Last year Dexter High head coach Randy Sumrall called his first-ever win over Cathedral the biggest win in his six years at the school.

There’s less on the line this year, but the result could be the same if Dexter quarterback Fred Fortenberry lines up behind center.

&uot;Their quarterback has been hurt the last two weeks and he’s the key to their team,&uot; said Cathedral coach Ken Beesley. &uot;He hurt his knee the second week of the season and didn’t play last week (14-8 loss to Varnado).&uot;

A touchdown pass from Fortenberry to Shelly Haynes with 35 seconds remaining gave the Bulldogs the win last year and the eventual Division 7-1A title. Cathedral has moved up to Class 2A this year.

Cathedral is 2-0 on the season, while Dexter is 0-3.

&uot;We haven’t run into a good passing team,&uot; Beesley said. &uot;If he plays, this will be a big test for us. They are not a typical 0-3 team.&uot;

Beesley has also had problems with injuries, losing running back Casey Rodgers for the season to a torn ACL two weeks ago and Mark Steckler to a shoulder injury last week.

&uot;Mark probably won’t play unless it’s an emergency,&uot; Beesley said.

Freshman JaMel Jackson rushed for 138 yards in Cathedral’s win over Richland last week.

&uot;JaMel and Zac Robinson will be the ones that we’ll be working at tailback,&uot; Beesley said. &uot;We’ve got a few people banged up.&uot;

Beesley said he has been disappointed in his team’s practices this week.

&uot;I don’t know if it’s a letdown after playing our first division game in 2A, but we haven’t been fired-up. Our hope our attitudes change by (today). We’ve just kind of been going through the motions.&uot;

Beesley said the Green Wave defense has played well in the first two games.

&uot;The defense has done an exellent job,&uot; he said. &uot;Our offense has to take advantage of the breaks our defense gives us.&uot;

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