Dexter, Missouri - The Dexter High School held their annual Fall Sports Recognition Banquet on Thursday at the high school cafeteria.
Athletes competing in football, cross country, volleyball, girls tennis and football cheerleader were recognized at the event. Awards, certificates, first time letter winners and the ultimate Charles Bland Award were given to athletes throughout the evening.
In Cross Country two athletes were honored. The Most Outstanding Male Runner went to Josh Ladd, a junior at DHS. The Most Outstanding Female Runner went to Emily Ladd, a freshman at DHS.
The football cheerleaders were recognized. McKenzie Anthony, Michaela Gard, Macy Graves, Shelbie Hill, Britney Hubbard, Kelsey Kendrick, Jackie Kiger, Taylin Leija, Karlie McKuin, Paige Moore, Chelsea Mullins, Caroline Powers, MacKinlee Rogers, and Myca Sutton were our 2014 football cheerleaders who kept the fans going throughout the heat, the rain, and the cold at all of the football games.
MaKayla Waldner, a junior, received the Most Singles Wins and Most Valuable Player for Girls Tennis. She finished the season 13-5 in singles and 9-5 in doubles. Destiny Robertson, the only senior on the girls tennis team earned the Most Doubles Wins finishing 13-5 this season.
The Lady 'Cats Tennis team completed their season 11-5 varsity and 8-4 junior varsity.
In Volleyball, Jessica Lindsey received the Defensive Player of the Year award and the Most Kills Award. Junior volleyball player Julia Hahn received the Most Sets Award. Hahn tallied a team-high 292 assists. Lindsey had a team-high 138 digs, 72 blocks, and 297 kills.
"We had a combined record (varsity and junior varsity) of 48 wins and 5 losses," commented head volleyball coach Carmen Morgan. "The best compliment they could receive was 'those girls are fun to watch' and I agree they were fun to watch. They played 'in your face' volleyball and I couldn't be more proud of them."
"We placed 2nd in the Notre Dame Tournament, won the SEMO Conference, won the SCAA Tournament and won Districts! The varsity lost to Farmington and came back and won 19 straight games! We had a great year and we are here to stay!"
"Jessica and Shyann have been playing volleyball together since the 4th grade and I am proud that they will continue to play together throughout their college years at Mineral Area College," continued Morgan.
Junior football player Jared Deal received the Lineman of the Year award. Deal made the play calls on the offensive line.
"Jared was by far our best offensive lineman this year," stated head football coach Justin Peden. "We had injuries that caused guys to have to move around. Jared was always there, helping guys learn plays and being a positive force on the team. He made the line calls a lot this year, which is difficult to do. Not only is he a good player but he's an even better guy to be around. He is a leader by example and a great influence on the younger players. I am excited to get to work with him next year. He has not reached his "ceiling" yet and when he does he will be one of the best in Southeast Missouri."
Senior football player Peyton Pollock received the Most Valuable Back/Skilled Position award.
Pollock completed 130 passes for 1,572 yards including 13 touchdowns. Pollock carried the ball 142 times rushing for 730 yards including 8 touchdowns. His total yardage was 2,302 with 21 touchdowns.
Senior football player Noah Kronk earned the Defensive Most Valuable Player and the Overall Most Valuable Player award.
Noah also earned the infamous Charles Bland Award. This award is presented yearly to the most well-rounded football player and he is the 21st recipient of this award.
"I would like to start out by saying thank you for this award. It means a great deal to me and I can remember when I was just a freshman watching Tyler Miller, someone I still look up to today, win this award," Kronk stated in his acceptance speech at the banquet. "I knew right then this is something I would like to work towards. That being said football is a tough sport. It demands a lot of you both physically and mentally, but I have made a lot of friendships and memories that I will cherish forever."
"I would like to thank all the coaches for their support over the years, thank my Mom and Dad, and thank everyone for this award," Kronk continued. "We had a good year finishing 4-6 and we beat Sikeston!"
