Tyler Tanner and Westran Hornets Return to Southeast Missouri

Sports

November 21st 2018 by Dee Loflin

The Thanksgiving Holiday is always filled with travel, family, friends and of course football. Westran High School Hornets will experience an ultimate holiday weekend traveling to in Southeast Missouri to compete in the Missouri State High School State Semi Finals for Class 1A against the Hayti Indians this Saturday, November 24th at 1 p.m.

Westran High School is located forty-four miles North of Columbia Missouri in Huntsville and has a proud tradition of football. The county seat of Randolph County, Huntsville is a community of just over 1,500 with one very special individual - Dexter native Tyler Tanner. Tyler is a 2008 graduate of Dexter High School. Tyler was a standout member of the DHS athletic programs - excelling in both football and baseball. Tyler went on to play college baseball at William Baptist College.

“Tyler played for me and graduated in 2008", Dexter Head Coach Aaron Pixley recalled. "He’s a very sharp offensive mind and really understands how to attack defenses.

Westran boasts an 11-2 record for the 2018 season, having defeated Fayette High School in the quarter finals this past Saturday by a score of 35-6. The team suffered two losses this season in their Lewis & Clark conference schedule to Scotland County (8-3) and Marceline (10-2).

Tanner note "We learned from our mistakes in those games and felt like we got back on track. We’ve seen quite a bit of adversity this year, and the way the guys have pulled together through all of it has really shown in how they treat each other and how they play the game."

Westran's walk through the playoffs has been an offensive machine as the Hornets have outscored their opponents 158 to 35. The Hornets offense team is filled with incredible talent with both an air and a ground attack. Quarterback, Alex Young is one of those exceptional athletes with 71 completions on 131 attempts for 1,347 yards and 13 touchdowns passing while rushing for 1,320 yards and 26 touchdowns. Running back, Kolby Dale, has also contributed 1,595 yards on 169 rushing attempts and adding 22 touchdowns for the team.

A quarterback isn’t effective without a few good hands on the squad to catch the ball and Westran has two leading receivers in Koby Coonce and Kaden Massey. Coonce has snagged 34 receptions on the season with 800 yards and 22 touchdowns while Massey has caught 15 catches for 319 years and 5 touchdowns.

Defensively, the Hornets leading tacklers are their strong linebacker crew of Kaden Massey (101), Alex Young (98) and Mason Untiedtd (70). They are anchored on the line by Ben Miller with 56 tackles and 2 sacks. While Koby Coonce leads the defensive backfield with 35 Tackles and 4 interceptions. Among this group of defensive players, they account for over 32 (TFL) tackles in the backfield of their opponents.

"They’re just a fun group of young men.” noted Coach Tanner. "They come to work every day excited for another week of football together.”

“Tyler is the offensive coordinator at Westran HS. He's done a great job as is evident with Westran being in the Semifinals.” added Pixley. "I’m very proud of him and fully expect Tyler to be a fine head coach someday.”

Defensively, the Hornets have been very stingy all season allowing an average of 11.5 points per game in 2018. Head Coach Aaron O’Laughlin fills the role of defensive Coordinator and considers the Hornets defense to be key in Saturday’s game.

The community of Dexter will be getting involved with this gridiron match up as Westran will be stopping in Dexter for a team walk thru and team meal before lodging at an area hotel. Risen Church will also host the team by providing them facilities for their team meal on Friday.

“We are very proud to support another school as they make the long trip down here” stated Head Dexter Football Coach, Aaron Pixley. “Westran will practice on our field and use the fieldhouse to dress out and back in.”

Westran will have their work cut out for themselves as they match up against the undefeated Hayti Indians (13-0). Saturdays game will be a match up of two dynamic high scoring offensive teams with the Indians have outscored their opponents during the playoffs 234 to 32. Similar to the this past Monday Night Football match up between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Los Angeles Rams, there shouldn’t be a dull moment during this contest.

Westran is no stranger to the State playoffs appearing in 2010 and 2014 in the finals. They finished second both years.

If your Holiday plans have an opening on Saturday, a football game in Hayti may be exciting event to put into your weekend.

Coach Tanner expressed the privilege to be able to be able to return to Southeast Missouri for this game. “The outpouring of support toward our team has been incredible incredible from family, friends and the community,” noted Tanner. “I simply can’t say ‘thank you” enough to my family, the Dexter Public Schools, Coach Aaron Pixley, the Cato Family and Risen Church for making the plan for our team easy. We are looking forward to a great weekend."

Last Updated on November 21st 2018 by Staff Writer

https://showmetimes.com/Blogpost/vbkq/Tyler-Tanner-and-Westran-Hornets-Return-to-Southeast-Missouri

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Lady Cats Begin Season on Black Friday

November 21st 2018 by Dee Loflin

Dexter, Missouri - The 2018-2019 Lady Bearcat Basketball season begins on Black Friday against St. Joseph's Academy.

