Dexter FB to test itself (and quiet skeptics) against long-time nemesis

Dexter senior fullback Jett Grams powers his way for yards against Southern Boone last month at Charles Bland Stadium in Dexter.

Tom Davis ~ Tdavis@semoball.com

The recent history of Dexter High School football hasn’t been a story of success. That is, until the past two seasons.

The Bearcats strung together 11 non-winning seasons, aside from a 6-5 mark in 2021, which included a win by forfeit, before winning six of nine games in 2023 and being perfect this fall through seven games.

“It’s awesome, being undefeated is a good feeling,” Dexter senior fullback Jett Grams told Semoball.com following a rout at Kennett on Friday. “It’s been good for the community; all of our hard work and talent feels amazing. We just want to keep riding on that feeling.”

The Bearcats (7-0) clinched the SEMO Conference Central Division championship by beating Kennett 53-0 and were ranked third in last week’s Class 3 state poll. However, third-year Dexter coach Chad Jamerson said recently that there remained questions about his team from outsiders.

“A lot of people wondered coming into (Dexter’s game against state-ranked Southern Boone) if we were able to stand tall with a really good opponent,” Jamerson said after beating the Eagles 24-21 at Charles Bland Stadium three weeks ago.

That theory will be tested again on Friday in Dexter, as the Bearcats host Class 3 No. 7-ranked Central (Park Hills) at 7 p.m.

The Rebels (5-2) were one spot behind Dexter in last week’s MSHSAA Class 3 District 1 playoff standings, with the Bearcats in the top spot.

“We showed some people in the area,” Jamerson continued, “that we can play this game at a high level.”

Dexter has beaten both teams this season that have a winning record (winning at East Prairie 36-0 and Southern Boone) and won two of five games last season against teams with winning records.

One of those three defeats last season came in District play against an eight-win Ste. Genevieve squad by a mere point (29-28).

“We’re able to play quality teams from outside this area,” Jamerson said.

The Rebels, who fell at Valle Catholic 50-0 last Friday, have beaten the Bearcats in six consecutive matchups, dating back to 2018.

Following Friday’s test, Dexter will host Scott City (4-3) on Oct. 25 at 7 p.m.

“It doesn’t get any easier,” Jamerson said of the final portion of his schedule recently. “Park Hills is still out there. (MSHSAA Class 3 District 1 opponents) Ste. Genevieve, Potosi, and Fredericktown are still out there.

“The road ahead is still pretty rough.”