Sikeston starts May-era strong, tops Crystal City 29-18

Sikeston’s Kenneth Holcomb (2) breaks free for a long run during a 29-18 win over CRystal City at Sikeston Public Schools Stadium on Friday, August 30, 2024.

Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

SIKESTON — Sikeston’s 29-18 season-opening win over Crystal City at Sikeston Public Schools Stadium on Friday, August 30, was a promising start and much-needed victory.

While the Bulldogs (1-0) victory over a the smaller Hornets (0-1) doesn’t guarantee future success, it does provide a boost of confidence and momentum. The team’s performance on both sides of the ball was encouraging, and it’s clear that they’re making strides under the new coaching staff.

“These kids are going to battle,” said Sikeston coach Jim May. “They’re going play hard and we’re learning how to win. We’re going to get better and we want to be playing our best at week 10. Hopefully, we continue to grow as a team and get there.”

The game started off with a bang, as Kenneth Holcomb burst through the Crystal City defense for a couple of long runs. Unfortunately, a holding penalty wiped out a 20-yard touchdown, and the Bulldogs couldn’t capitalize on the opportunity, turning the ball over on downs after a dropped pass on fourth down. 

These early setbacks seemed to deflate Sikeston’s spirits, as they struggled with mental mistakes and penalties. A costly fumble by the Bulldogs led to a short-yardage touchdown by Crystal City’s Ricardo Pastrana. 

However, a strong tackle for a loss on the extra point attempt by Mason King made the deficit just 6-0. 

“We did some things well and shot ourselves in the foot a lot,” May said. “We have to clean up the silly mistakes. We felt like we stopped ourselves, and we have to keep getting better.”

The Hornets further extended their lead to 12-0 in the second quarter when Nolan Eisenbeis connected with London Patton on a 31-yard touchdown pass. 

But, Sikeston responded quickly, as Pierce Baker raced into the endzone for a 13-yard touchdown. Luke Gadberry added to the momentum with a two-point conversion, narrowing the deficit to 12-8 with 5:54 left until halftime.

“We killed ourselves on three drives and should have scored five touchdowns in the first half,” May said. “But they didn’t put their heads down and fold. They stayed positive, kept working and better days are ahead.”

Sikeston took their first lead of the game with just over a minute left in the first half, as Kenneth Holcomb powered his way into the endzone for a nine-yard touchdown. Gadberry’s extra point gave the Bulldogs a 15-12 advantage.

Baker’s arm was a key factor in Sikeston’s strong finish to the half. The quarterback completed his final seven passes, including a couple of big plays to Keane Atkins, helping to set up Holcomb’s touchdown.

“[Baker] stayed calm and poised,” May said. “Overall, he did a really good job of leading us and running the offense.” 

Baker finished the game completing 12-of-18 passes for 100 yards and a touchdown while also rushing for 27 yards and another score.

The Bulldogs’ momentum continued into the second half, as defensive end Darryl Jordan recovered a fumble on the opening drive. Sikeston capitalized on the turnover, with Baker finding Atkins for a 14-yard touchdown pass.  

Gadberry’s extra point extended the lead to 22-12 with just over five minutes remaining in the third quarter.

Crystal City refused to give up, narrowing the deficit to 22-18 with just over two minutes remaining in the game, as Eisenbeis connected with Patton for another touchdown.

“I was very impressed with [Crystal City],” May said. “They don’t have a lot of numbers, but they have size and they played their guts out.”

Despite the late touchdown, Sikeston delivered a knockout punch, putting the game out of reach when Atkins pulled off a filthy spin move, twisting and turning his way past two defenders for a 39-yard touchdown, sealing the victory for the Bulldogs with just 65 seconds left to play.

“[Crystal City] was sending everybody and we knew if could get outside on the edge we would break a long run,” May said. “There was one guy we had to get blocked because everyone else was coming hard inside. Once we got out on the edge there was nobody left.”

Atkins had a standout performance, finishing the game with five receptions for 68 yards and a touchdown. He also added 80 yards and another touchdown on the ground, carrying the ball five times. Holcomb also contributed significantly, rushing 13 times for 86 yards and a touchdown.

“They both ran the football hard and we did a good up front,” May said. “Those big guys up front did a great job and I was happy with that.”

Despite facing early setbacks and a late surge by Crystal City, May was most impressed with the fight his team showed, highlighting the heart and perseverance throughout the game.

“I learned a long time ago that you celebrate wins whenever you get the opportunity,” May said. “Half the teams in the state are 1-0 and half are 0-1 and I’m happy to be here.”

Next week, Sikeston travels to Dexter (1-0), who beat Malden 57-8 in its opener.