Dexter HS, MI - Case Study

Dexter High School has been one of the more consistent programs in Michigan high school football over the past decade. Competing in Michigan’s Division 2 classification, the Dreadnaughts have regularly been in the playoff mix and built a reputation as a tough, well-prepared team.

From 2017 through the 2025 season, the program was led by Head Coach Phil Jacobs. After this past season, Jacobs stepped down and Offensive Coordinator Robert Schwartz will take over as the program’s next head coach. The team is coming off one of its most successful seasons in recent memory, finishing 12-2, ranked #18 in the state, District Champions and advancing all the way to the Division 2 State Championship game at Ford Field.

We recently spoke with Assistant Coach and Strength & Conditioning Coach Chris Whittaker, who was responsible for setting up and operating the sideline replay system for much of the season. He shared insight into the program’s transition from Hudl Sideline to GameStrat and how it impacted their workflow on game days.

Moving On From Hudl Sideline

Heading into the 2024 season, Dexter’s staff was looking for a change. After several seasons dealing with issues on game day with their Hudl Sideline system, they were ready for something more reliable. 

After hearing positive feedback from another nearby program, the Dexter staff decided to give GameStrat a try.

We were sick of fighting with Hudl Sideline every week. We couldn’t be happier with the GameStrat system. Our experience has been great.Dexter HS assistant coach Chris Whittaker. 

Easy Setup, Even on Short Notice

One of the biggest concerns when switching technology is the learning curve. How much time will it take to learn how it works? Will this be a headache for us? For Dexter, switching to GameStrat wasn’t an issue.

Whittaker explained that the system arrived less than 24 hours before their first game, yet the staff was still able to get everything running smoothly right away.

The setup and onboarding was much easier with GameStrat than Hudl Sideline. We got our system less than 24 hours before our first game and were able to operate it smoothly from day one.Dexter HS assistant coach Chris Whittaker.

For coaching staffs already juggling game prep, scouting opponents, and often teaching on top of it all during the week, that simplicity can make a big difference.

Real Support When It Matters

Another difference Whittaker highlighted was the ability to get quick help whenever it was needed.

On Friday nights, small technical issues can quickly become big problems if there isn’t someone available to help solve them.

With GameStrat, if I have something come up on game day, I can call and speak to a real person quickly. With Hudl Sideline, I can’t say the same thing.Dexter HS assistant coach Chris Whittaker. 

Having direct access to support gives coaches the confidence that if something ever were to happen with the system,  someone will be available to walk through it & get them up and running.

Built for Coaches on Game Day

Beyond reliability, Dexter’s staff found the in-game workflow especially helpful for saving time after games.

Being able to tag plays live during the game and then upload directly into Hudl with those tags already applied helped streamline their film review process.

When asked what he would tell another coach considering GameStrat, Whittaker didn’t hesitate:

100% do it. The reliability and ease of setup are incredible. Being able to tag in-game and upload straight into Hudl with all your tags already there saves a ton of time.”Dexter HS assistant coach Chris Whittaker.

Dexter High School’s run to the Division 2 State Championship was the result of a lot of hard work, preparation, and attention to detail from their coaching staff and players. Having tools on the sideline that work the way they are supposed to makes a big difference.

For Coach Whittaker and the Dexter staff, switching to GameStrat meant less time dealing with technology and more time focused on coaching football. The system was easy to set up, reliable on game day, and helped streamline their film process after the game.

Interested in learning more about GameStrat? Click the button below to book a demo.