Dale participated in the Marion County / South Pittsburg rivalry from 1981 – 1984 and started 3 out of the four years as Linebacker / Tight End. He was voted Hardees player of the game in 1982 and 1984. In the 1984 game with the score tied and South Pittsburg driving down to the 4 yard line for a go ahead score with little time left. Dale intercepted a Halfback pass in the end zone. That interception set up Marion County up for the winning score. Marion County won 17-10 and went on to undefeated regular season and State Runner-up. Dale never lost a game to South Pittsburg in the 4 years of playing in this rivalry series.