Sikeston, Missouri - MaKayla Waldner and Kendra Stevenson won second place at the Class 1, District 1 championship individual doubles competition.

Earning a win at the District doubles gives them an opportunity to play at Sectionals on Tuesday in Sikeston, Missouri against North County Lady Raiders.  A win there today will propel them to the State championship doubles.

Way to go Team MAKendra!  Show in the photo are MaKayla Waldner (left) and Kendra Stevenson (Right).

Come out to Sikeston this afternoon at 3:30 and cheer for Team MAKendra!!!!  Go Lady 'Cats!

Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Editor

Kennett, Missouri – The Dexter Lady ‘Cats tennis team gave their all for over four hours but were unable to keep the Kennett Lady Indians from yet another Class 1, District 1 Championship.

Kennett who has won the last seven championships won four of six singles matches and one doubles match to beat Dexter 5-2.  “We played well and better than we did last year,” commented head tennis coach Kurt Lovelady.  “That’s really all I can ask.  They did their best.”

Dexter finished their season with a record of 11-5.  Not bad for first year coach Kurt Lovelady.  Congratulations Bearcats!  What a great year!

Varsity Singles

No. 1 - Kate Shetley (K) defeated Baylee Cooper 6-3, 6-0

No. 2 - MaKayla Waldner (D) defeated Hadley Hilburn 6-3, 6-2

No. 3 - Kendra Stevenson (D) defeated Alexa McPherson 7-5, 6-1

No. 4 - Heidi Shetley (K) defeated Erica Morgan 6-1, 6-1

No. 5 - Kara Heeb (K) defeated Taylor Owens 6-4, 5-7, 6-6, (7-2)

No. 6 - Maddie Wood (K) defeated Mary Kate Miller 6-4, 7-5

Varsity Doubles

No. 1 - Shetley-Hilburn (K) defeated Cooper-Morgan 6-2, 4-6, 6-3

No. 2 - McPherson-Heeb versus Waldner-Stevenson, retired

No. 3 - Shetley-Wood versus Owens-Miller, retired

Due to Kennett clinching the championship, the final two doubles matches were not finished.

Charleston, Missouri - "It was probably the greatest win so far in my career,"  stated head football coach Justin Peden.  "It was a great win for the guys and they worked  hard for it.  I am very very proud of each and every one of them."

With starting quarterback, Peyton Pollock, out for the game, D.J. Dowdy stepped up and gave his all Friday night against the Bluejays.  "We knew going in it was going to be a close game.  We've been hit hard with injuries all season, but I had faith in the team and felt they could pull this off with a great win," continued Peden.

The first quarter was pretty difficult to watch for Bearcat fans.  It was homecoming for Charleston and they wanted a win.  The first two touchdowns by the Bluejays gave them a 14 point advantage starting the second quarter.  Rontavious Clark ran for a 23 yard touchdown along with Robert Bogan who ran a two yard touchdown in the last minute of the first quarter.  Then just inside the 2nd quarter, Clark made an impressive 81 yard touchdown that increased the lead to a 20-0 game.

Bearcat fans were starting to think Charleston had this one in the bag, with just 7 minutes remaining in the half, Ethan Stevens ran the ball in from the one and scored.  MaKayla Waldner's extra point kick was good.  It was not 20-7 and still half of a football game to go. 

Once the marching Bluejays completed their half-time performance it was back to business for the Bearcats.  "Come on Bearcats!  We got this!" a spectator yelled from the crowd.  "Go Bearcats" chants could be heard from the stands and DHS cheerleaders shouted "Let's Go Bearcats!"

It was a battle for sure, but with just 5:50 left on the clock in the 3rd quarter, Mike Kellum passed to Robert Bogan for 30 yards for another Bluejay touchdown.  The two point conversion was stopped by the Bearcats.  Charleston 26 - Dexter 7.

In the 3rd quarter, D.J. Dowdy passed the ball to Jonathan Foels for 24 yards and a Bearcat touchdown, but the two point conversion was no good.  Charleston 26 - Dexter 13. 

Still not wanting to give up, the Bearcats were able to stop the Bluejays and take over on a punt return at the 36 yard line. "We just started giving D.J. the run-pass option and let it roll.  He a scrambler."  stated Peden.  "He was able to take advantage and he did an awesome job for the team tonight.  He had some big plays tonight"

If anyone wanted a win, it was the DHS football team and their coaching staff.  They needed this win.  They wanted this win. They required the confidence to show they are a great football team! 

The Bearcats were able to capitalize on a couple of major drives in the second half and that's all the confidence they needed to deliver the game winning touchdown with just minutes remaining in the game. 

The battle between the cats and the birds intensified even more in the last few minutes of the 4th quarter.

Carson Dean ran up the middle for 5 yards and scored another Bearcat touchdown just inside of 3 minutes into the 4th quarter.  MaKayla Waldner's kick was good.  Charleston 26 - Dexter 20.   Giving the Bearcats hope of winning another game this season!

With just 2:53 left on the clock, D.J. Dowdy once again found Ethan Steven for a 13 yard touchdown. This was probably the most incredible play of the game.  The score was not tied 26-26.  You could hear fans calling HER name!  "Go MaKayla!!"

Makayla Waldner came through for the Bearcats with the extra point kick giving the 'Cats their first lead of the night and the game winning point!  Dexter 27 - Charleston 26.

It was an amazing moment for the Dexter football team.  The fans were cheering so loud during the kick-off you could barely hear the coaches yelling their plays.  Charleston still had time left on the clock.  Enough time to score.  They were on the 32 yard line with less than 2 minutes remaining. 

