riley combined for over 300 yards rushing, and Malden defeated the Bearcats by the final score of 58-26.
"Big plays just destroyed us out there tonight," said Dexter head coach Aaron Pixley. The Malden offense managed to rush for four touchdowns covering 50 yards or more.
After the opening kickoff, the Bearcat offense went right to work running the football using Joyner as their primary workhouse. Unfortunately, the ‘Cats were forced to punt after only five plays from scrimmage.
The Bearcat defense took to the field to take on the explosive offense of the Greenwave. Jonathan Page came up big for the ‘Cats with a hard hit at the line of scrimmage that sprung the ball loose. Trevor Waldner was quick to snatch up the loose ball at the Greenwaves 25-yard line and advance it to the 18-yard line.
The red zone has not been kind to the ‘Cats this season and once again, a holding penalty moved the Bearcats out of scoring position. Subsequently, a fumble prevented the Bearcats from capitalizing on the Greenwave turnover.
Later in the first quarter, Malden’s Gunner Jones took the football down the right side and turned the ball north for a 75 yard touchdown run. With a burst of blazing speed, Jones rounded the corner and outran the Dexter secondary, finding his way into the endzone for the first score of the game. McCoy's attempt to run the two point conversion was unsuccessful as Jonathan Foels stepped up for the ‘Cats and made the tackle at the one yard line.
The Bearcats next offensive series was also unproductive as the ‘Cats were forced to punt after another three and out. The Bearcats dodged a bullet as McCoy showed his incredible speed on the field. The Bearcats surrounded McCoy but he sprung through a hole to the endzone. Fortunately for the ‘Cats, McCoy had stepped out of bounds at the Bearcat 33 yard line.
Gunner Jones then went to work with an end around play, carrying the ball down to the 10 yard line. McCoy jumped into action with a run to the outside and was tackled just shy of the goal line. On the next play, Mitchell Coleman took the ball straight up the middle for another Greenwave touchdown. The 2 point conversion failed when McCoy was meet by a huge hit by Noah Kronk at the goal line. Regardless, Malden secured the early lead of 12-0.
Ryan Joyner took the ensuing kickoff and got things started with a return out to the 34 yard line. Smashing, banging, and searching for someone to hit, Joyner continued his powerful running style for the ‘Cats and moved the ball out across midfield for a 16 yard gain to the 48 yard line of the Greenwaves.
Flushed from the pocket on the following play, Bearcats’ quarterback D J Dowdy rolled out to the right and tossed a perfect pass over the Greenwave defender to the outstretched hands of Ethan Stevens. Stevens catch was nothing less than spectacular to move the Cats into a perfect scoring position. Joyner took the ball on the next play at the 5 yard line and powered his way through the right side untouched for the Bearcats' first touchdown of the night. Brad Wick’s extra point was right on the money and made the score 12 to 7.
The Bearcat defense toughened up on the Greenwaves on the next series of action as Waldner and Aldridge came up big to wipe out a sweep for a loss. Jonathan Foels dropped back in pass protection to offer his own big play shutting down a Greenwave pass to the flats.
With the Greenwaves averaging 11 yards per carry in the 1st quarter, the Greenwaves avoided punting the ball and went for the 4th down and 6. The Bearcats defense came up huge to stop the Greenwaves 1 yard short of a 1st down. This was a big momentum swing early in the game.
Under extreme pressure from the Greenwave defensive front line, Dowdy backed up to pass on 3rd down and tossed the ball into a heavily covered Chase Young. Edwin Hale played a perfect centerfield, picking the ball off for the Greenwave.
After the turnover, McCoy and company began to move the football progressively down the field. McCory took the ball on 2nd down from the 26 yard line and juked over the left side and quickly moved to the outside finding the endzone once again. The two point conversion was denied yet again by the Bearcat defense making the score 18 to 7 in favor of Malden.
Malden’s kickoff team delicately handled the threat of Chase Young’s return skills with the placement of their kickoffs. However, the Greenwave’s squib kick traveled too deep down the field and found the hands of Chase Young at the 15 yard line. Chase quickly snatched the ball and discovered good blocking and a hole in the middle to break away for a 85 yard touchdown run. After a bobbled snap, Dexter's DJ Dowdy attempted to convert the two-point conversion, but was tackled short leaving Malden ahead by the score of 18 to 13.
