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By: Sean Haralson, Jack Deleruyelle, Vaughn Meyer & Connor Kenisteadt
Hayden Gaetino | Sophmore | Soccer
Hayden Gaetino, a current sophomore and starter on the Dexter soccer team, has made big gains this season, for himself, and for the team. Starting an opening three-game week with a tough 1-0 loss to Parma Western, the Dreads needed someone to step up, and Hayden was the man for the job. With the Dreads trailing 1-0 in the first half against South Lyon East, Gaetino, playing attacking midfield, stepped up to the penalty spot early in the second half and scored it, calm and composed. Dexter fought hard most of the game and finally, with less than 10 minutes left, Gaetino knocked in a pass to JP Assenmacher, who takes a touch inside and scores bottom right to win the game. This was the start the team needed, and Gaetino was ready to lead his team and get their confidence where it needed to be. Now, in the District tournament, Gaetino is the starting Center-defender. “I got moved to defense recently and I don’t really like it; but, it has to be done for the team and I’ll sacrifice myself for the win,” he said. With his play on defense, Dexter held No. 8 Walled Lake Western to one goal and claimed a district championship by defeating Ypsilanti Community 5-3. (Dexter’s season came to an end in the Regional semifinal with a loss to Dearborn Divine Child).
Ella Mitchell | Senior | Cross Country
For Captain Ella Mitchell, it has been a long journey back to the muddy grass courses after an injury last season forced her out. The biggest feat of Mitchell’s season so far was setting her personal record (20 minutes and 31 seconds) in Saline at the 2nd SEC Jamboree. She shaved an entire minute off her time with the 6:35 mile pace for the 5000 meter race. “Both of my sisters ran and I now am the fastest of my sisters because of that PR, so that was definitely my biggest success,” Mitchell said. The Girls Cross Country team has boded well this season, placing well in many meets, when the frequent top-50-placing-captain was asked about the team’s performance, she responded with; “The girls have been doing really good. JV especially has been doing amazing, winning meets constantly, and the varsity team as well. We’ve constantly been PR’ing and showing that we are eligible for states and we deserve to make it again.”
Cole Norvara | Sophmore | Football
Heading into Week 3 of the football season, the Dreadnaughts were 0-2 and playing a must-win game against Bedford. Sophomore wide receiver Cole Novara took a massive step up in his receiving role with six catches for 106 yards and a touchdown. He also added a 70-yard highlight reel of a punt return. Novara’s performance helped Dexter beat Bedford 44-0 to give Dexter its first win. After his performance, Novara said: “I felt great. My confidence was through the roof and I just knew that our team hit the peak right there.” Last season, Novara was a receiver on the freshman team and worked really hard over the summer to get his starting spot on the varsity team, “It’s been a journey, but that win was great for our team,” Novara said. “And since that Bedford game, we’ve been getting so much better.” The Bedford win began a six-game winning streak for Dexter where the Dreads outscored their opponents 337-72. With Novara’s role as the team’s WR1, the Dreads solidified themselves as a top team in Division 2. Dexter beat Allen Park 47-9 in the first round of playoffs. The season came to an end against Gibraltar Carlson, but Novara had 128 yards and a touchdown in the loss.
