The Dexter football team kicks off the postseason on Friday with some very high expectations, and the Dreadnaughts have only themselves to “blame” for the lofty goals. Winning every regular season game and dominating most of them is a recipe for not only success but big goals and winning a state title is – and should be – at the top of Dexter’s to-do list.
One of the many reasons for Dexter’s incredible success on the gridiron is the play of the defense. And helping lead the way is Chance Sobbry, who never takes for granted being a part of this special team and program.
“It means a lot to be a part of Dexter football, and it’s something that I take a lot of pride in,” says Sobbry. “We used to be awful and now football is something our town is proud of. I remember storming the field in like fifth grade after we won our first game in four years. Going from that to where we are now is special and I’m blessed to be a part of that.
“I’m beyond thankful that Coach Jacobs, Coach Michos and so many other great coaches who chose to believe in us. I’m not looking forward to my last game but I’m forever grateful to play Dexter football.”
Sobbry, a defensive lineman, has been a force up front all season for the Dreadnaughts. He’s part of a unit that plays together, wins together and has each other’s backs on and off the field.
Since Week 3, Dexter’s defense has allowed more than 20 points only once (don’t worry the offense scored 41 in that game) and has held four opponents to single digits, including a shutout against Skyline and two measly field goals to Chelsea. Sobbry says holding Chelsea to just 4 yards rushing has been one of the defense’s proudest moments.
“What’s made the defensive line so successful along with the defense is how we compete,” Sobbry says. “We talk a lot about doing our 1/11 and playing for the guy next to us. We take a lot of pride in being on the defense and competing against our offense in team periods. Coach (George) Michos, Coach (Tony) Quint, Coach (Taz) Wallace, Coach (Jeff) Westfall and Coach Marlet have done a great job with this defense and there is nobody I would rather play for.”
It’s been a “fun” ride for the Dreadnaughts – players, coaches, students, fans – in a perfect regular season. It started back in August with an overtime victory at Livonia Franklin – a team that made the playoffs. They then lost to Saline – who made the playoffs – on the field but the Hornets were forced to forfeit their first three games so that went from the loss column to the win column. Since then, it’s been a crush fest – dominating every team, every game.
“It’s been a lot of fun being out there this year,” says Sobbry, who finished the regular season with 46 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, and a quarterback sack. “It’s my last time playing football so I’ve enjoyed every second of it.”
And the coaches also have enjoyed every second of having Sobbry on the field.
“Chance is one of the funnest players I have coached,” said defensive coach George Michos. “I love him. He brings positive energy every day, whether it’s in the weight room or at practice. And on Friday nights, he leaves everything on the field. He is one of our captains, and I would say the emotional leader of our defense.”
Sobbry says the Dreadnaughts put in a lot more work in the offseason and are seeing the results of the hard work.
“One thing that’s made us so successful is how close this group is on and off the field,” he says. “We have big goals and we have already crossed some things off our list. Going 9-0 and beating Chelsea are probably the biggest highlights, but our defense making a stop to beat Franklin in overtime was also a big highlight.”
Sobbry and the Dreads don’t spend too much time looking back – so, looking forward?
“Our goal is to just show up and be 1-0 every day,” he says. “I don’t think there is a team out there more talented than us but we have to focus on ourselves. We all know the goal is Ford Field but we got five games before that so we’re taking it one game at a time.”
Chance, 18, is the son of Jeni and Gary Sobbry. He has a 3.8 GPA in the classroom and when he’s not playing football, you can find the senior on the baseball field or the hitting cages. And that’s where you will find him for the next four years after committing to Georgia Southern University to play baseball.
“Southern was one of my top schools for a few years,” he says. “My hitting coach’s son went there and going to GSU was something we talked about for awhile. They have great a baseball program and the opportunity to play year round was something I couldn’t pass up. When I got on campus and met Coach Minjarez and Coach Hennon it felt like home and I knew I wanted to be there right away.”
Sobbry plays mostly first and third base for the Dreadnaughts.
“I thought I had a good spring last year,” he said. “I feel like I struggled my sophomore year so there was definitely a big jump. We had a really good group last year and we ended up tying our school record for most wins (27) in a season.
“I think we should have another really good year. We’re returning a lot of really good bats offensively and our goal is definitely to get to 28 wins or more. My personal goal is to develop athletically and mentally and as a leader.”
But there is work to be done – and state titles to chase – before opening day of baseball.