Dexter, Missouri – The 7th and 8th grade boys basketball teams defeated the Advance Hornets Tuesday evening at T.S. Hill Middle School. That improves their records to 4-0.
The 7th grade boys team beat Advance 48-12. The Bearcats scored double digits in the first three periods of the game.
Brodie Pollock tallied a game-high 16 points for the Bearcats. Garrett Henson scored 10 points and Haden Hillis added 9 more.
In the 8th grade game Dexter defeated Advance 43-13. The Bearcats helped themselves to a mighty lead in the first period by 18 points. By halftime they lead by 30 points.
Braxton Foster recorded a game-high 10 points for the Bearcats. Nate Gargas and Seth Rogers each tallied 8 points. Garrison Collier recorded 4. Justin Kenley hit a 3-pointer.
The Bearcats will be back in action on Thursday when they travel to Bloomfield.
7th Grade Boys Dexter 48, Advance 12
Advance 2 2 8 0 - 12
Dexter 12 15 15 6 - 48
Advance (12) - Jack Below 2, Hunter Curtis 8, Zach Sims 2. FG 6, FT 0/0, F 10. (3-pointers: none. Fouled out: None)
Dexter48) - Jack Scruggs 2, Spencer Warren 3, Haden Hillis 9, Carson Bell 4, Shawn Robards 2, Garrett Henson 10, Brodie Pollock 16, Logan Wyman 2. FG 20, FT 6/11, F 4. (3-pointers: Henson 2. Fouled out: None)
8th Grade Boys Dexter 43, Advance 13
Advance 0 1 9 3 - 13
Dexter 18 13 10 2 - 43
Advance(13) - Wes Shelby 1, Bailey 3, Ian Eggimann 5, Hunter Clifton 4. FG 4, FT 3/6 F 3. (3-pointers: Bailey 1, Cliften 1. Fouled out: None)
Dexter(43) - Seth Rogers 8, Nate Gargas 8, Eric Hahn 2, Jake Harris 2, Justin Kenley 3, Braxton Foster 10, Ethan Hobgood 2, Cody Hagy 2, Garrison Collier 4, Brock Simmons 2. FG 21, FT 0/1, F 7. (3-pointers: Kenley 1. Fouled out: None)
Dexter, Missouri - It’s always nice to win a Conference Title in football and the Dexter Bearcats know that feeling this year. It was a 3-way tie with Caruthersville and New Madrid County Central, but in our hearts the Bearcats are always #1.
Each year a coach is chosen as Conference Coach of the Year. This year two coaches have been named, Caruthersville coach Jimmy Jackson and our own Dexter Bearcats head football coach Justin Peden.
This is Coach Peden’s second time in four years being honored as Conference Coach of the Year. His first time was in his first season as head football coach at Hayti. This year he is proud to share this honor with coach Jackson who Peden coached with for one season at Hayti.
“I am honored and humbled to receive the Coach of the Year this season,” stated Peden. “Sharing this honor with Jimmy is a pretty neat thing because we coached together for a year and have continued to remain friends.”
“I think it also shows that the younger coaches in the area are coming into their own and are ready to lead their programs for a long time. I share this honor with my assistant coaches, who have put in countless hours preparing for games.”
“I can honestly say I feel like I have the best group of guys in southeast Missouri in my corner.” Continued Peden. “I also wish to thank the players. It would be hard to have someone new come in and adjust to a different way of doing things, but they did it. These are great young men and I am proud to be their coach.”
“The community and parents have also been amazing,” Peden went on to say. “The amount of support they have shown me and the players is overwhelming at times and it is very appreciated. I would name everyone individually, but that would take hours!”
“Finally I want to thank my family. My wife, Jennifer, is absolutely amazing and so understanding of the time it takes to be a coach. Without her I don’t think I could do this job. My boys, Jaxson and Liam, are also amazing. Jaxson helps me ‘draw plays’ and always has a hug for me win or lose!”
