NEW MADRID -- New Madrid County Central and Dexter take center stage in the biggest game of the season for both teams.
NMCC (6-2, 2-0) and Dexter (5-3, 3-0) play for all the marbles, a SEMO Conference Central Division title and the undisputed lead in Class 3, District 1.
"You've got two teams with two good records on the field with a lot at stake and it'll be decided head-to-head," said NMCC coach Arlen Pixley. "It's just what you want as a coach, for everything to boil down to be settled in one night."
It must be noted, however, that both teams will still have one district game remaining -- NMCC vs. Kennett and Dexter vs. Perryville -- but each will likely be heavily favored in those contests. The NMCC/Kennett game is also a conference encounter.
But, for all intent and purpose, this is the game.
To add spice to the intrigue, it's a matchup between brother head coaches, NMCC's Arlen and Dexter's Aaron Pixley.
Dexter has rebounded from two early-season losses, 12-7 to state-ranked Ste. Genevieve and 27-13 to talented Gosnell (Ark.), and is playing as well as anyone in the area. A hiccup against 1-7 Poplar Bluff, on a last-minute fourth-down touchdown pass, interrupted a two-game win streak. Since, the Bearcats have dominated opponents with three straight wins, outscoring opponents 129-26.
"They've played the most consistent football in Southeast Missouri the last six weeks," said Arlen Pixley, of the Dexter Bearcats. "They're run it effectively and played solid defense. Those two are a deadly combination."
Behind a strong offensive line, which NMCC's Pixley compares to Farmington's, Dexter tailback Alex Becker has rambled for 1,309 yards (third best) in an area-leading 229 carries with 19 TDs.
"They (Dexter) have great timing with their offense," said Arlen Pixley. "Everything is based on timing with their run game. We've got to disrupt their timing, get off blocks quick and get to the point of attack. We've got our hands full taking care of the Becker kid and that offensive line."
Stopping the run will not be the only problem facing NMCC.
Dexter has developed a viable passing attack with junior quarterback Josh Stevens at the controls. Stevens has thrown for 658 yards with eight TDs on 51-of-112 accuracy. He has six interceptions.
Wide receiver Eric Rinehart (11 catches, 235 yards, three TDs) and tight end Josh Davis (13 catches, 146 yards, 1 TD) lead a capable receiving corps with five players scoring at least one TD.
It all begins up front for the Dexter defense, as well. The front four, led by sophomore defensive end Drew Satterfield (6-3, 180), senior defensive end Justin Foushee (6-foot, 190), senior defensive tackle Matt Myers 6-1, 265) and junior defensive tackle Anthony Alsup (5-11, 190), has anchored the Bearcats' defense which has held opponents to just under 14 points per game.
Looking to burst past Dexter's front line is NMCC's big running back duo of 6-2, 210-pound Printice Willis and 5-11, 220-pound Antonio McIntosh.
Willis and McIntosh have combined for 1,441 rushing yards, led by Willis' 765 with eight TDs.
NMCC's Pixley believes the game will be decided in the trenches.
"I feel confident with what our backs can do," he said, "but it's going to be on the shoulders of our offensive and defensive lines. Any good running back will tell you that it's about a good offensive line and a defense, which plays solidly enough to keep the offense on the field and give them carries."
NMCC starts an offensive line of sophomore left tackle D'Adrian Farr (5-10, 225), sophomore left guard R.D. White (5-10, 175), junior center Brad Colbert (6-1, 235), sophomore right guard L.T. Sutton (5-10, 215) and junior right tackle Patrick Guest (6-foot, 235).
Another key component for the Eagles will hinge on the play of sophomore quarterback Leslie Williams, a threat to run or throw. He has rushed for 179 yards and five TDs and thrown for 263 with three TDs. NMCC has gone 5-1 since Williams was installed in the starting lineup.
Junior receiver Tommy Rowe has stepped up to become the Eagles' No. 1 receiver and deep threat with five catches for 193 yards (38.6 yards-per-
catch average) and four TDs.
Kickoff will be at 7 p.m. Friday night at NMCC Field with a full house expected.
"It's exciting," said Arlen Pixley. "The conference and the district will likely be decided in this game."