Dexter defense stepping up in BIG ways with BIG plays this fall

DEXTER – Second-year Dexter High School football coach Chad Jamerson came to the Bearcat program with a philosophy in mind, and throughout his tenure, he hasn’t wavered from it.

“We make our money on defense and special teams,” Jamerson said recently, “and what we get on offense is what we get.

“I got that philosophy a long time ago from a good coach, and I’ve kind of patterned some things after that.”

The Bearcats (2-1) followed that mantra in a recent battle with Class 2 No. 14-ranked New Madrid County Central, and Jamerson will have his team adhere to the same game plan on Friday at East Prairie (7 p.m.).

The Bearcat fans have certainly noticed an uptick in play this fall from last season, and there has been no more noticeable area of improvement than on the defensive side of the ball.

Dexter allowed an average of 31 ½ points per game a year ago but has lowered that number to a mere 17.3 allowed each week, and that is AFTER playing potent offenses in Scott City and New Madrid.

“Our kids take a lot of pride in playing good defense,” Jamerson said. “We bend a little bit, but we try not to break too much.”

In their initial two games this season, the Eagles had not been held under 50 points. However, the Dexter defense not only kept New Madrid County Central under 50 points, but the Bearcats only allowed the Eagles to score 38 points, 26 of which came in the opening 9:49 of the game.

The Bearcat defense stopped New Madrid three times inside its own five-yard line, as well as forced four fumbles by the Eagle players.

“We try to step up and play good defense,” Jamerson said. “The offense has kind of started catching up with what the defense has been doing.”

Several Bearcat defenders have played exemplary football, though none much better than junior linebacker Nolan Alford.

“Nolan Alford is playing like a warrior on defense for us,” Jamerson said.

Alford and senior defensive lineman Landon Weathers led the Bearcats with seven tackles each against the Eagles, while sophomore linebacker Jason Hervoyavich and senior defensive back RJ Farmer totaled six stops each.

“We’ve got some special kids,” Jamerson said. “When we are able to get things clicking and put it together, we have a special group of young men.”

Dexter has toppled East Prairie (1-2) in two consecutive seasons. However, the Eagles, whom Jamerson once played for and coached, have shown an ability to produce offensively at times this season.

“East Prairie is no pushover,” Jamerson said of his alma mater. “They gave New Madrid a good battle (recently). They are a very much improved program.

“Of course, when we go to East Prairie, I want to win. It means a little bit extra for me.”