Dexter hit some milestones this year. Defeating Sikeston on their home turf was quite the highlight and hadn’t been done several years. Beating Charleston by 67 points was the second most scored game in the last 15 years. Winning Homecoming is always nice and this year it was Kennett the Bearcats defeated. Three great wins equaled terrific atmosphere and dedicated fans who cheered from the sidelines!
But with those highlights it was the Bearcats who became a family on and off the field. They are dedicated to each other and to their school. Once a Bearcat always a Bearcat as the old saying goes. These athletes will remember their high school football games probably more than anything else that happened to them in high school. They will always remain the ‘Boys of Fall’ at class reunions and their hearts will always bleed red and black forever.
As for our head coach it’s twice in four years as a head coach of a football team that he has been honored with Conference Coach of the Year and that says it all about his program and his ability to lead these young men on the field. He is dedicated to the sport, to the school, to the students and to the community and we are very proud of him.
While the football season did not end the way everyone wanted the Bearcats accomplished much on and off the field.
“I am very proud of our accomplishments this year,” stated Peden. “We doubled our win total for the second year, beat Sikeston and got a piece of the Conference Championship! I would call that a successful season in a lot of ways.”
As for the seniors, it’s always a bittersweet end to the season, their last game they will play as a Bearcat, but what a year they between the uprights. They accomplished much and should hold their heads high.
“Saying goodbye to the seniors will be tough, but we are looking forward to next year with a lot of excitement and optimism. We feel that we can continue to be competitive and make more improvements next year. A lot of younger players are going to have to step into leadership roles, but I know they are ready for the task. For me there is no off-season. I am ready to get back into the weight room, watch films and draw-up depth charts for next season."
"Year three promises to be a great one for the Bearcats!”
Congratulations Coach Peden! The players, the community, and the fans, are extremely proud of your accomplishments this year. We can’t wait until next season when the athletes return to Charles Bland Stadium and make that first touchdown in the 2015 Bearcat Football Season!!
Dexter, Missouri – The Lady ‘Cats of T.S. Hill Middle School split their 7th and 8th grade games with the Poplar Bluff Lady Mules. The 7th grade girls basketball team defeated Dexter 50-27 and the 8th grade Lady ‘Cats beat Poplar Bluff 49-27.
In 7th grade action Annie Slaton had a team-high 13 points against the Mules. Alexa Werneck added 7 including one trey for the Lady ‘Cats before fowling out late in the game.
The Mules pulled ahead 11-0 in the first few minutes of the game, but the Lady ‘Cats fought back and tied 19-19 before the Mules made a run to victory.
Chaylea Mosby swiftly put the points on the board for the ‘Cats. She recorded a game-high 25 points including three 3-pointers. Natalie Size tallied 7 points including a trey.
This was the last home appearance for the Lady ‘Cats. They travel to Jackson on Tuesday and will begin play at 5:30 p.m. Friday night they travel to Poplar Bluff with game time 6:00 p.m.
Final Score 7th Grade Girls Game: Poplar Bluff 50, Dexter 27
Poplar Bluff 11 2 21 16 - 50
Dexter 2 9 8 8 - 27
Poplar Bluff (50) - Brylee Misner 12, Lauren Alexander 11, Haley Slaughter 4, Adison Kingree 6, Hannah Bass 6, Turner 2, Kiley Bess 9. FG 21, FT 8/18, F 18. (3-pointers: none. Fouled out: none)
Dexter (27) - Margo Nea 2, Alexa Werneck 7, Maddie Slaton 3, Annie Slaton 13, Shea Baker 2. FG 8, FT 10, F 14. (3-pointers: Werneck 1. Fouled out: Werneck)
Final Score 8th Grade girls Game: Poplar Bluff 27, Dexter 49
Poplar Bluff 6 4 9 8 - 27
Dexter 10 11 13 15 - 49
Poplar Bluff (27) - Kiley Bess 10, Sophie Rowland 2, Lauren Alexander 6, Brylee Misner 9. FG 11, FT 5/7, F 7. (3-pointers: none. Fouled out: none)
Dexter (49) - Maycie Martin 5, Natalie Sitze 7, Liza King 4, Keirston Keirsey 4, Rylee Allen 4, Chaylea Mosby 25. FG 21, FT 4/5, F 6. (3-pointers: Mosby 2, Sitze 1. Fouled out: none)
Dexter, Missouri – The First Team All-Conference has been announced for the 2014 Football Season. Congratulations to Peyton Pollock, Ethan Stevens, Jared Deal, Drake Mitchell, Noah Kronk, and Dylan Bazarian.
