Captains from the Dexter and Houlton football teams walk to the middle of the field for the coin toss prior to their LTC Class D matchup in Dexter Saturday afternoon. Photo by Chris Lessner.
The Dexter Tigers used a strong running attack and a stiffling defense Saturday afternoon to open up their football season with a convincing 38-6 LTC Class D victory over Houlton at Dexter Regional High School.
Brandon Allen helped the Tigers build the lead with a short touchdown run 6:49 into the game and Dexter never looked back building a 24-0 halftime advantage. Brayden Miller had a 77 yard interception return for a touchdown on the last play of the first quarter and the defense forced a safety in the second quarter as the visiting Shiretowners only had six total yards of offense in the first half.
Allen finished the day with 11 carries for 96 yards and a pair of touchdowns for Dexter (1-0). Miller completed only two passes on the day but both for touchdowns, a one yard toss to Zach White and a 50 yard bomb to Jason Campbell. Tyler Beem also chipped in with 80 yards rushing on 11 carries and Chandler Perkins also joined the running attack gaining 40 yards on 7 carries.
Houlton (0-1) got their lone score on a short 4 yard run by running back Seth Holston with just 30 seconds remaining in the game. Holston led the offense with 14 carries and 81 yards and a touchdown. He also had 4 catches for 28 yards on the day while starting quarterback Jared Fox did complete 7-12 passes but for only 29 yards as the Shires were outgained 270-90 in total yardage.
Dexter next travels to Lincoln to battle the Mattanawcook Lynx next Friday night at 7 p.m. while Houlton also travels to play Friday night at 7 when they head downeast to face Washington Academy.
Hou 0 0 0 6- 6
Dex 14 10 14 0- 38
