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Coach Phil Jacobs adds a new found life to the Dexter football program
By Jacoby Haley
Same old Dexter Football strikes again? So, you may think.
Even though the Dreads suffered another loss – the program’s 33rd straight defeat – there were a few major bright spots featured in the opening game, a 41-14 loss to Adrian, of a revamped program.
There were highlights on both sides of the ball for Dexter, a vast improvement from years past.
Typically, one or two strong offensive or defensive players carried the team on one side of the ball. On Friday, August 25, fans saw something different. There were times throughout the game where everything seemed to be clicking for the Dreads, thus eliciting excitement from the crowd.
By far, the best play of the night was a crucial, one-handed interception by senior Nick Fileccia. “I just stuck my hand up and the ball somehow landed right on it,” Fileccia said. “It was crazy.”
The pick sparked a long drive where Fileccia, also a wide receiver, caught four passes, including a spectacular jump ball catch to keep the drive alive.
Now we turn to new Dexter Head Coach Phil Jacobs.
Despite the team falling short in his first game in the maroon and white, Jacobs has brought a newfound sense of hope to the Dreadnaught program. Ask anyone surrounding the program and they’ll tell you.
The loss is no reason to write Jacobs off as the potential guy to turn the Dexter ship around. Why? Look at the bright spots. On an undersized team that still only has 34 varsity players, he was able motivate his team to compete in a well-played football game.
“Our success will be decided by our ability to play a whole rounded game with success on both sides of the ball,” Jacobs said. “The main aspect is to get the guys to buy into all parts of the program.”
Obviously, there were lackluster spots that left most shaking their heads, but this isn’t unusual for the first game with a new head coach. The biggest thing, players said, is building and this was a major stepping stone.
”I’m not even worried about [the loss],” junior wide receiver Andy Durand said. “We competed and battled throughout.
“I think with Coach Jacobs’ leadership and a will to win from the guys, we’ll pull off a ‘dub’ this year. I know it.”
