Dexter quarterback Cooper Arnedt has been throwing touchdown passes to Cole Novara since they played flag football as little tykes. Their chemistry is so strong now as seniors at Dexter that head coach Phil Jacobs calls them the best throw-catch combination in the state.
It would be hard to argue with him after the damage the pair caused in Friday’s District 2 Final at South Lyon (10-1) where they were both spectacular and unstoppable.
Arnedt hit 12 of his first 13 passes on a 397-yard, five touchdown night. Ten of his passes went to the speedy Novara who had 201 yards in receptions. Three of his catches went for touchdowns.
Most of the damage came in the first half as Dexter (10-1) roared to a 34-7 lead. Their performances were so dominating that they overshadowed junior running back Brady Arbaugh (136 yards and one touchdown on 16 carries) whose slippery style made him tough to stop.
“We had a great playbook going into this game and we were hitting on all cylinders,” Novara said.
The odd thing is the best quarterback-wide receiver combo will not play big time college football. Arnedt was offered by NAIA member Siena Heights and Novara is planning to play baseball at Michigan State.
Both are small but they pack a powerful punch. Arnedt has a strong, accurate arm and Novara kills with speed. He is not sure of his 40 time but believes it is around 4.4 seconds.
South Lyon lacked the speed to stay with him. He pitched a tent behind the Lions secondary and hauled in passes from Arnedt. South Lyon adjusted and rolled a safety or linebacker his way. He continued to burn the Lions with a series of down and out patterns.
So why not football in college?
“I just love baseball,” he said. “That’s my sport.”
Baseball runs in the family. Older brother Wyatt is a left-handed pitcher at the University of Michigan, where he earned All-Academic Big Ten honors last season. Cole plans to play center field at MSU.
But first there is a date next weekend at Gibraltar Carlson (11-0) in a regional semifinal.
“We have a great offense and we have a great defense,” Navara said. “A bunch of great guys around us and a great coaching staff. This team can really make a run.”