The Dexter Bearcats open their season on Friday, August 25th at home hosting the Scott City Rams. On Friday, August 18th they host a Football Jamboree featuring the Bearcats, the Poplar Bluff Mules, the Fredericktown Blackcats and the Caruthersville Tigers. It all starts at 6:00 p.m. at Charles Bland Stadium!
"I am excited to see how our kids respond to competition," commented head football coach Chad Jamerson. "They have worked really hard the past 8 - 9 months, whether in the weight room or practice field, to prepare themselves for the rigors of football season."
Last season the Bearcats fields a very young squad that was heavy on sophomore and only had six seniors. This year there are 10 seniors on the roster and there are at least 14 athletes who have moved into their junior season.
There is a lot more leadership on the field this year and that should be a great asset for the Bearcats.
Each of the visiting teams present their own unique challenges for the Dexter Bearcats.
"We will be tested this Friday night by the size of Fredericktown, the speed of Caruthersville, and combination of both from Poplar Bluff," continued Jamerson.
It may only be a scrimmage and the results don't matter on the scoreboard, there is a certain amount of pride the Bearcats take in their craft, pride in their hard work on and off the filed and how they view future competition. It does matter to everyone involved including coaches and fans. They have put in the effort and hopefully will see many rewards on the field under the Friday night lights.
What advice did Jamerson offer the athletes, "Above all else, be a team and have fun! You only get so many opportunities to play this game and I hope they enjoy it while they can."
The ShowMe Times will be on hand to take photos of all four teams on Friday evening. Good luck Bearcats!
Pictured is Jett Grams running the ball during the Bearcat Midnight Madness last Friday night.
The Crowley's Ridge Limbhangers will host their annual NWTF Hunting Heritage Banquet on Friday, August 4, 2023.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. at The Meadows Venue, located at 11049 State Hwy ZZ in Dexter.
Tickets can be purchased at the door for $50 individual, $65 couple, Sponsors are $280 and JAKES are $20.
Please support the National Wild Turkey Federation and your local Crowley's Ridge Limbhangers as they are working hard to save a lifestyle!
Don't forget there will be GUNS, NWTF, RAFFLES, DOOR PRIZES, SILENT AUCTION and so much more!!! This is a great event!
The Mission of the National Wild Turkey Federation is the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of our hunting heritage!
Multisport student-athletes Nevaeh Larkins and David Durbin of Poplar Bluff High School, alongside Audrey Cato and Colt Clifford of Junior High, have been selected by the R-I coaching staff as this year’s Missouri Good Sports.
“We at MSHSAA firmly believe that a positive role model such as yourself can positively influence the actions of others in your school—your teammates, younger students, your opponents and even spectators,” stated Jason West, Missouri State High School Activities Association communications director. “…By taking the responsible steps in displaying positive sportsmanship, you are helping to rekindle the spirit of citizenship and are serving as a positive representative of your school and community.
Outgoing eighth grader Colt has played football and basketball, and ran track and field. Earlier this month, he broke the 4x100 meter dash record during the Cape Conference. Classmate Audrey played basketball and soccer. She has been described by her coaches as versatile and aggressive with high endurance, and has been most instrumental in goal-scoring plays.
Outgoing senior David Durbin has played baseball and basketball. On the mound, he threw 50 strikeouts during 45 innings pitched. While at the plate, he hit two home runs, two triples, five doubles and 25 singles. On the hardwood, he scored a field goal percentage of 32 during 50 games played, with 30 percent success at the three-point line. Classmate Nevaeh played soccer and basketball. She was an All-District soccer goalkeeper, owning the record for the most saves in a single game with 45, while averaging 14 saves per game. She had a career record of 122 points and 115 rebounds on the court. Both members of the Class of 2023 graduated in the top 30.
Pictured: R-I Athletic Director Kent Keith presents students (from left) Audrey Cato, Colt Clifford, David Durbin and Nevaeh Larkins with the Missouri Good Sports awards on Tuesday, May 23, at Junior High.
Photo and article written by Tim Krakowiak, Communications/Marketing Director, Poplar Bluff R-I School District
Poplar Bluff Junior High was among 50 schools nationwide, and only two in Missouri, out of over 500 applicants to be awarded a $1,000 Thomas R. Brown Athletics grant on Thursday, May 25, during a schoolwide assembly.
The funding will go toward the Girls Basketball program to replace outdated and worn uniforms, new basketballs and ball racks, according to the grant application written by Hilary Taylor, Junior High elective teacher.
Often the student-athletes have to fundraise and seek sponsorships in order to finance supplies, according to Taylor. “A lot of times girls’ sports don’t get as much notoriety,” she explained.
The grant program was started by California Casualty in 2010 in response to the recession to support athletics programs in underfunded areas, according to Rebecca Stumpf, strategic account manager.
California Casualty is an auto and home insurance service that has partnered with the Missouri National Education Association, under which Taylor is a member.
Pictured: (Left to right) Rebecca Stumpf, California Casualty strategic account manager; Krystal Dover, Poplar Bluff MNEA president; Hilary Taylor, Junior High instructor; Phil Murray, MNEA president; Wendy Nepean, Poplar Bluff MNEA treasurer; and Candace Warren, Junior High principal.
Article and photos sent in by Tim Krakowiak, Communications/Marketing Director, Poplar Bluff R-I School District
The Dexter Youth Soccer Association (DYSA) has been officially formed!
They are currently registering male and female athletes in the 5th/6th and 7th/8th grades for league competition with five other teams from Cape Girardeau, Jackson, and Sikeston.
The Dexter Youth Soccer Teams will travel outside of Dexter for competition.
The teams will compete in 11 vs 11 soccer and the matches will be held in Sikeston.
Matches begin in September and will be on Mondays and Thursdays with occasional Saturday morning match.
Registration can be done by clicking HERE. Deadline is August 1st and the cost is $40 per player.
If further information is needed you may call 573-625-2729.
