Seven area high schools participated in the 7 on 7 Football and Lineman Challenge at Charles Bland Stadium on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 in Dexter, Missouri.

Participating were the Sikeston Bulldogs, Charleston BlueJays, East Prairie Eagles, Kelly Hawks, Chaffee Red Devils, Portageville Bulldogs, and the Dexter Bearcats.

"During the 7 on 7, we saw a lot of positive contributions from several kids," commented Chad Jamerson, Dexter Bearcats Head Football Coach.  " Many guys that will be new to varsity competition played valuable reps which will aid in the growth for the upcoming season."

Dexter opens on the road in just over 60 days and will have a tough season ahead of them.

There are still several seasoned athletes on the team and they are the backbone of both the offense and the defense.  Those that have seen quite a bit of varsity time have been working hard in the off-season in the weightlifting gym and it shows on the football field.

"We knew what to expect form guys like Logan Pullum, Jett Grams, and Lee-Michael McDonald.  Those older guys have a knack for showing up and performing well," stated Jamerson.  "It has a lot to do with how hard they work during the season and in the off-season.  But it was nice to see productive reps from juniors like Landon Annesser, Conner Hill, Jason Hervoyavich, and Devin Turnbo.  Several sophomores worked reps also and performed as expected like Langston Werneck, Will Guethle, Baron Greer, Jaxon Miller, Carson Hurt and others."

Along with the upperclassmen, the younger and newer Bearcats got their first taste of high school competition.  High school level is much different than middle school.  The demands are greater and the expectations are much higher.

"Last year, they ran a similar offense to what we do at the high school level," Jamerson said. " Even with a year in the system, it still takes time to learn and develop.  With hard work, they will continue to improve and be ready in the fall."

The Lineman Challenge showcased the "big" men on the team.  They rotated through a series of fundamentals and skill stations.  They had the the opportunity to test themselves with one one one competitions including the sled pushes, agility drills, tire flips, and the bench press...as a group the Tug-of-War! . Portageville came in tuff in the tug-of-war securing a win and eventually went on to place second overall in the Lineman Challenge.  Dexter showcased their power and 

"Our linemen did what they have done for the last two seasons...they shined!  Their hardworking shown through today as they performed well and placed high in several events. They take pride in who they are and the results speak that truth.  I am proud of how they lead everyday to help our program grow and evolve," finished Jamerson.

Dexter went 4-1.  There only loss was to Portageville.

The discipline of the defense was well noticed.  They knew their line assignments.  

The Bearcats are on track to have a very good season.  One can tell they have been working hard this summer.  Their first game is at Malden on August 30, 2024.  The boys of fall will also participate in a  Contact Camp at Cape Girardeau on Thursday, June 27, 2024 at 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.  They will also participate in the Sikeston Bulldogs 7 on 7 on Thursday, July 11th.  

On July 26th there will be a Day With the Bearcats with the Dexter Parks and Recreation football kids.

Midnight Madness with be Friday, August 16th at 11 p.m. at Charles Bland Stadium.  

The Football Jamboree will be held at Dexter on August 23rd.  More details to come!  It's going to be an exciting year for the Bearcats!

And as Coach Jamerson says, "Punch the Clock!"