Only 32 miles separate Dexter from Jackson, yet the Dreadnaughts and Vikings of Jackson High School have never met on a football field – at least not since 1950. That changes on Friday and it’s not only a first but it’s a huge game, especially for the vastly improved host Dreadnaughts.
If Dexter can knock off the undefeated Vikings, the Dreads will improve to 3-1 on the season with Adrian (currently 0-3) next week.
A win against Dexter Coach Phil Jacobs old team (the Maples) would leave Dexter two wins from securing a playoff spot with Tecumseh (0-3), Pinckney (1-2), Lincoln (2-1) and Whitehall (3-0) left on the schedule. The way this Dexter team is playing is not only resulting in wins but also confidence and optimism.
But let’s back things up first.
Dexter improved to 2-1 on the season with a 37-14 road victory against Ann Arbor Huron last week. The Dreadnaughts jumped out to a 16-0 halftime lead and never looked back.
The win is certainly worth a look back.
Dexter racked up 350 total yards including 222 through the air against the River Rats.
Sophomore quarterback Colin Parachek had another solid game for the Dreads, completing 14 of 22 passes for 222 yards and three touchdowns. His longest was a 69-yard TD pass to Antwan Ficklen. He also had seven carries for 47 yards and looked comfortable tucking the ball and running.
Speaking of running, Mason Loudermilk ran for 71 yards on 14 carries to lead Dexter’s ground game. Ficklen had a huge game catching the ball. The junior had eight catches for 162 yards and a TD.
The dominant Dexter defense was led by Jordan Watson (five tackles, two for loss), Kevin DeVoogd (four tackles), Mark Young (four tackles), Nathan Norris (three tackles, three for loss) and Yusef Mohammed (three tackles).
The Vikings come into the game at 3-0 following wins over Ypsilanti (27-20), Adrian (42-0) and Monroe (27-20). After making the playoffs in 2015, Jackson won five and just missed the playoffs in 2016 before winning four games last year – after starting the season 0-4.
This is Dexter’s biggest test since opening at Chelsea. A win over the Vikings could really get confidence and optimism jumping in Dexter.
Next up: Dexter at Adrian
