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A big deal: Dixon, Hehr send Chiefs soaring

WALWORTH — The famous Mason-Dixon Line is figuratively known as the dividing line between the Northern and Southern states.

Walworth Big Foot High School, however, has its own Mason Dixon line.

It's the line of defenders that senior running back Mason Dixon routinely plows through to get into the end zone at a record-breaking pace.

Dixon, along with quarterback Carter Hehr, has led the charge for the Chiefs' high-powered offensive attack that has scored 44 rushing touchdowns and 399 total points this season.

The dynamic duo's talents have helped unbeaten and second-ranked Big Foot (8-0) push its amazing conference winning streak to 43 games and earn the top seed in the WIAA Division 4 Group D bracket.

The Chiefs expect to go much deeper into the playoffs this year after last season's disappointing WIAA Division 3 second-round playoff loss to Madison Edgewood.

"Last year's playoff loss provides a lot of motivation for us this year," Big Foot Coach Rodney Wedig said. "Not only players, but the coaching staff felt we weren't as prepared as we could have been, so preparation has been a big focus for us this year."

The dedication to better preparation is exhibited in the senior Dixon.

The record-breaking running back has racked up 26 rushing touchdowns this season, along with 1,307 rushing yards and an eye-popping 10.1 yards per carry average.

And that's just for starters. Dixon already owns the school touchdown record (54), and his 3,586 rushing yards are likely a mere quarter (85 yards) away from Mike Walker's school rushing record.

Dixon is the classic road-grader running back that sucks up yardage by bouncing off defenders.

"He (Mason) has just been amazing," Wedig said. "Some of his seven yard runs are almost more impressive than his 60 yarders, where he'll bounce off a defender and spin around to get the yardage.

"I seriously can't explain how unbelievable Mason is," Hehr said. "He is so unselfish; it's just a pleasure to be his teammate."

Dixon, however, gives all the credit to his line.

"When you're behind our offensive line that is just so big that it creates holes that you can drive a truck through, it's awesome. I love taking advantage of those."

Complementing Dixon's rushing attack is Hehr. The quarterback's impressive multifaceted game adds another dimension to the already potent attack.

The dual-threat quarterback has racked up 702 yards passing yards and 10 touchdowns through the air, as well as 11 rushing touchdowns and 472 rushing yards.

Hehr provides vital balance to the Chiefs' trademark running game that prevents defenses from loading the box with defenders.

"Carter (Hehr) is the most athletic quarterback that we've had," Wedig said. "We actually put in almost an entire new passing game in the offseason to fit his great speed with rollouts and sprintouts. With his speed, we've been able to take full advantage in the offense."

Hehr also plays a vital role in the secondary.

"Carter is a great leader," Dixon said. "He knows when to yell at people when they make stupid mistakes, but also to pick them up when they're down."

Dixon and Hehr would gladly trade all their accomplishments for a state championship. The duo is confident that they can lead their squad back to Madison after winning it all in 2009.

"Mason's first-career carry was during our state championship game in '09," Hehr said. "We expect his last carry to be in this year's state-championship game."

Dixon and Hehr have the talent to fulfill their goal.