Cape Girardeau, Missouri -  The gridiron is beginning to get fired up this summer as area football programs continue to pound the weight rooms and get their summer camps into action.  This week was the first opportunity of the summer for area coaching staffs to see how their winter and spring training programs will formulate into a winning combination for the Fall 2014 Football Season.

The hard winter has brought about turf problems throughout the area.  Both Dexter and Sikeston have faced "winter kill" on their Bermuda fields, and both facilities are under rehabilitation of the turf. 

Originally scheduled to be hosted by the Sikeston Bulldogs, today's contact camp was moved to the artificial turf field at Cape Central High School.  Participating high school teams included the host school, Cape Central Tigers, the Sikeston Bulldogs, the Kennett Indians, and the Dexter Bearcats.

As summer storms rolled through the area, the action was delayed for an hour during the first series of play due to lightening activity in the area. However, as the thunderstorms moved east, all four teams went back to the field to resume play.

Prior to the delay, the Bearcats delivered a scoring drive against the Cape Tigers when quarterback Peyton Pollock delivered a perfect fading pass to the corner of the endzone to his wide receiver, Austin Aldridge.  Both Pollock and Aldridge are returning seniors this year and bring a lot of excitement to the offensive set.

"It was our last play on the one yard line," recalled Senior Austin Aldridge.  "I faked to the inside then went to the pylon and Peyton (Pollock) threw a perfect ball.  I caught the ball and was able drag one foot for the touchdown."

Upon returning to the field, the Tigers proved to be a challenge for the Bearcat defense and were also able to find the endzone.  The Bearcats ended the series of downs tied with Cape 1 to 1.

As Kennett and Dexter squared off, both teams were able to produce offense.  Kennett was able to break two big plays, but the 'Cats answered with their own successful drives.  The Indians and Bearcat series also ended tied 2 scores to 2 scores.

"We were very solid defensively.   Except for a couple of big plays, we shut down our opponents.  When you have eleven guys swarming to the ball you will be successful," said second year Head Coach Justin Peden.

The positive movement of the football by the offensive unit of the Bearcats was considered a big win for the day.  The 'Cats continued that offensive performance against the Sikeston Bulldogs with 4 successful scoring drives.  The Bearcat defense rose to the occasion and denied the 'Dogs from scoring during the series. 

"Considering we are in June,"  commented Coach Peden,  "we are cautiously optimistic about our kids' performance today."

"Offensively we were a little rusty, but that is to be expected at this point in the summer.  The passing game clicked when it needed to and our running game was solid," noted Peden.  "I'm really proud of our offensive line.  They did very well and opened some huge holes."

The 'Cats faced an unfortunate injury to Junior standout, Ethan Stevens.  Ethan took a helmet to his back and was assisted off the field by Dr. Bobby Jibben.  Stevens is considered a playmaker and true athlete on both sides of the football.  He is hopeful to return but was feeling the impact of the hit after the game and will seek further treatment.

"Overall I was really pleased with the effort level these young men put out there," Peden continued.  "They gave everything they had and played as a family, which makes me proud."

The Bearcat specialty players will travel to Southeast Missouri State University this Saturday to participate in 7 on 7 contest.  This event is an offensive and defensive match up between the specialty positions on the team. 

"I am excited to see how the rest of the summer unfolds," concluded Coach Peden.  " We still have a lot of work to do, but if this group of guys stays in the weight room and works together, we can be a quality football team that will make Dexter proud."