High school football: Longtime rivals Kennett, Dexter to clash

The Kennett-Dexter High School football series is one of the most storied sporting traditions in The Bootheel.

The Indians and Bearcats have played nearly 100 contests since the 1920s, including on multiple occasions during the early years.

“We’ve been counting down to this game,” Kennett head coach Andrew Webster said. “Both schools play each other every year. It’s going to be a physical game.”

Kennett has won every game in the series since the 2016 season, nine straight times.

Overall, the Indians have been victorious in 42 clashes. Dexter’s last win was a 38-35 thriller on Sept. 25, 2015.

So the stage is set for this Friday’s game at venerable Metz Cherry Stadium.

It’s also Senior Night to boot since this is Kennett’s last home game of the regular season.

The following 10 seniors will be recognized during a special ceremony beforehand: Kylan Henson, Ashton Jenkins-Sample, Edward Jones, Jack Morrison, Marquiese Pittman, Spencer Potts, Carter Shewmaker, Kaden Taylor, Mike’Kel Payne and Chris Jefferson.

“I’ve enjoyed being their coach,” said Webster, who has been the only head coach some of these players have known. “It’s a good group of boys.”

This is not the same old Dexter team. This year’s group of Bearcats feature three talented players who could help them win: Lee-Michael McDonald, Jackson Howard and Landon Weathers.

According to statistics from Brian Rosener, McDonald has averaged 9.3 yards per carry. Howard has thrown for five TD passes. Weathers has amassed 50 tackles, two sacks and recovered a fumble, and Dexter (5-1) has allowed just 101 points through six games.

“They’re very good at stopping the run (on defense),” Webster said. “They’re much improved. They play hard, downhill defense.”

Dexter has primarily played with an odd-front scheme, mixing in both man-to-man and zone coverages in the defensive secondary.

On offense, Dexter runs the old-fashioned but highly effective Wing-T.

This attack is rooted in misdirection, with unusual formations and a run-heavy style — developed by Harold “Tubby” Raymond in Delaware during the 1960s.

“They’ll run sweeps and cutbacks,” Webster said. “They’ve got quick backs with speed and a good quarterback. They’re well-rounded.”

Kennett has been competitive in five of six games this season, outscoring opponents 187-164.

Pittman is the third-leading rusher in the Bootheel (772 yards, 121 carries, 13 TD). Caleb Duncan has 309 yards in receptions, and 53 tackles, two sacks and three fumble recoveries on defense. Austin Gattis, Kevin Thompson and Taylor also have more than 40 tackles through six games.

Portageville at Malden

MALDEN — Jamarion Smith might only weigh 175 pounds according to his MaxPreps bio, however he is a true workhorse running back.

Smith has rushed for 1,094 yards through six games with a whopping 25 TD.

Not only that, Smith has recorded six quarterback sacks while playing defense for the Bulldogs (5-1).

After losing an opening-week game to Savannah by one point at a neutral site in Boonville on Aug. 25, Portageville has rolled through everyone else. It’s outscored the opposition, 325-86.

Malden’s defense will be spearheaded by leading tackler Stevajay Jackson. Quamareous Farmer has been the Green Wave’s featured player on offense, with several TD runs and passes in last week’s 50-42 loss to East Prairie.