Dexter D has 'Gott' what it takes to dominate

Dexter High School senior defensive lineman Caleb Gott (53) battles against an East Prairie offensive lineman during a jamboree last month at Portageville High School.

Tom Davis ~ Tdavis@semoball.com

The Dexter High School football defensive unit probably won’t shut out every one of its opponents this fall, but so far it has.

In Week 1, Malden managed its only score on special teams, while in Week 2, Sikeston got a late touchdown against the Bearcats’ second unit.

“The number ones are still pitching a shutout,” third-year Bearcat coach Chad Jamerson said of his defensive starters after beating Sikeston 49-7 last week. “The number ones are playing phenomenal defense.”

The Class 3 No. 6-ranked Bearcats (2-0) will host New Madrid County Central (0-2, 0-1 SEMO Conference Central) today at 7 p.m.

There are several reasons for the stoutness of Jamerson’s defensive unit, but none more significant than the steady play of senior defensive lineman Caleb Gott.

The senior defensive lineman brings “energy” to that side of the ball, according to his coach.

“Caleb practiced extremely well (this week),” Jamerson said, “and it showed on the field.”

Last week wasn’t an aberration for Gott, Jamerson said.

“I’m telling you,” Jamerson said, “at the end of practice, Caleb doesn’t have an ounce (of energy) left. He leaves everything on the field in practice, whether it is on scout team defense or the starting defense.

“The kid gives us every bit that he has. We’ve got to drag him off the field at the end of practice because he has nothing left in the tank”

Dexter High School senior defensive lineman Caleb Gott (53) readies for a snap against East Prairie during a jamboree last month at Portageville High School. (Tom Davis ~ Tdavis@semoball.com)

Jamerson not only has an appreciation for Gott’s “energy” on the field, but he loves his demeanor with his teammates.

“That young man has an infectious smile,” Jamerson said. “He has a love for just being a member of the team.

“He brings that every moment of every day.”

As with each of the 19 Dexter seniors, Gott has a limited time remaining to embrace the euphoria of taking the field at Charles Bland Stadium, and Jamerson said he is aware of that.

“He realizes how fortunate he is to play this game,” Jamerson said of Gott, “and play it at a pretty good level. He is just a hard-working kid, who has worked really hard in the weight room to get strong. His personality and love of this team, and his teammates match that.

“It is really carrying him to special heights this year.”

Gott has the ability to “start both ways,” according to Jamerson, but because the Bearcats are so deep along both lines, Jamerson primarily uses Gott along the defensive front.

“He is so talented,” Jamerson said, “he could probably start both ways.”

Dexter is coming off its biggest margin of victory over Sikeston in program history. Its defense allows a minuscule 7.5 points per game.

The Eagles have won six consecutive outings in this series. The last Bearcat victory over New Madrid County Central was in 2017.