They will compete in Class 4, District 1 against Cape Central, Fredericktown, Notre Dame, Perryville, and Sikeston.

They will also compete in the SEMO Conference Tournament, SEMO Border Challenge Tournament, and the Twin Rivers Lady Royals Classic Tournament.

There will only be five home games this year, eleven away games and three tournaments.

The SEMO Conference Tournament will be held on November 26th - 30th in Sikeston.

The SEMO Border Challenge will be at Dexter in the Bearcat Event Center on December 6th - 8th.

The Twin Rivers Lady Royals Classic will be held on Dec 15th - 22nd at Broseley.

The 2018 - 2019 Lady Cats Varsity team is comprised of nine players; six seniors, one junior, one sophomore and one freshman.

2018 - 2019 Lady Cats Team:

#1 Maycie Martin - Senior - 5'10" Forward

#4 Rylee Allen - Senior - 6'1" Center

#5 Sydney Asberry - Sophomore - 5'1" Point Guard

#10 Natalie Sitze - Senior - 5'2" Point Guard

#15 Keirstan Keirsey - Senior - 5'9" Forward

#20 Dulcey PUllen - Freshman - 5'7" Forward

#21 Maci McBride - Senior - 5'1" Guard

#25 Shea Baker - Junior - 5'6" Guard

#35 Chaylea Mosby - Senior - 5'6" Guard

Head Coach is Chad Allen, Assistant Coach is Eric Sitze.

2018-2019 Lady Cats Basketball Schedule

Nov 23rd and 24th St. Joseph's Academy Turkey Shootout

Friday, Nov 23rd 12:30 p.m. vs St. Joseph's Academy (JR Varsity)

Friday, Nov 23rd 2:00 p.m. vs St. Joseph's Academy (Varsity)

Saturday, Nov 24th 10:30 a.m. vs Kirkwood (St. Louis) (JR Varsity)

Saturday, Nov 24th 12:00 p.m. vs Kirkwood (St. Louis) (Varsity)

Nov 26th - Nov 30 SEMO Conference Tournament (at Sikeston) Varsity Only

Mon Nov 26th 4:00 p.m. #1 Dexter vs #8 Kennett

Dec 6th - Dec 8th SEMO Border Challenge (HOME) Varsity Only (TBA)

Tue Dec 11th 6:00 p.m. at Paragould

Dec 15th - Dec 22nd Twin Rivers Lady Royals Classic (Varsity Only)

Thurs Jan 3rd 6:00 p.m. vs Farmington (HOME)

Mon Jan 7th 6:00 p.m. at Kennett

Thur Jan 10th 6:00 p.m. at Neelyville

Sat Jan 12th 1:30 p.m. at Miller Career Academy (JR Varsity)

Sat Jan 12th 3:00 p.m. at Miller Career academy (Varsity)

Tue Jan 22nd 4:00 p.m. at TRC vs Thayer High School (Varsity Only)

Thurs Jan 24th 6 p.m. vs Sikeston (HOME)

Mon Jan 28th 6:00 p.m. at Saxony Lutheran

Thurs Jan 31st 6:00 p.m. vs Naylor (HOME)

Mon Feb 4th 6:00 p.m. vs Notre Dame (HOME

Thurs Feb 7th 6:00 p.m at Cape Central

Mon Feb 11th 6:00 p.m. at Poplar Bluff

Wed Feb 13th 6:00 p.m. vs Oran (Senior Night)

Mon Feb 18th 6:00 p.m. at Jackson

Feb 23rd - Mar 2nd - Class 4, District 1 Tournament

Last Updated on November 21st 2018 by Dee Loflin

https://showmetimes.com/Blogpost/vbjd/Lady-Cats-Begin-Season-on-Black-Friday

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MDC Reports November Firearms Deer Harvest Ends with 199,427

November 21st 2018 by Dee Loflin

MDC reports November firearms deer harvest ends with 199,427

Top counties: Franklin with 4,021 deer checked, Howell with 3,858, and Callaway with 3,695.

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows that deer hunters in Missouri harvested a near-record 199,427 deer during the November portion of fall firearms deer season, Nov. 10- 20. Of the 199,427 deer harvested, 102,930 were antlered bucks, 19,924 were button bucks, and 76,573 were does.

Top harvest counties were Franklin with 4,021 deer checked, Howell with 3,858, and Callaway with 3,695.

Last year hunters checked 192,797 deer during the 2017 November portion of firearms deer season with 100,161 being antlered bucks, 20,267 being button bucks, and 72,369 being does.

The recent-record season was 2012 with 204,668 deer harvested, including 87,368 antlered bucks, 27,143 button bucks, and 90,157 does.

MDC reported eight firearms-related hunting incidents during the November portion of firearms deer season of which three involved fatalities -- two of which occurred incidental to hunting while at hunting camps and one self-inflicted incident while in the field. Of the five non-fatal incidents, four were self-inflicted and the fifth occurred when the shooter struck a victim while swinging on game.

