Dexter, Missouri - The Dexter football team may have lost by one point on the scoreboard, but they won the hearts of the entire Bearcat Nation Friday night.  The scoreboard unfortunately did not reflect their efforts against the New Madrid County Central Eagles.

Coming off of a loss the previous week, the Eagles were hungry for  a win.  It was an intense game from the moment the ball was kicked to the last few seconds of the game.  Two key plays probably kept the Bearcats from winning such a tremendously well played game.

Considered to be the best offensive performance of the season by the Bearcats, head Coach Justin Peden said, "It was a game of inches.  I really respect the boys' efforts tonight.  Peyton Pollock had a great game."

Pollock took some hits during the game, but managed to put up a total of 359 yards, 284 yards passing and 75 yards rushing.  "He's a real warrior!" according to Peden.  "The guys are starting to believe in themselves and the program.  I am very proud of them tonight."

Ethan Stevens and Carson Dean also had a great night for the Bearcats.  Stevens ran for 68 yards averaging 9.7 yards per carry.  Dean rushed for  46 yards.

"Ethan Stevens is a weapon on the field."  He scored the first touchdown in the game with a 36 yard run into the end zone giving the Bearcats momentum.  It wasn't until the end of the 2nd quarter with little time left on the clock before Larry McIntosh ran up the middle to score for the Eagles.  Bearcats 7, NMCC 7

The first ten minutes of the second quarter proved to be a back and forth competition between the two teams.  It wasn't until late in the quarter before Dexter was able to score.  Peyton Pollock passed right to Tim Spence for a 27 yard touchdown.  Dexter 14, NMCC 7.

The Bearcats just needed to run the clock down and hold the Eagles, but unfortunately with just 21 seconds left in the first half, Austin Lynn passed to Jamonte Sykes for an Eagles touchdown.  Chris Farr's extra point kick was blocked by the 'Cats!  Dexter 14, NMCC 13.

After locker room strategies were made, the Bearcats were again ready for battle.  However the Eagles scored in the 3rd quarter along with a 2 point conversion, taking the lead to 21 - 14.  The Bearcats were not going to give up.  With 8 minutes  left in the game Peyton Pollock passed to D.J. Dowdy for a 36 yard touchdown bringing the score to 21-20.

An extra point would tie the game; however an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for excessive celebration after the touchdown took the ball back to the 13 yard line and forcing them into a 2 point conversion situation.  Ethan Steven's pass to D.J. Dowdy was no good.  Dexter 20, NMCC 21.

The Bearcats were able to get the ball back with a fumble recovery.  Then with less than 2 minutes on the clock Pollock driven them down the field into Eagles territory.  A pass to D.J. Dowdy looked good, the fans went wild; however the referees called incomplete and Dexter was again forced to run the ball on a 3rd down.  A fumble turned the ball over to the Eagles and they just simply ran the clock down.  Final Score Dexter 20, NMCC 21.

"It only takes one or two key plays to turn a game and that made the difference tonight.  Our Sophomores and Juniors really stepped up.  Our future is bright here at Dexter, really bright!"

Coach Peden gathered the team at the north end of Charles Bland Stadium after the game.  "You have got to want this!  I care so much about you guys!  You have overcome so much!"

Peden went on to say, "YOU can win the rest of the games this year.  I know you have it in you.  YOU just have got to want to win!  I wish you could see yourselves how I see you.  You guys are awesome and good players.  Family on three and enjoy your homecoming weekend!"

Team Stats
Total Yards              Dexter 469          NMCC 286
Rushes-Yards          Dexter 45-173     NMCC 39-185
Passing Yards          Dexter 113          NMCC 284
Comp.Att.Int.          Dexter 5-11-2     NMCC 15-21-0
Penalties                  Dexter 4-31        NMCC 6-51

The Dexter Bearcats were awesome Friday night!  'Cats fans everywhere are so proud of them and know they played hard and did everything they could to win Homecoming!  Way to go Bearcats!!!

The Bearcats (1-5) and (District 1-2) will be back in action on Friday night when they travel to Charleston, Missouri to take on the Bluejays!  Game time is 7:00 p.m.  Let's clip those Jays wings and cover their bleachers with RED and BLACK.  Friday is black-out day so get your black on and show the Bearcats you support them.