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Faries, Jones and Morlan Collect Win at Cage of Honor 57
Poplar Bluff, Missouri – Much like the gladiators of the past, the Dark Horse MMA team is a dedicated group of athletes that quietly go about their training and conditioning for one purpose – To Win!! This past Saturday night, the Bluff City Eagles Club hosted the Cage of Honor 57.
The Dark Horse MMA team is a highly skilled group of young men and women dedicated their sport. With a large group of supporters from their training gym at Fitness Connection in Downtown Dexter, the fighters vigorously train in preparation of the Cage of Honor matches. Though extremely serious, the dedication of the group is highlighted by the passion of the athletes as they enter the ring.
The team proudly delivered a solid group of fighters at Saturday’s competition in Poplar Bluff. Dark Horse MMA entered four divisions capturing three wins on the night.
Defending Cage of Honor Heavyweight Champion, Josh "The Hulk" Faries laid his belt on the line against a 6’4” opponent from the Jackson area. Josh fought hard and was able to maintain his Cage of Honor Heavyweight title.
“It was a good match and the guy I fought could really throw some punches,” noted “The Hulk”. “He had a real reach advantage on me, but I stayed after him and was able to get the win.”
Both Faries and his opponent were undefeated going into Saturday's match. Afterward, Josh was challenged to a rematch for the title which he has granted for his next match.
In other action, Dark Horse MMA fighter Chris Jones won his match by KO/stoppage in the first round at the bell and Doug Morlan won by KO at the bell in the first round. A fan favorite, Frank "The Tank" Cortez, lost by decision after three hard fought rounds that offered fans an awesome show of performance, skill, and sportsmanship.
In the Roman Empire, gladiators were armed combatants who entertained audiences in violent confrontational events. They would risk social standing as well as their own lives in the arena offering spectators a bitter battle. They were both celebrated and their value as entertainers was commemorated within the culture.
MMA (or Mixed Martial Arts) style contests existed as an ancient Olympic combat sport, known as Pankration, in the Classic Greek era. First documented in the late 1800’s in the United States, MMA has evolved over the years as promoters adopted additional rules aimed at increasing safety for competitors and to promote mainstream acceptance of the sport.
Mixed martial arts is a full contact combat sport that engages both the sport of wrestling combined with the boxing. MMA fighters will be found both on the ground as well as standing during a match. The competitors are highly trained and skilled athletes willing to enter the ring facing certain physical punishments from the opponent.
Kevin Palmer and Joe Davis started the Dark Horse MMA team in July of 2012. Cortez, Faries and Morlan were all original members of the team and continue to this day. Managers, Tina Brown, Amber Anderson and Jamey Brown, assist the team.
“You won’t find our team members doing a lot of trash talking at an event or in public,” noted Coach Palmer. “These guys are very respectful of each other and the sport of MMA. I’m very proud of them.”
“These guys work as a team and practice as a team. They work as one unit,” added Joe Davis, assistant coach of the team. “They work hard and under no circumstances give up or quit, no matter how hard things get in the ring.”
Dark Horse MMA is excited about its future. The team is currently working on a new website as well as updates to their Facebook page. Fans and friends are encouraged to “Like” their page on Facebook. They will be adding information on upcoming events as well as profiles of the Dark Horse MMA fighers, coaches, and staff.
Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Writer
Dexter, Missouri – The Lady ‘Cats varsity volleyball team is on a winning streak! They won Monday night at home against the Woodland Cardinals 25-15 and 25-19.
Jessica Lindsey led the Bearcats with 11 kills. Delaney Pullen added five along with Shyann Jines who tallied four more. Ashley Brown had team-high six digs for Dexter.
“We made some great defensive plays tonight and had some good digs, but we played a little out of rhythm and lacked communication on the floor,” stated Dexter Coach Carmen Morgan.
Shyann Jines had eight assists against the Cardinals, followed by Julia Hahn with seven and Alyssa Spear with six.
The Dexter JV also beat Woodland 25-23, 25-16. They are currently 11-1-1.
Dexter now 15-3 improves to 3-0 in the SAA regular season. The DHS ‘Cats return Tuesday evening against conference rival Richland Rebels.
Way to go Lady ‘Cats on your continuous wins!
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Writer
The Mules may have won the SCAA tournament in 2012, but tonight belonged to the Bearcats! Dexter won 25-19 and 25-16.
The JV won both of their sets as well, 24-12, 25-15.
