Late Quarter Touchdown Leads Dexter to Homecoming Win Over Tecumseh

It was a happy homecoming for Dexter on Friday night as the Dreadnaughts' varsity football team (2-4) defeated visiting Southeastern Conference White Division rival Tecumseh, 27-20.

“It’s important to win games like this,” said Dexter coach Brian Baird, who received a Gatorade shower from his players after the victory. “It helps our program. This town deserves a winning team.”

Dexter began the game scoring on its first drive as senior quarterback Mike Mioduszewski connected with senior receiver Jay Lewis for a 15-yard touchdown pass. A key play in the drive was Mioduszewski’s 55-yard run down to the Indians’ 16-yard line. The extra point by senior Dvon Newsham was good, giving the Dreadnaughts a 7-0 lead with 8:08 left in the first quarter.

Tecumseh (2-4) answered later in the opening frame scoring on a 1-yard run. The point after touchdown kick was good, tying the contest at 7-7 with 2:52 remaining in the first quarter.

The Indians appeared headed for a game-leading touchdown early in the second quarter, but Dexter junior Nick Wheeler recovered a Tecumseh fumble at the goal line.

Despite the turnover, the Dreadnaughts were unable to move the ball on their ensuing possession. Dexter, therefore, was forced to punt out of its own end zone.

With decent field position, Tecumseh scored on its following drive, taking a 13-7 lead with 9:06 left in the first half.

With 6:16 remaining in the second quarter, Mioduszewski scored on a 2-yard run, tying the game at 13-13.

Defensively, the Dreadnaughts came up big once again as junior Anthony Esposito pounced on a fumble deep in the Indians’ territory. Mioduszewski made Tecumseh pay a few plays later scoring on a 38-yard touchdown run vaulting Dexter back on top 19-13 with 1:04 left in the first half.

To begin the third quarter, the Indians scored on their opening drive. With the successful extra point, Tecumseh led 20-19 with 9:26 remaining in the third quarter.

Early in the fourth quarter, Mioduszewski hit senior Jeff Baldus over the middle for a 6-yard game-winning touchdown pass. The 2-point conversion pass from Mioduszewski to senior Hank Dreffs was successful giving Dexter the night’s final 27-20 margin.

The Indians had one last threatening drive, but on fourth and 10 from the Dreadnaughts’ 20-yard line, Dexter senior tackle Ed Reny used all of his 6-foot-3, 225-pound frame to bat down Tecumseh’s pass attempt. With the pass knocked down, the Dreadnaughts were able to gain control of the ball and run out the clock on the Indians.

“The kids played hard,” Baird said. “We got down, but we were able to come back. The defense played well. Offensively, we’re still struggling in the run game. Mike (Mioduszewski), however, was able to use his feet tonight. We were able to finish our drives tonight. It’s a good win.”

Dexter next travels to Ypsilanti for a game at 7 p.m. on Oct. 7. The Phoenix (1-5) are coming off a 20-6 loss against Adrian. The Dreadnaughts own a two-game win streak against Ypsilanti defeating the Phoenix 24-15 last year and 14-13 in 2009.