From the first play of Malden’s next series, McCoy was loose again over the right side, traveling up the sidelines for a 49-yard run down to the Bearcats 10-yard line. McCoy took the next handoff to the right side and cut back into the endzone for yet another Greenwave score. McCoy quickly converted on the 2-point conversion making the score 26 to 19.
On the following possession, the Bearcats stalled on offense and were forced to punt after only three plays from scrimmage. A low driving punt hit a Bearcat defender and gave the Greenwaves excellent field position at the Bearcat 49 yard line.
A series of penalties complicated the next series of the Malden Greenwaves. Gunner Jones provided some excitement as he blazed over the left side and near the endzone, forced out of bounds by Ethan Stevens at the 2 yard line. Fortunately for the ‘Cats, a holding penalty again brought the ball back to the 37 yard line. A pass deep into Bearcat territory was broken up by an excellent play by Sion Pixley. This penalty ridden, marathon drive gave the Greenwaves one final attempt at a fourth down and 22 yards. A long floating pass to the endzone was intercepted by Chase Young and returned back to the previous line of scrimmage.
The Bearcats failed to get anything going on the next series and were forced to punt the ball back to Malden.
With 1:49 left in the first half, the Greenwaves found the endzone again as Gunner Jones ran an end around the right side for a 61 yard touchdown. This one play touchdown series and the 2 point conversion by McCoy made the score 34 to 13 in favor of Malden.
The Bearcats attempted one last drive prior to the end of the first half. With 12 seconds remaining, a 26-yard completion from Dowdy to Ethan Stevens gave the ‘Cats a little life. At the 3-seconds mark and the Greenwaves in a full prevent defense, Dowdy backed up and delivered a high, long pass to the conrner of the endzone to Austin Aldridge for a spectacular catch and a Bearcat score. The 2 point conversion failed, ending the half with a score of 34 to 19 in favor of the Greenwave.
Starting the second half, the Bearcat defense came out with a new plan and a big stand to deny the Waves any yardage. The first punt of the night for Malden gave the ball over to the Bearcats at the 11-yard line. The Bearcats were unable to move the football offensively and were forced to punt. A booming 43-yard punt by Hunter Hayes saved the Bearcats from giving the Greenwaves great field position.
The Bearcat defense battled back as Holden Bruce prevented McCoy from getting outside his position and reversed his direction. At that point, Trevor Waldner was able to take McCoy down for a 10 yard loss. Brad Wick added to the defensive stand by dropping McCoy for a 2-yard loss on the next play, and bringing up 3rd down and 22. The Bearcats held once again, forcing another quick punt by Malden.
Midway through the 3rd quarter, the Bearcat offensive line began to offer Dowdy good pass protection. Dowdy responded by connecting with Austin Aldridge for a first down. Then, Dowdy delivered a catchable pass to tight end Jonathan Page that tipped from his hands to a Malden defender.
After the interception, Malden came out with a big gain on the first play from scrimmage. That yardage was with an added facemask penalty against the Bearcats resulted in a 1st and 10 from the Bearcat 14 yard line. McCoy then broke four tackles to find the end zone at the 5:30 mark in the 3rd Qtr. He just wouldn't go down and he knew how to break tackles. Riley tossed a bullet to Mitchell Coleman for the 2 point conversion and Malden extended their lead to 42-19.
The Bearcat offense caught Malden in a blitz package and were able to allow Joyner to pick up a first down for the ‘Cats. Dowdy’s long pass to Stevens was flagged as defensive interference giving life to this 3rd quarter drive. A Bearcat hold moved the ball back to the 32 yard line for a 1st down and 22. Battling back to near the original line of scrimmage, the ‘Cats were again unable to make things happen and turned the ball over on downs.
The Bearcats defense continued to stiffen up as Logan Quertermous made a sack for a loss to close the end of the 3rd quarter. The ‘Cats held tight, getting the ball back on offense and ready to move toward the endzone.
Back to back receptions by Pixley and Stevens took the ball down to the 24 yard line. A series of penalties created a 4th and long and the Bearcats were unable to convert on the series turning the ball over to Malden.
