DEXTER – After a 2-7 record last season, you’d think things would be a little down in Dexter High School’s preseason camp.

That is not the case, says head coach Tim Wilson.

“In reality, we did well last year,” he said. “People said, ‘How can you do well with a 2-7?’ You have to understand, this program has not been in great shape for a long time.”

Wilson, who coached the Tigers from 1966-71, returned to his roots last fall and, despite low numbers, is liking what he sees thus far in camp.

“They’re going to have good fundamentals, they’re going to be representatives of the community,” Wilson said. “That’s what I want. Winning will come.”

Wilson added that his players are showing a positive attitude in practice and displayed good sportsmanship in a recent scrimmage at Livermore Falls.

“The athletic director, principal and people that were there said it was one of the best groups they’ve ever had at their school, because of the way our kids acted, and the way they conducted themselves,” said Wilson.

Like many of their LTC foes, the Tigers will be a power running team, with halfback Adam Rush and fullback Mike Lockhart the lead horses in Dexter’s wishbone set.

“Right now that’s our base offense,” Wilson said.

He added that once his players get the basic knowledge of football down, then execution on the field should be no problem.

“As we go, it’s a knowledge base,” he said. “The better they get, the more you can give them, but you start off with the very basics at the beginning.”

Defensively, the Tigers will employ a base 4-4, anchored by linebackers Justin Domenchi and Jeff White.

Limiting mistakes and cashing in on opportunities will be pivotal to the Tigers’ success.

“What we want to be is mistake-free, no penalties, playing strong and hard the right way and taking advantage of other people’s mistakes,” Wilson said. “You don’t want to make dumb mistakes.”

He noted that the victories may be hard to come by in a tough LTC, but as long as his troops are giving a valiant effort game by game, Wilson is pleased.

“That’s all I want,” he said. “We’ll get our wins, they will come, we’ll get them based on what I call our kids being smarter about the game.”

Wilson looked around at various groups working hard and said: “They’re learning by working, these kids. You don’t hear them mouthing off,” he said.

Sooner or later, that hard work and dedication in practice will translate into numerous victories on the field.

DEXTER TIGERS

2007 results: 2-7

Head Coach: Tim Wilson, second year

Key Players: Matt Blake, OL-DL, Sr.; Justin Domenchi, G-LB, Sr.; Jeff White, G-LB, Sr.; Mike Lockhart, FB-LB, Sr.; Adam Rush, HB-LB, Sr.

Outlook: With only 22 kids on the roster, it is imperative that the Tigers stay healthy. Coach Tim Wilson stresses an all-out effort day in and day out in practices and in games, and with that leadership from the sidelines, Dexter will look to be a competitive team. With the town’s Pop Warner program growing by the year, Wilson feels the numbers will increase fairly soon.