Dexter downs NMCC, clinches playoff spot

DEXTER -- The Dexter Bearcats qualified for the playoffs for the second straight year with a 35-20 victory over New Madrid County Central on Friday night at Dexter's Charles Bland Stadium.

The win sets up a Class 3, District 1 championship game on Thursday at Fredericktown, which also qualified for the playoffs with a 44-14 victory over Kennett.

Dexter (5-4) will be trying to win its first district championship since 2005.

The Bearcats gained 360 yards of offense. Cody Stevens threw for 210 yards with four touchdowns.

Tight end Morgan Hedrick had five receptions for 124 yards and a touchdown. Jake Cox caught four passes for 55 yards and two scores.

Dexter's defense was able to put the clamps on NMCC star running back G'Darius Stevenson, limiting him to 62 yards on 16 carries with a score. Stevenson, who lined up at quarterback for most of the night, also threw for 103 yards with an interception.

Dexter took a 27-12 lead with 10:22 left in the game but Stevenson returned the ensuing kickoff 76 yards for a touchdown to cut the lead to 27-20.

The Bearcats were able to tack on another touchdown with 2:16 left to seal the victory.

Penalties hurt the Eagles, accumulating 94 yards on 11 flags, two of which erased touchdowns.

The loss eliminates NMCC (1-7) from playoff contention for the first time since 2005.