High school football: Dexter’s outside run game helps end Kennett streak

It’s official. Ding, dong, the streak is dead.

The Dexter High School football team defeated Kennett, 28-14, at Metz Cherry Stadium on Friday evening — the Bearcats first victory in the storied series since 2015.

Dexter performed well in all phases to earn the victory, drawing praise from Kennett head coach Andrew Webster.

Kennett junior offensive lineman Landon Decker attempts to block Dexter�s Logan Pullam near the Indians� goal line in the first half. (Photo by Eric Viccaro, staff)

“They had some good receivers, and they were able to run the ball outside and get yards,” Webster said.

Yes, Kennett contained Dexter’s inside run game, which traditionally is one of the main ingredients operating the old-fashioned Wing-T offense.

But, quarterback Jackson Howard came through in the short passing game — finding both Logan Pullum and Lee-Michael McDonald on TD pass plays.

Kennett's Tyquavious (D.J.) Jones looks for room to run during the first half of a high school football game versus Dexter on Friday, Oct. 6, at Metz Cherry Stadium.(Photo by Eric Viccaro, staff)

Coming into the game, McDonald had shown himself to be one of the most dynamic playmakers in the region. Howard now has seven TD passes on the season.

“They were able to throw the ball better than I anticipated,” Webster explained.

Dexter played with more desire than Kennett during the opening half, and the Bearcats also controlled the battle for field position.

Kennett's Marquiese Pittman (22) looks to run behind a wall of support provided by Jared Yates (77), Kaden Taylor (44) and Austin Gattis (52) during a high school football game on Friday, Oct. 6, at Metz Cherry Stadium in Kennett. (Photo by Eric Viccaro, staff)

Kicker Levi Dement came through with touchbacks and extra-point conversions, and Dexter showed proficiency in special teams. Howard punted twice, averaging 44.5 yards per boot.

Webster thought part of the problem with field position was the fault of Kennett’s offense, which was shut out in the opening half.

The Indians went three plays and out three times and also had a costly fumble, with Pullum on the recovery for Dexter.

Kennett didn’t go quietly, outscoring Dexter 14-7 in the second half.

Both scores were memorable, turned in by seniors Kylan Henson and Jack Morrison in their final regular-season home games.

Henson went through a wide lane en route to a long TD run. Morrison later made a spectacular catch in the end zone on a pass from Tyquavious (D.J.) Jones.

McDonald finished the game with 158 all-purpose yards rushing and receiving. Grams totaled 101 yards rushing. Howard went 8-for-17 for 129 yards.

R.J. Farmer also had a rushing TD for the Bearcats in the second half.

Defensively for Dexter, Jason Hervoyavich had four solo tackles. Landon Weathers had two of the Bearcats eight tackles for negative yards. Jaydan Williams sacked Jones twice.

The Bearcats have now swung the series’ fulcrum back in their favor. Kennett and Dexter have played football games since the 1920s, with the Bearcats winning the majority of them.

Due to do a technical issue with Hudl, Kennett statistics from Friday’s game weren’t available at press time.

Look for them in the Thursday, Oct. 12, edition of the Delta Dunklin Democrat.

Portageville 49, Malden 0

Also in Dunklin County Friday, Portageville blanked Malden 49-0 at “The Swamp,” the latest in a series of lopsided losses for the Green Wave versus the Bulldogs.

Malden played without head coach Shane Kearbey, who was suspended due to his actions in a Sept. 29 loss to East Prairie.

Nick Nealey served as the Green Wave’s interim head coach, and it’s expected he will lead the team this coming Friday against equally winless Hayti.

Kearbey remains suspended indefinitely, according to a source speaking on the condition of anonymity.

This Friday, Kennett (4-3) will face Poplar Bluff (4-3) while Dexter also hits the road for a clash with regional powerhouse Park Hills Central.