Dexter-Kennett countdown, Part Three

Friday's game against the Dexter Bearcats is homecoming for Kennett, but there's a twist -- the football team is not participating in Friday's festivities.

While some may criticize Kennett coach Kirk Welch's decision to hold his players out of the festivities, it's the right decision. Kennett must win Friday to have any chance of making the playoffs or of winning the conference title, and any extra distractions could be counterproductive.

The Indians and Dexter seem to match up well. Both have strong passing and running games, both have solid defenses and both are 4-0 against common opponents.

Kennett has an edge in speed, but the Bearcats seem to have an edge with strength. The Tribe has homefield advantage, but after this week's rains, it looks to be a soggy field that could offset some of the Indians' speed.

That said, keep an eye on special teams. Kennett has speedy kickoff returners that can break a long run off, and in what looks to be an evenly-matched game, that could be big.

One thing is certain: it will be interesting...