The very next play was the moment of a lifetime for Noah Kronk.  He intercepted a 64 yard pass thrown by Charleston quarterback Mike Kellum!  Dexter took a knee on its next play to secure the victory, 27-26!  Way to go Bearcats!

Dexter out-tackled Charleston 48-37.  Drake Mitchell, Dylan Bazarian, and Trevor Waldner each had 12 tackles and as it was well noticed by coach Peden.  "They came out tonight and proved it!  I couldn't be more proud!" commented coach Peden.  "Mitchell, Waldner, and Bazarian were amazing tonight with 12 tackles each.  We preached all week to shut them down and they did it!"

It was quite the tag team with Ethan Stevens and D.J. Dowdy during the game.  D.J. and Ethan both switched up quite a bit passing and receiving.  Dowdy was 18 of 34 for 200 yards throwing two touchdowns.  Stevens was 4 of 7 for 91 yards and scored twice during the game, once earning a catch the other running the ball into the end zone.

MaKayla Waldner was 3 for 3 on extra point attempts giving the the extra edge needed to win the game.

Carson Dean had 16 carries for 112 yards along with D.J. Dowdy who carried the ball for 14 yards.  Jonathan Foels had nine catches for 117 yards.  Tim Spence had six catches for 106 yards.

It was quite the team effort tonight and if the Bearcats continue they will continue to be a successful football team.

"Ethan Stevens threw some and D.J. Dowdy has experience.  With the field in their hands something great was going to happen.  Carson Dean got over 100 yards and I expect great things to come from this sophomore," commented Peden

Dexter was great on the field with 22 first downs and passing for 291 yards.  Total yards for the night were 399. Way to go Bearcats!

"Wins like this are the ones you talk about and share with your grandchildren!  They just did an absolutely awesome job tonight!  This is one for Bearcat history and with an on the road win. "

Dexter (2-5) will be back in action on Friday night when they travel to Park Hills to battle with Central High School (7-0).  Game time is 7:00 p.m.  This one's going to be a tough one and we need all the Bearcat spirit we can muster to help the team to victory!  Let's show our support this week!!

Dexter, Missouri - The Lady 'Cats Volleyball team improved to 22-3 with Thursday's victory over the Poplar Bluff Mules at their Annual Hits for Hope game. 

Each year, fans, players, and coaches wear pink. Proceeds are donated to the 18 Fore Life Charity Foundation, which grants love offerings directly to area cancer patients.

Athletes from both schools played in honor of or in memory of a special person in their life that was effected by cancer.







These girls are amazing and with the support of the community, 18Fore Life has been able to help many people who are struggling with this dreaded disease.

It was a great match for both the JV and Varsity players and a win win for all Bearcat fans!

Dexter tallied 24 kills against the Mules.  Jessica Lindsey led the way with a total of 12 kills.  Delaney Pullen and Shyann Jines each added five more.  Julia Hahn and Alyssa Spear each had 10 assists for the Bearcats.  Way to go Lady 'Cats!!!!

The Dexter junior also varsity improved to 16-2-1 with a 21-25, 25-13, 25-14, victory against Poplar Bluff.

Both the JV and Varsity 'Cats will both begin play in the SCAA Tournament in Bernie next week.

Top-seeded Dexter Varsity Bearcats will play eighth-seeded Richland Rebels on Monday at 5 p.m.   Hope to see everyone there!

The Dexter Bearcat Volleyball team and 18Fore Life would like to thank the following sponsors:  BA Promotions, Central Gardens, Cory Blocker PNP, Robin Northern Law Office, Gregory's, Sara Sutter Masage, Airways, Metro, Fiddler's, Harry Blackwell Dodge of Malden, EZ Check, Lois' Beauty Salon, Cobb Construction, Locust Street Florist, Dirtroads, The Loft, Tips to Toes - Janey Tollison, Hair Lingo-Lance Wright, D&S Drugs, Dexter Queen, Lori Pullen, Harps, Melissa Hahn, and Amber Werneck.

Dexter, Missouri - With the Dexter Bearcats (1-5) returning to the field after a tough loss to New Madrid County Central, Coach Peden says they are looking good for tonight's game against the Charleston Blue Jays.  The Bluejays won last year by 8 points and are leading historically winning 34 of the 58 games played between the two.

"The guys have really been focused all week and we have had some really good practices.  A lot of our younger guys have stepped up because of injuries and have been very impressive."

Head Football Coach Peden stated they have have been focusing on stopping Charleston's running game and forcing them to throw.  "I think that if we do that and execute offensively we will be successful and have a winning game."

Coach Brett Blackman and his Charleston Bluejays are 3-3 this season and 1-2 in District play.  They beat Kennett 40-20 so it's going to be a close game.  "Charleston is a good football team, but if we play a full game, all four quarters to the best of ability, we will be fine," stated Coach Peden.

"That's our biggest challenge to make sure we play a complete game," continued Peden.  "As coaches we have been trying to instill a sense of confidence in the players.  We are a good football team, and we could be a great one if we just play that complete game we have been looking for all season."

"This football team is a part of my family.  I believe in them.  I know they can get the job done!"

As for who is our starting quarterback for tonight's game, you'll just have to come out and cheer for the Bearcats!  Peyton Pollock took a beating against the NMCC last week.  He has thrown for 676 yards and five touchdowns and only three interceptions.  Let's hope he's ready to play tonight.  The Bearcats have several on the injury list.  We pray for their speedy recovery!

Game time is 7:00 p.m. in Charleston.  Go Bearcats!!!!