Deer hunting in Missouri continues with archery deer hunting from Nov. 21 through Jan. 15, 2019. The late youth portion of firearms deer season runs Nov. 23-25. The antlerless portion of firearms deer season runs Nov. 30 through Dec. 2. Lastly, the alternative methods portion will run Dec. 22 through Jan. 1, 2019. Learn more about deer hunting in Missouri at huntfish.mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/deer

Missouri offers some of the best deer hunting in the country and deer hunting is an important part of many Missourians’ lives and family traditions. Deer hunting is also an important economic driver in Missouri and gives a $1 billion annual boost to the state and local economies.

Pictured is Ben Ray of Sikeston, Missouri with his first doe!

Last Updated on November 21st 2018 by Dee Loflin

https://showmetimes.com/Blogpost/vbkp/MDC-Reports-November-Firearms-Deer-Harvest-Ends-with-199427

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Alan Hedrick Receives Honorary Charles Bland Award

November 20th 2018 by Dee Loflin

Dexter, Missouri -  There is one award that is only given to one Bearcat Football athlete each year. A bronze trophy, similar in appearance to the Heisman Memorial Trophy and that's the Charles Bland Award. It was first awarded in 1994, 25 years ago. This year's award went to the 25th recipient Nate Gargas; however one more trophy was created and given this year to a man who is gives to the community, loves his Bearcats, and was one of the creators of the Bland Award, Mr. Alan Hedrick.

Hedrick was not only instrumental in creating the coveted trophy, but also the Dexter Bearcat Booster Club. He has a passion for football and also his fellow Bearcats! He has been serving the Dexter community and the Dexter schools for a many years through various projects. He is one of those men who enjoys working behind the scenes and not out in the limelight. His compassion and generosity can not be matched. He loves his family, friends, and community.

 Here is a little background on the Charles Bland Award. The selected Bearcat must meet very strict criteria in many areas of the scholar-athlete life, including: Scholastic Ability, School Participation & Attendance, Community Involvement, Leadership Qualities, Personal & Team Attitude, and Athletic Performance.

A Bland Award recipient should reflect the qualities that interscholastic sports programs have to offer. In no way should this award be seen as a trophy strictly for athleticism; rather, it is to celebrate the most outstanding, well-rounded student-athlete from the senior class.

 The late Charles ‘Seed’ Bland - the man that the stadium these athletes battled in during their high school careers - was a very active supporter of the Dexter School System for many years. The most amazing gift ‘Seed’ gave was his pride in the Bearcats, as well as the young people of Dexter High School.

 Known only to a few, the late Ruth Bland was the ‘athlete of the family’ and was a standout for both the DHS basketball and track teams. It has been written that she was ‘the best female athlete in Southeast Missouri’ during her time.

 Together, the Bland family has been there to support Dexter Schools and Bearcat Athletics for over 60 years.

Past Winners of the Bland Award

1994 - Kevin Young

1995 - Jason Comfort

1996 - Kent Essner

1997 - Mike Guethle

1998 - Justin Kelley

1999 - David Howard

2000 - Jason mayer

2001 - Nathan McKay

2002 - Drew Wethington

2003 Marc Thrower

2004 - Derek Clark

2005 - Andrew Stuever

2006 - Drew Pixley

2007 - Eric Windham

2008 - Nick Hessling

2009 - Gary Summers

2010 - Taylor Jarrell

2011 - Tyler Miller

2012 - Ryan Joiner

2013 - Holden Bruce

2014 - Noah Kronk

2015 - Tyler Stevenson

2016 - Jason Jarrell

2017 - Ben Sindle

2018 - Nate Gargas

Last Updated on November 20th 2018 by Dee Loflin

https://showmetimes.com/Blogpost/vbkg/Alan-Hedrick-Receives-Honorary-Charles-Bland-Award

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Nate Gargas Receives 2018 Charles Bland Award

November 20th 2018 by Dee Loflin

Dexter, Missouri - Brett Dorton announced the 25th recipient of the 2018 Charles Bland Award at the annual fall sports recognition program at the Dexter High School on Tuesday. Senior athlete Nate Gargas was quite surprised to hear his name and once at the podium thanked everyone.

Award winners are judged on several criteria, including community activities, school participation, attendance, attitude, leadership qualities, grade point average and athletic ability.

Gargas exceeds in all of these categories. He plays football, basketball and tennis. He is a member of the Sr. Beta Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Future Business Leaders of America, and the National Honor Society.

He is the son of Ed and Tina Gargas. His future plans are to attend a 4-year university and major in either financial management or sports marketing.

Pictured from left to right: Brett Dorton, Bland Award Committee Member, Ed Gargas, Nate Gargas and Tina Gargas.

Last Updated on November 20th 2018 by Dee Loflin

https://showmetimes.com/Blogpost/vbkf/Nate-Gargas-Receives-2018-Charles-Bland-Award

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