The Dreads are not dead

There is too much pride here. Too much history. Too much at stake.
And way too much talent to let this season slip away.
Remember, it was only a week ago that the Dexter soccer team played an impressive game and blanked a talented Saline team 1-0. A loss to Pioneer and then Thursday night's heartbreaker to Adrian has the Dreadnaughts looking in the mirror.
Thursday night was Senior Night. It was a beautiful, warm evening with the lights on and the teams playing on the football field before a good-sized crowd. The talented group of seniors were honored before the game to start what should have been a wonderful evening. One for the scrapbook.
By the end of the night, the smiles had disappeared. The chatter had gone quiet. And the game was lost. This was one of those games that could either fall into the deal-breaker or magic-maker categories - and if you know these young ladies, bet on the later.
After all, breaking down the loss to Adrian is pretty simple. The Dreads carried the play for most of the game, especially in the second half. The Maples scored on three perfect shots off direct kicks. And the bounces didn’t go their way. Still, it hurts.
This team has the skill and just as important the heart to pull a rabbit out of the hat and march toward a state title. The loss to Adrian may cost this team another SEC championship, but they can more than make up for it with a state championship.
After the game, the Dexter players sat on the track behind their bench. Coach Scott Ferguson didn't really have much to say. What could you say? And no one – players or coaches – really said much.
What makes me think this team will bounce back?
It was the look on their faces after the game. They were mad, not sad. They wanted to walk back on the field and say, "Hey, Adrian. Double or nothing." Or, "Hey, Maples. Let's play two." They looked as if they couldn't wait to get back onto the field.
You want some more reasons why this team will bounce back?
McDonald. Monaghan. Hughes. Lucas. Conter. Rize. And the list goes on. There is a lot of fight left in these young ladies. It will take more than a loss to Adrian to knock them out of the picture. Don't be surprised if the next time you see their team picture it's with the state championship trophy.
The Dreads are not dead!