Peyton Pollock was named Offensive Player of the Year for Conference. “This is a big honor,” commented head football coach Justin Peden. “I am so proud of these young men. They all worked incredibly hard in the off-season and deserve any post season honors they receive.”
Peyton Pollock, a senior, performed for the Bearcats as their quarterback for the 2014 football season. He completed 130 passes for 1,572 yards including 13 touchdowns. Pollock carried the ball 142 times rushing for 730 yards including 8 touchdowns. His total yardage was 2,302 with 21 touchdowns.
Ethan Stevens earned his spot as a Wide Receiver for the Bearcats. He had 35 catches for 578 yards and 8 touchdowns. He also carried the ball 16 times for 178 yards and 1 touchdown. He averaged 16.51 yards per carry.
Jared Deal, Offensive Lineman, for the Bearcats made his line calls as a guard according to coach Justin Peden. “He is a tenacious blocker, hard worker, and very deserving of first team.”
Drake Mitchell, a senior Defensive Lineman, for the Bearcats made 77 tackles of which were 46 solo tackles. Mitchell had 2 sacks and 12 tackles resulting in a loss of yards for the opponents. He also had one forced fumble interception.
Noah Kronk, a senior Linebacker for the Bearcats, earned 112 tackles that included 70 solo tackles. He also tallied 12 tackles, which resulted in a loss of yardage and completed 2 fumble recoveries.
Dylan Bazarian, a senior, nicknamed “Baz” earned 71 tackles including 41 solo tackles. He had 6 tackles that resulted in loss of yardage and one interception.
The following BEARCAT players earned a spot on the second team All-Conference! Congratulations!
Austin Aldridge, Wide Receiver, caught the ball 26 times for 402 yards including 1 touchdown. He averaged 15.46 yards per carry.
Austin Chesser, Wide Receiver, caught the ball 23 times for 265 yards including two touchdowns. He averaged 11.52 yards per carry.
Tyler Stevenson, Offensive Lineman, earned his place with his tackles. “He is a good player and played well every game,” commented Coach Peden.
Brandon Quertermous,a senior Defensive Lineman, tallied 22 tackles of which 6 were solos. He had two tackles resulting in a loss of yardage. “Stats don’t always tell the story,” commented Coach Peden. “He ate up blocks to allow safeties and linebackers to make plays.”
Jake Adams, Linebacker for the Bearcats, tallied 52 tackles of which 25 were solos. He earned 8 tackles that resulted in loss of yardage.
Jason Mattison, Linebacker, had 41 tackles of which 25 were solo tackles. One tackle resulted in a loss of yardage.
Jason Jarrell, Defensive Back and sophomore for the Bearcats, had 23 tackles with 10 solos and 4 interceptions. He was also 33 of 35 for kicking extra points after a touchdown.
“We have doubled the amount of First Team All-Conference selections from last year,” continued Peden. “I feel that shows the respect our program is receiving and the production that is coming with more time in our system. This is something that these guys will remember forever and can look back on as a major accomplishment in their lives. It also gives our younger players something to strive for in the future. To have thirteen of our players honored in some way is amazing and all the credit goes to them and their hard work.”
Congratulations to all of the athletes who strive for excellence and made this year a year to remember! Beating Sikeston and Kennett were just some of the highlights of a great year. We are so pleased with our football team and proud of our Bearcats! You are respected on and off the field and we couldn’t ask for a better football team! It’s been a great season!