Wirh 8:25 in the 4th, Nick Thompson for the Greenwaves sprang loose straight up the middle for a 54 yard touchdown run. The 2 point conversion was good making the score 50 to 19.
The Bearcats started the following possession with two passes to Stevens and Page, followed by an impressive 17 yard run by Foels. Again, the Bearcats entered the dreaded “Red Zone”. However, this time Dowdy connected to Stevens over the middle for 21 yard touchdown pass with the clock at the 5:47 mark. Brad Wick split the uprights on the PAT and Dexter narrowed the score to 50 to 26.
But the Greenwaves were not done racking up offensive yardage as Mitchell took off on a 52 yard touchdown run. McCoy added the 2 point conversion to make secure the victory by the final score of 58-26.
The Bearcats were lead in rushing by Joyner, who had 55 yards on 18 carries. Dowdy, who was often flushed our of the pocket, managed to accumulate 38 yards rushing on 21 carries.
Dowdy completed 12 of 21 passes for a total of 177 yards and two touchdowns. With the injury to Young, several younger Bearcat receiver stepped up to the plate. Ethan Stevens had a coming out party as he caught 6 passes for a total of 106 yards and one touchdown. Austin Aldridge had 2 reception on the evening for 39 yards and one touchdown.
Defensively, the Bearcats were lead by Foels and Stevens with 9 tackles apiece. Trevor Waldner came up huge again with 8 tackles. of which 2 were for losses. Sophomore Noah Kronk ended the night wth 5 tackles. Joyner, Wick and Quertermous ended the contest with 4 tackles apiece. Quertermous had the only sack on the night.
With the loss, the Bearcats move to 1-8 on the season. The defeat leaves the Bearcats in 6th place in the District and sets up the week 10 playoff game against Fredricktown. The Bearcats will have to travel to play the Blackcats on the road next Thursday, with the kickoff set for 7:00 pm.
Following the game, Coach Pixley stated, "Fredricktown is a very good team, and they have a lot of their kids back from last season." He went on to say, "We hope to go up there and play our hearts out, be more productive in our run game, and get some things going." Coach Pixley told his team after the game, "We have one more shot at correcting some of our mistakes, and in this game we have to get it right."
On Thursday, October 18th, the Richland Rebel Volleyball Team laughed and cried together during their last home game of the season. The team celebrated a great season with their two senior girls: Baylee Taylor and Rebecca Harden. Both of the girls have played volleyball all four years of high school for the Lady Rebels and made a bittersweet departure on senior night.
Baylee Taylor is the daughter of Lisa and John Taylor and is the setter for the Richland Volleyball Team. Aside from playing hard on the volleyball court, she is involved in many other clubs and activities and is currently the president of Richland’s FFA chapter and FBLA chapter and is the Vice President of Student Council and is the secretary of her senior class. This time next year, she plans on attending college and becoming an athletic trainer.
Becka Harden is the daughter of Randy and Rhonda Manes and is the Lady Rebel’s libero. Harden is active in all the clubs and organizations that Richland has to offer and has been a member to each of these all four years of her high school career. She is Richland’s FCCLA chapter president and is a member of StuCo, Beta Club, FCA, Library Club, marching band, FBLA, and Pep Club. When she graduates, she plans on becoming a registered nurse.
The team played a fantastic final game against the Risco Tigers, winning both the games and taking one last victory before districts on October 22nd. The Rebels kept the lead during the first game, ending it at 25 to 13. Their second and final game ended at 25 to 7, allowing the Rebels to take one last victory for the 2012 season.
Defensive player and junior, McKenzie Hills, led the game with the most digs for the Rebels. The team’s setter and senior, Baylee Taylor, had the most assists along with four aces throughout both of the games. Junior and middle hitter, Mackenzie Williams, received four aces and led the Lady Rebels as their top hitter of the night. Junior and outside hitter, Kaitlyn Jones, got a total of nine aces for the Rebels during their victory over the Tigers.
They volleyball team was sad to let their senior players go but are glad that they had many successful years together. Harden and Taylor both received gifts and flowers from the team and many tears on the court and in the stands were shed. The families of the two girls came out to support them on their last ever volleyball game in the Richland gymnasium. Congratulations to Becka and Baylee for playing four great seasons with the Lady Rebels.
(Photos for this article are credited to Janie King)
