Bolivar, Missouri - It took less than a minute for the Dexter Bearcats to score against the Drexel Bobcats on Saturday afternoon in Bolivar, Missouri. Dexter defeated Drexel 47 - 16.
"I was happy that the guys came to play today, despite the long bus ride and the adversity that comes with that," stated Dexter Head Football Coach Kevin Goltra. "They handled their business like they should and did it with great sportsmanship. I thought our line played well overall and Caleb Hoggard continues to run the ball hard."
Hoggard #16 ran for an impressive 178 yards on 18 carries against the Bobcats. He also had three touchdowns.
"Caleb continues to run hard for us and will play one of the biggest roles if we are to compete with the remainder of our tough schedule, he's a work horse for sure," continued Goltra.
Corbin Strong also finished well with 55 yards on 4 carries and earned a touchdown.
"I was impressed, as our players were with Drexel's physicality," continued Goltra. "I don't feel the score was reflective of how good of a Class 1 team they really are. We were in much of the same boat last year with a lot of inexperienced players playing and it shows in games. We are fortunate to now have good numbers out of the junior and senior classes and it most definitely shows."
Despite the high scoring by the Bearcats, Drexel finished with 13 first downs compared to Dexter's eight first downs. The Cats were able to capitalize on big plays making it difficult for the Bobcats to hold them.
Dexter scored three touchdowns in the first quarter. Caleb Hoggard carried for 36 yards on the first score. Quarterback Ben Sindle passed to Gabe Jackson eight yards from the goal line to score the second touchdown. The third touchdown came from an interception caught by Nate Gargas running 71 yards to lead Drexel 20 - 0.
Dexter scored two touchdowns in the second quarter. The first by Caleb Hoggard as he carried in from the 6 yard line. Then with just 5:01 left in the first half he ran in from the 44 yard line for Dexter's 5 touchdown of the day.
Corbin Strong held the only touchdown in the third quarter for either team carrying the ball 46 yards to put six more points on the scoreboard.
During the fourth quarter Drexel scored two touchdowns. Ethan Irvin carried the ball 14 yards and Aaron Woods carried the ball 5 yards. Both points after were good.
Trevor McDonald grabbed the ball after the kick-off from Drexel's first touchdown and ran the ball 75 yards to score. Eric Hahn kicked five excellent point after kicks throughout the game.
Jett Featherston, #44 had 15 total tackles and Corbin Strong #31 had 10 total tackles. Bo McMullin who did not play during the second half (resting his shoulder) had 9 total tackles. Zach Cartwright #1 had 8 total tackles and Mason Keena #32 had 7 total tackles.
Dexter (3-1) is now placed 3rd in their District following Park Hills Central in first place and Kennett in second place. They face the Sikeston Bulldogs (3-1) on Friday night at Charles Bland Stadium. Kick-off at 7:00 p.m.
Prior to the game, Scott Kruse with18ForeLife presented the Drexel football coach with a Love Offering for Wyatt Deel. The Bobcat high school athlete is currently undergoing treatment for cancer and was unable to attend the football game on Saturday.
"Nothing is better than the 18ForeLife presentation. It is so important to pause sometimes and remember that a football game is just a game. it's there to teach life skills to young men and to develop a special fraternity that can support and lift one another up when the time comes. That moment was today and I am so humble to be a part of this team and community."
