Brennan Parachek is a big target when he cuts across the center of the field on a crossing route. It was only fitting that he was a big target of attention following Dexter’s victory Friday night at Chelsea – and just like on the field, the senior seemed like a natural standing in the spotlight.
None of the players on the field Friday night were alive on Oct. 6, 1995, the last time Dexter defeated Chelsea in football. The Bulldogs had won 26 consecutive games against the Dreadnaughts – until Friday night when Dexter crushed Chelsea 45-0 in a game never in doubt from the opening kickoff.
Parachek, Dexter’s 6-foot-6 tight end and defensive end, came into the game 0-3 against Chelsea, including the first two years with his outstanding brother at quarterback. Colin Parachek was All-State his senior year after leading the state in passing yards (2,451 yards) and touchdowns (25) his senior year at Dexter.
So it was only fitting that Parachek was on the field for this huge moment in Dexter football. And it was only fitting that he got to express his feelings on behalf of his teammates.
“It just feels amazing,” he said with a smiler brighter than the lights circling the Chelsea field. “Unfortunately, the last three years didn’t go our way but tonight (Friday) was so special. It was such a great night. Coach got his 100th win and we broke the streak.”
The win over Chelsea was the 100th game Phil Jacobs has won as a head varsity football coach. After going winless in his first season with Dexter in 2017, he has now won 33 games with the Dreadnaughts and has taken the program to five straight MHSAA playoffs.
But ending the streak at 26 was a memorable moment for Parachek and these Dreadnaughts.
“Twenty six is over and now it’s one for us,” he said. “The team atmosphere and approach we have this year is incredible. We really started to bond in the summer, even before our first practice. On the field we are just one big team playing for each other.”
And Dexter, the No. 1 ranked team in the state in Division 2, isn’t done yet. The Dreadnaughts host Milford at 7 p.m. on Friday in a D-1 playoff opener. While the 9-0 record is impressive, they realize they have more work to do.
“The season has been great so far,” said Parachek, who has committed to Michigan State next year for football and also is an excellent basketball player. “Hopefully we can carry it on to the postseason. Our goal is to make it to Ford Field and win it all.”
Winning it all doesn’t sound like such a dream now.
“Our goal was to go undefeated and anyone can dream but you have to go out and prove it,” Parachek said. “Tonight, our dream came true. Well, one of our dreams. We aren’t done yet.”
No they are not.