Jessica Lindsey had the most kills against the Mules with a total of 9 with Shyann Jines right behind her with 8. A total of 25 kills for the Bearcats were handed to the Mules. Both Alyssa Spear and Delaney Pullen had one ace each for the evening.
Bernie (4-6-1) returns to play Monday evening when they take on the Popar Bluff Mules.
Dexter will play at the Bearcat Event Center on Monday when they host Woodland. They are currently 2-0 in the SCAA conference and are 14-3 for the season.
Game time is 6:00 p.m.
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Editor
Dexter, Missouri - We may not see much of these athletes locally as they will be competing in various locations around southeast Missouri, but that doesn't mean they aren't training hard.
They will not host a meet until October 26th, but when they do come out and cheer for them. The ShowMe Times will do their best to cover whenever an athlete medals.
They compete again on September 24th in Oak Ridge, Missouri. They are coached this year by Leonard Morse.
Dexter Boys & Girls Varsity Cross Country Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Location |
| 9/7 | Jackson | Away |
| 9/10 | Kelly | Away |
| 9/21 | Cape Central | Away |
| 9/24 | Oak Ridge | Away |
| 10/5 | Notre Dame | Away |
| 10/8 | Poplar Bluff | Away |
| 10/10 | Saxony Lutheran | Away |
| 10/17 | SEMO Conf. | Cape Girardeau |
| 10/19 | Farmington | Away |
| 10/26 | Host School | Dexter |
Back Row (L-R): Seth Mouser, Jordan Wood, Sam Reiker, Brandon Berry, Jason Mattison, Zac Morgan, Chris Sterling, Gavin Ashley, Damon Allstun, Dylan Ashley
Front Row (L-R): Dakota Holt, Kirsten Durrow, Alexis Smith, Kelsi Wood, Carly Dean, Katie Justice, Natalee Pedroza, Michael Hurst, Jordan Ladd
Not Pictured: Brandon Strickler
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Writer
The evening was dampened by wet weather, but not the spirit of the community. Fans came out with umbrellas, rain gear, and ponchos and cheered their favorite football team.
Early on the Caruthersville Tigers seemed unstoppable. Darrell Monroe, #21 of the Tigers scored five touchdowns in the first half rushing for 273 yards total in the game to thrust Caruthersville to a win over the Bearcats, 63-13.
"We couldn't stop Monroe tonight," commented Coach Brian Becker. "Dean, Dowdy, and Bazarian played well for us, but we just couldn't connect. It was wet and hard to grip the ball. A quarterback never wants to see rain."Carson Dean led the Dexter Bearcats in rushing with 18 carries for a total of 77 yards. D.J. Dowdy was 5 for 38 averaging a little over 7 yards per carry.
"We have a lot of kids hurt right now. Defensive tackle Kyle Stearns went out tonight. He got his bell rung pretty good. Nathan Cox, Wyatt Kiger, Drew Mason, and Cody Neldon are among the players out with injuries," continued Coach Becker. "We've got to get healthy!"
Scoring by Dexter
Dexter had two scoring drives.
4th down and 11 with 1:28 left in the 2nd quarter the ball on the Tigers 15 yard line. D.J. Dowdy caught a 15 yard pass from quarterback Peyton Pollock. MaKayla Waldner kicks the extra point. Good! That's 7 points for Dexter.
3rd down and 4 on the Tigers 4 just 2:12 in the 4th quarter: Trevor Waldner runs up the middle for a touchdown. Unfortunately MaKayla's extra point kick is no good.
That's two Bearcat touchdowns for the evening. A total of 13 points considering how the evening was going with rain, injuries and a top notch kid from Caruthersville that seemed unstoppable they played with Bearcat pride. We are extremely proud of our Bearcats! Each and every one of you are awesome! Come out and watch the Junior Varsity Bearcats take on the JV Caruthersville Tigers on Monday night. Let's support them and hope they beat the Tigers. Game time 6:00 p.m.
Dexter now 0-4 will return Friday night at Kennett. The Indians are 1-3 on the season. Kennett was shut out Friday night by top ranked Paragould 41-0.
"Coach Pixley is my best friend. I have spent a lot of time working with him," stated Becker. "Kennett has never beaten Dexter we should have a great match-up next week. The next two weeks we will be up against the Pixley brothers. Their kids will be ready. We need to step up and play with passion. Tackle more and make more connections."
