Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Writer
Kennett, Missouri – The Dexter Bearcats traveled to Kennett Friday night to earn their first victory of the season. It was bittersweet for the Bearcats as they faced their former coach Aaron Pixley. Despite their past relationship, the Bearcats were hungry for a win and nothing was going to stop their desire to beat Kennett.
Dexter’s offense moved the ball well and within minutes, quarterback Peyton Pollock #12 carried the ball into the end zone and scored the first touchdown of the evening. Unfortunately the point after was no good as the Indians were able to block the ball from entering the uprights. Dexter 6, Kennet 0.
“Peyton did an excellent job tonight,” commented Dexter Bearcat's head football coach Justin Peden. “ He is starting to relax and get things flowing a little better. I am so proud of his development up to this point.”
That’s all the momentum the Bearcats needed and they were well on their way to a victory, scoring two more touchdowns and jumping out to a 20-0 lead before the Indians could connect with one of their own.
With just 21 seconds left in the first quarter, Pollock was able to find Austin Aldridge in the end zone and added 6 more points to the board. MaKayla Waldern, the only female player for the Bearcats, kicked the extra point lifting the Bearcats to a 13-0 lead.
Another Bearcat touchdown with a little over five minutes left before half time, Pollock handed the ball to Dylan Bazarian who ran up the middle for a 39-yard touchdown. Waldner’s kick after was good boosting Dexter to a 20-0 lead.
The Indians wanted a touchdown more than anything before heading off to the locker room. The Bearcats tried their best to hold them off, but with just one minute left on the clock, the Indians scored a touchdown earning them a spot on the scoreboard.
After a well-motivated chat by Dexter’s coaches in the locker room at half time, the Bearcats wasted no time putting 7 more points on the board. Carson Dean ran the ball 20 yards for another Bearcat touchdown. Waldner’s extra point was good. Bearcats 27- Indians 7.
“Dean Carson had a great game for us. He is kind of a slasher at the running back position, which suits our offense.” Peden stated. “Dylan Bazarian had a big game as well. If not for a couple of penalties we would have ahd a 200 and a 100 yard rusher.”
With so many injured many of the Bearcats were playing offensively and defensively making it for a long night. They were getting tired by the fourth quarter, but they held on with tremendous effort and pride.
Ethan Steven led the Bearcats with the most tackles knocking down 6 opponents along with D.J. Dowdy who tackled 5 Indians. Stevens also led the Bearcats offensively receiving 3 passes for 24 yards. Dowdy earned a spot on the stats catching the longest pass of the night, 28 yards as well as the longest punt return of 12 yards against the Indians.
Carson Dean netted 152 yards rushing averaging 6.1 yards per carry. His longest run was 31 yards. Peyton Pollock threw for 102 yards on 8 completions.
MaKayla Waldner was good with three of her four extra point kicks.
Kennett was able to score one more time with under a minute left on the clock, but the Bearcats held on and rant he clock down earning them a much needed win. Final Score Dexter 27 – Kennett 15.
Coach Justin Peden was pretty excited with his first win at Dexter. “I am so proud of these players!" exclaimed Peden. “A lot of teams would have folded after the start and we have had and along with all the adversity we have been through. I respect the heck out of these players!”
“Our line played by far the best game of the year. We were able to move the ball because they were getting a push up front,” continued Peden. Those guys have received a lot of criticism and they deserve a little praise in this situation!”
“Overall I am just so proud! It feels really good to get my first win her in Dexter. I hope this is the first of many!” Coach Peden went on to say that he considers each of the players like family and that he is there for each and every one of them!”
Congratulations Bearcats on the great win!
Dexter (1-4) will host New Madrid County Central on Friday, October 4th. It’s Homecoming for the Bearcats with coronation of the Homecoming Queen at 6:30 p.m. Game begins at 7:00 p.m. and don’t forget the Regional Healthcare Foundation’s first Tailgate Party with all the great food, Kid’s Fun Zone, music and more starting at 4:00 p.m. Stick around after the game for a 5th Quarter street festival with Flashback entertainment!
