Dexter quarterback Cooper Arnedt stepped into the pocket of very high expectations this season with some huge shoes to fill. Let’s open the closet and look at some of those “shoes.”
There have been many reasons for Dexter’s incredible football success that started in 2018, one season after going winless. It started with the hiring of Phil Jacobs as head coach and his ability to build a strong staff and turn a culture of losing into an atmosphere of confidence and winning.
Another key was finding a strong leader at quarterback, the most important position on the football field. And Jacobs would be the first to tell you that he’s had some very good ones.
Colin Parachek was the first one to help lead the Dreadnaughts to not only the playoffs in that 2018 season but elite status. He could run, had a cannon for an arm and made smart decisions. Cal Bavineau then took over for one season and his speed, will to win and ability to make plays was electrifying.
Taylor Reeves, who played his first three years of high school football at Holland Christian, transferred to Dexter for his senior year and led Dexter to the state semifinals game.
Enter Cooper Arnedt, who grew up watching those guys play the position at a high level.
It’s a lot to put on the shoulders of a sophomore with no varsity experience. To say he’s gotten passing grades is an under throw of a statement – he’s been exceptional.
“I played freshman football last year, but got pulled up for two JV games,” said Arnedt, who first became interested in football watching Michigan games. “I played QB and the season went very well for us. We only lost one game and it was fun to play with my friends.”
It’s also been a lot of fun this year for Arnedt and the Dreadnaughts, who have won five straight games following a 51-0 win over Monroe. The Dexter offense is averaging 44.7 points a game and have scored over 50 points in their last four games.
Arnedt has thrown for 1,473 yards with 23 passing touchdowns and three rushing scores. He has thrown for 5 touchdowns in a game three times. So, yeah, so far, so great!
“I think what makes this year’s team so special is how young we are,” said Arnedt. “At times it might not come as an advantage but I think it’s cool that we are able to be so young and still be preforming very well. It’s exciting to think about the future of this team.”
Right now, the focus is on the present and Lincoln, who Dexter plays on Friday night.
“Our team goal is to win every game from here on out,” says Arnedt. “My personal goal is to do whatever I can to help us achieve that team goal.”
Dexter started out 0-2, losing close games to Livonia Franklin and Saline. But the Dreadnaughts righted the ship.
“I think in that week of practice (after the loss to Saline in week two) everyone was even more focused than before,” Arnedt said. “We all knew we needed to get a win and we knew that week was the week to do it.”
They defeated Bedford 44-0 to begin their five-game winning streak.
“My highlight so far was the first win of the year,” Arnedt said. “To be able to get it at home and in that type of fashion was awesome. What makes Dexter football so special is that everyone has the same goal and everyone knows how good we can be.”
Cooper is the son of Caroline and Todd Arnedt and also plays varsity baseball for the Dreadnaughts.
“My short-term goal is to win right now this season,” he says. “Long-term though my goal is to make another deep run into the playoffs, similar to last season.”
