Portageville, MO - The Dexter Bearcats dominated at the Portageville pre-season Jamboree on Friday night competing against the Portageville Bulldogs, Kelly Hawks, and East Prairie Eagles. A jamboree was invented to get everyone a chance to get on the field, tackle someone besides their own teammates, and scratch out the mistakes.  It’s a perfect opportunity to face-off against other teams and perfect the game prior to the season opener.

“Overall, I am very pleased with how the kids played at the Jamboree,” commented third year head coach Chad Jamerson.  “The offensive line did an outstanding job of executing the majority of their assignments and our running backs took care of the ball.”

“Our quarterbacks made great reads as well.”  For example in the Bearcat’s opening drive against the Eagles, senior quarterback #16 Jackson Howard sealed the deal with a touchdown throw to senior tight end #22 Logan Pullum.

Howard put together quite a nice game for the Bearcats.  He has developed into a very strong athlete.  His back-up QB #17 Will Guethle also shows great promise as a young quarterback.  He is a sophomore and very capable of coming in if the Bearcats were to need him down the road.

“I was also most pleased with the efforts and intensity that our defense played. Obviously because it is early and there were some mistakes, but they did their best to correct those mistakes and continue playing hard,” continued Jamerson.

It definitely speaks well of the program, the Bearcats will start the season with 63-man roster.

“Our core five of #54 Zach Billingsley, #56 Caden Lee, #72 Landon Annesser, #57 Walker Jarrell and #66 Peyton Hartline for tonight, said Jamerson. “But we have #73 Sawyer Rascher, who is dealing with an injury, he will come back and that gives us a whole other dynamic.”

“We’ve got #71 Jacob Huey, who can play offensive line.  We have #74 Ethan Glaus, who can play some offensive line and #53 Caleb Gott, even,” continued Jamerson.  “We are pretty blessed.  A lot of schools would be happy to have two or three linemen of this caliber that we have, and we are looking at six or seven deep.”

It didn’t matter the Bearcats were clearly aggressive on both sides of the ball.  Even when Dexter played their junior varsity, the young athletes like quarterback Will Guethle synced up with sophomore receiver #11 Carson Hurt for a couple of touchdowns.

“Finally, I love the progressions that our young players have shown this summer.  They showed excellent growth and executed their assignments on both offense and defense at the Jamboree.  The young guys have come along way since early May,” stated Jamerson.

The Bearcats finished the 2023 season 6-3 and this year the program looks to be even stronger hoping for the best winning record since 2011.

Dexter will open the season on the road against the Malden Green Wave on Friday, August 30, 2024. Kick-off at 7 p.m.  Next week on September 6th it’s HOMECOMING at Charles Bland Stadium against the Sikeston Bulldogs.

The 2024 Boys Basketball Summer Camp is slated for July 1st and July 2nd at the Bearcat Event Center in Dexter.

Kindergarten - 3rd Grade will be from 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

4th Grade - 6th Grade will be from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

7th Grade - 8th Grade will be from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

These are for kids going into these grades for August 2024.

The Boys Basketball Camp features team concepts, ball handling and passing instructions, shooting instructions, defensive concepts, ability and age grouping, contests, games and a camp t-shirt. 

These students will gain valuable knowledge and understanding of the sport while attending camp.

Contests include Hot Shot, Free Throw, Chair Dribble, 2 Ball Layups, Lane Slides, One-on-One, and Team Play.

The cost is only $25 and checks should be made to the Dexter High School.  There is still time to attend this Summer Camp.  Please come at the applicable time.

If you have any questions, please contact Coach Chad Allen at (573) 421-4571 or email to callen@dexter.k12.mo.us     

We are the home of the Bearcats and we are proud!  Come out for an exciting week of basketball!  What a great learning experience and memories they will have attending basketball camp!

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!"  

The Dexter Bearcats baseball team have been playing very well lately, going 6-4 in their last 10 games.  They will put that strong play to the test on Monday when they go up against the #1 ranked Kennett Indians in the semifinal action of the Class 3, District Baseball Tournament.  Dexter has a 13-10 overall record.

"I believe the boys are excited about the opportunity in front of us," commented Dexter head baseball coach Steven Edwards. "Allyear we have been tested by our youth and th young men have always surpassed expectations."

Justus Lovelady's .990 OPS leads the Bearcats.  The right-handed hitter has a .451 OBP and a .540 slugging percentage this season.  Beau Carrier leads Dexter with 55 and 1/3 innings pitched.  The righty has a 2.28 ERA.  Jaxon Miller leads the Bearcats with 133 total fielding chances this season.  Miller's primary position is catcher.

Gibson Booker hits and pitches for Dexter.  Booker primarily plays right field on the field.  Booker primarily plays right field.  Booker has driven in a run in the past two games.  the outfielder has hit 2-6 and driven in two runs during the streak.  Booker has put together 29 quality at bats this season.  He has induced 12 ground balls on 22 balls in play this season.

The Kennett Indians have played just as well lately, going 6-4 in their last 10 games.  they have a 7-6 record overall.  

When asked are the boys ready?  "ARE WE READY? WE ARE ALL IN AND READY!

Come out to the game this afternoon at 2 p.m. at the Dexter baseball field and watch some great baseball!