Bearcat QB brings improvement both physically and mentally into 2023

DEXTER – When the Dexter High School football program renewed its annual series with Scott City in 2020, following a nine-year hiatus between the two teams, few knew what to expect between the two teams.

Even after an 18-15 Ram win in that initial match-up, how the series would unfold was still up in the air. However, Scott City has dominated each of the last two games (one on the road and one at home), as it has won the games by a combined 43 points. However, if the Bearcats are going to surprise people on Friday at Charles Bland Stadium with a victory, the play of junior quarterback Jackson Howard will go a long way in accomplishing that feat.

“I think Jackson has shown a lot of growth,” second-year Bearcat coach Chad Jamerson said of his quarterback. “His arm has gotten stronger. He has grown physically.”

A year ago, Howard was an inexperienced sophomore thrown onto the new turf at Scott City and asked to perform against a team that ultimately won nine games and stifled its opposition offensively, only allowing 16.5 points per game.

This Friday, when the Rams travel to Dexter (the scheduled time is 7 p.m., but that MAY be moved back due to heat), Howard is a much more confident and experienced player.

“He has a much better mental understanding of the offense,” Jamerson said.

That was evident in a jamboree last Friday, as the Bearcats scrimmaged against Fredericktown, Poplar Bluff, and Caruthersville.

Against the Blackcats, Howard looked very sharp early, as Jamerson mixed his calls between run plays and utilizing Howard’s arm.

“I was really happy with Jackson’s composure,” Jamerson said following the event. “I thought that he took control of the offense. And at the end of the day, it helps to have those weapons.”

Jamerson not only mixed his calls from an attacking perspective, but he also tapped a multitude of athletes to get touches.

“It helps to have a (junior wide receiver) Nolan Alford, who can run a jet sweep or catch a slant (pass),” Jamerson said. “It helps to have (junior running back) Lee-Michael McDonald, who does what Lee-Michael does.”

Which is run past most defenders.

“There are a ton of adjectives that you could use to describe Lee-Michael,” Jamerson said. “He is explosive. He is a game-changer.”

Howard not only got the ball to those two, but also (senior) RJ Farmer, (junior) Jett Grams, and (sophomore) Jason Hervoyavich, each of whom comprises a deep offensive backfield.

“We’ve got guys who can carry the rock,” Jamerson said. “All of those guys working as a unit, combined with that offensive line, it’s got to make life a lot more fun for your quarterback.”