Dexter FB dominates Malden 57-8 in opening rout

Saturday, August 31, 2024

Dexter High School junior defensive back Houston Neely wraps up a Malden pass-catcher early in the Bearcats' win over the Green Wave on Friday at Malden High School.

Tom Davis ~ Tdavis@semoball.com

There was a stark difference between the Dexter and Malden football programs on Friday, as the Bearcats have had two-plus seasons to evolve into a very solid group, whereas the Green Wave are taking their first steps toward doing just that in first-year coach Treston Pulley’s tenure.

Following an explosive opening minute of play – by both teams – Dexter showed its experience and dominated the Green Wave 57-8 at Malden.

“It was nice to get everybody involved tonight,” third-year Bearcat coach Chad Jamerson said. “Anytime you can get kids involved, and get the football in numerous kids’ hands, that’s a good night.”

On Dexter’s first offensive play of the game, senior quarterback Jackson Howard hit sophomore Langston Werneck for a long gain inside the Malden red zone.

On the second play, Dexter senior fullback Jett Grams powered his way into the end zone for a quick 7-0 advantage.

The Green Wave wasted no time in responding positively, as Malden senior Tylyne Mathies raced through the Bearcat coverage unit for an 88-yard score, which gave the hosts an 8-7 margin.

That euphoria was brief, though, as Dexter speedster Lee-Michael McDonald took the first play from scrimmage on the next series 51 yards for a score, and the visitors never trailed again.

“Notoriously,” Jamerson said, “we are slow starters on one side of the ball. Tonight, it was the third part of the game, special teams.”

The Bearcats not only gave up that long kickoff return, but McDonald fumbled away a punt later in the opening half. However, that was about all that went wrong for Dexter.

The Bearcats gained 438 yards on 28 offensive plays, including 348 on the ground.

Senior runner Nolan Alford tallied 118 yards on just three carries while Grams had 101 yards on seven carries and scored twice.

McDonald had just that one long carry, as he sat out the second half with a slight ankle injury.

Junior runner Devin Turnbo totaled 49 yards and scored three times in the wi9n, and senior tight end Logan Pullum added a 20-yard score on a run.

Howard completed half of his eight throws for 90 yards and a scoring pass to Werneck.

Malden quarterback Dyentez Dobbins carried the offensive load for his team and had 71 yards gained, though most of that total was subtracted, as he was under duress for much of the night.

The Bearcat defense amassed 16 tackles for a loss, including three by junior linebacker Rhett Wamble.

Dexter was paced defensively by junior linebacker Conner Hill with seven tackles while Alford, junior linebacker Jason Hervoyavich, and sophomore defensive back Jaxon Miller each had six.

Hill, Hervoyavich, and Miller each had an interception, as well.

The Green Wave got three stops apiece from junior defensive back Tristan Moncrief and sophomore linebacker Josh Skinner.

“Tackling is something that we need to work on this week,” Pulley said. “Execution up front, firing off the football, those are some areas that we can grow in.”