A Four-Year Term

Watching the Deer Creek varsity football team practice, then-freshman Blaine Jackson had a hard time imagining keeping up with the bigger, faster, stronger and older players. He didn't think that any of his freshman friends could compete. That was until Dax Dilbeck stepped on the field. "As soon as he got there he proved he belonged," Jackson said of that day four years ago. "He just belonged on the football field from the beginning. It was amazing how he just kind of took over right away." The Deer Creek coaches agreed. Dilbeck started at quarterback in the Antlers' second preseason scrimmage as a freshman and has been at the helm of the Deer Creek program since. Four years later, Dilbeck is a four-year starter for the Antlers and has developed into one of the best players in the state. "I've been blessed to have the opportunity to start every game in high school," Dilbeck said. "Not many players get that chance. They say that high school is supposed to be the most fun time in your life, and I've got to play about 40 games in a Deer Creek uniform. It's been great. Playing so much has helped me become the best player I can be." That player is one that carries his team; one that opponents fear. A player that is also a future Division I college player. Dilbeck, who has orally committed to Oregon State, has collected nearly 4,000 total yards offense and 36 touchdowns before this season. To start off his senior year, he rushed for nearly 200 yards and four touchdowns in a win over Piedmont. "Some things he does with the football, I just sit back and say, 'Wow,'" Deer Creek coach Grant Gower said. "He just looks in amazement what he does on the football field. His speed is incredible and he has the innate ability to make people miss. "He hits one crease and he's gone." The 6-foot-1, 185-pound senior is the offense of the Antlers. He runs, passes and sometimes catches the ball. He's just as versatile and effective as a defensive back on the defensive side of the ball. He's the focal point of opposing defenses every game in Class 5A. "The whole picture on him, on and off the field, is pretty amazing," Gower said. "He has the character and skills you want in a player leading your team." Dilbeck has proved it since he first stepped on the practice field at Deer Creek as a freshman four years ago. "I thought I could contribute some," Dilbeck said of his freshman season. " I was looking forward to it, but I did not expect to start every snap on offense. I was excited about the opportunity. The game was fast at the beginning, but I just went out and did my part. "I wanted to be successful." He has led Deer Creek to one playoff appearance and one winning season thus far. He has improved reading defenses and become a leader of the team. He played quarterback his first two seasons, but also began starting as a defensive back his junior year. Dilbeck has played quarterback, running back, wide receiver and defensive back. He was being recruited as an athlete because of his versatility. At Oregon State, he will play either defensive back or wide receiver. "I like being able to do a bunch of things for the team," Dilbeck said. "Whatever the team needs, I'll try to do. Being versatile helps me become a better player overall." When Jackson thinks of his friend, the one thing that stands out is Dilbeck's highlight reel performance against playoff bound and highly ranked Mannford, which was headed to the playoffs, last year on Senior Night. Dilbeck rushed for nearly 250 yards and scored five touchdowns to lead the Antlers to a win. "One time he ran from one side of the field to the other for like an 80-yard touchdown run," Jackson said. "It's amazing the things he can do."