Dexter, Missouri - As usual the Bearcats have a rather tough schedule this year and with a new coach the "Boys of Fall" have learned a new offense and defense along with having a new quarterback. For the seniors it will be their last season as a Dexter football player and when they take the field on Friday night it will be the first game of the season, but the last time they will face the Ste. Genevieve Dragons.
Coach Kevin Goltra is looking forward to his first year as a Bearcat. He's had all summer to build a relationship with the players, teach them a new offense and defense and hit the weight room.
The Bearcats looked confident at the Jamboree on Friday night. A few mistakes, adjustments made and young players stepped up to the challenges of a new season.
"Our offense will continue to improve as our Offensive Line grows and matures," commented head football coach Kevin Goltra. "We will have moments of adversity due to lack of playing, experience, and youth, but should be able to move the ball against almost all of our opponents this year."
"Defensively, we are still trying to learn the ins and outs of our newly installed defense and where we fit into that system," continued Goltra. "We have a tough group of kids, but we have to continue to improve with our fundamentals and be more aggressive going after the ball. That also will come with experience and additional strength in the weight room."
Last season Dexter finished 3 - 7 under former coach Justin Peden defeating Charleston, Kennett, and New Madrid County Central. Can they turn the program around? Will they have a winning season? We can't predict the future; however with a very young team on the field the future is very bright for the Bearcats. These young athletes as well as the vested football players have worked extremely hard this summer.
They performed well at both the Southeast Missouri Football Camp, Buffalo Contact Camp, and the Annual Football Jamboree.
"The 2016 football team is comprised of young, eager football players that have an enormous upside and potential," stated Goltra. "We are still working to perfect the new offense and defense but have made great strides this past summer."
Ben Sindle (5'10" 170 lb junior) will be at the helm yelling the signals at the line of scrimmage. He will have to make quick decisions on the field while the ball is in play. Will he hand it off to the running back, throw it to a receiver or just run the ball to gain yardage? That's the anticipation of the game. That's the excitement to see what happens next. The Bearcats will do well under their new leader. Sindle motivates his teammates throughout practice yelling and slapping helmets to get the 'Cats fired up!
According to Coach Goltra they will rely heavily on the run-game that will include wing backs Trevor McDonald (5'8", 150 lb junior), Payton Tinnin (5'10", 165 lb senior), and Caleb Hoggard (5'10" 180 lb sophomore). Full backs are Jake Adams (5'11", 190 lb senior), Hunter Lawrence (5'8" 220 lb sophomore), and Caleb Stearns (5'8" 160 lb sophomore).
Last year the Bearcats took a big hit against Ste. Genevieve losing 42 - 7. It's time for redemption! Time to change the scoreboard in favor of the Bearcats! Historically Ste. Genevieve leads the Bearcats 14 - 3. In 2014 season the Dragons defeated Dexter by only one touchdown (27-21). This will be Coach Ken Weik's second year with the Dragons. Game time 7:00 p.m. This is a non-conference game.
Ste. Genevieve will start 5 sophomores, 4 juniors, and 2 seniors on offense. Dexter will start 1 freshman, 5 sophomores, 3 juniors, and 2 seniors on defense.
"Ste. Gen is down a little from their past success," Goltra said. "Their starting QB is expected to be out due to an injury and he was a really good player for them last year. They also have a new OC. They are still well coached and their back-up quarterback throws the ball well."
Dexter will compete in Class 3, District 1 with Park Hills, St. Pius of Festus, Ste. Genevieve, Kennett, Potosi, Fredericktown, and New Madrid County Central.
