Sikeston dominates second half to overpower NMCC 49-21

Sikeston’s Pierce Baker (12) stiff-arms a defender during a 49-21 win over New Madrid County Central at Sikeston Public Schools Stadium on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024.

Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

SIKESTON — It was all Sikeston in the second half during a 49-21 win over New Madrid County Central at Sikeston Public Schools Stadium on Friday, Oct. 18. 

The Bulldogs (3-5, 0-4 SEMO North) rushed for nearly 400 yards in the game and outscored the Eagles (3-5, 2-2 SEMO Central) 42-7 after halftime. 

“I’m proud of the effort because they came out in the second half and righted what we were trying to do, offensively and defensively,” said first-year Sikeston coach Jim May. “We played better in the second half but we have to learn how to play four quarters of football.”

Sikeston's Luke Gadberry (44) runs during a 49-21 win over New Madrid County Central at Sikeston Public Schools Stadium on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024.

Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

Sikeston opened the game with energy and precision, executing a swift 5-play, 62-yard drive that culminated in a 1-yard touchdown by Pierce Baker, giving them an early 7-0 lead about two minutes into the game.

However, NMCC quickly responded with Charlie Resonno's 1-yard touchdown, leveling the score at 7-7. The Eagles then seized momentum, forcing a punt and embarking on a long, smashmouth drive with Resonno again finding the end zone, this time from 3- yards out with 2:59 until halftime. 

NMCC had a golden opportunity to extend the lead further before halftime after an interception by Richard Carrisalez. The Eagles followed the takeaway with a big sideline run, but a holding penalty wiped out the gain. With time running out, the coaching staff opted to take a knee, playing it safe rather than risking a turnover deep in their own territory.

New Madrid County Central's Richard Carrisalez (18) celebrates an interception during a 49-21 loss at Sikeston Public Schools Stadium on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024.

Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

The second half witnessed a dramatic shift in momentum, as the Bulldogs came alive on both sides of the ball.

“We made a couple of adjustments that helped,” May said. “[NMCC] was doing some things that we knew they were going to do, but for some reason, we just didn’t handle it very well in the first half. In the second half, our front five took control of the game and we started smashing it at them. That was pretty nice.”

May credited the improved second-half performance to the offensive line's dominance and the defense's ability to force turnovers, setting up crucial scoring opportunities. The Bulldogs' defense was instrumental, with Jayden Wiley and Marcus Sanders Jr. forcing and recovering a fumble to set up Baker's second touchdown, a 9-yard run that tied it 14-14. 

New Madrid County Central's Charlie Resonno (21) runs during a 49-21 loss at Sikeston Public Schools Stadium on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024.

Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

Then Demarius Brown's fumble recovery paved the way for Baker's third touchdown, putting Sikeston ahead 21-14 with 6:11 left in the third quarter.

“We all came back and fought a little harder after halftime,” Gadberry said. “We picked each other up, stayed with it and came out with the win.”

The Bulldogs started their next drive on their 19-yard line and methodically moved the ball down the field with Keane Atkins further extending the lead on a 16-yard touchdown, making it 28-14 late in the third quarter. 

Sikeston's Keane Atkins (22) falls forward for a gain during a 49-21 win over New Madrid County Central at Sikeston Public Schools Stadium on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024.

Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

Despite NMCC's efforts to mount a comeback, highlighted by Connor Henderson's sack that led a turnover on downs, Sikeston maintained its grip on the game. Even when Nolan Mungle connected with Ja'Kwon Jones for a spectacular 78-yard touchdown pass, narrowing the gap to 28-21, the Bulldogs were unfazed. 

Baker immediately responded with his fourth rushing touchdown of the game, a 4-yarder, pushing the lead to 35-21. Kenneth Holcomb was a key contributor to this drive. He showcased his power and agility, breaking tackles and gaining valuable yards.

The Bulldogs’ defense wasn’t about to let up and got the ball right back with Sam McGill’s interception he returned inside the red zone. 

Sikeston celebrates Sam McGill's (8) interception during a 49-21 win over New Madrid County Central at Sikeston Public Schools Stadium on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024.

Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

“[McGill] has been a really good player for us all year as a sophomore,” May said. “He’s getting better and better each week, and you can see it in his play and what he does. He’s missed a couple of those and know he felt bad about it, but tonight he capitalized on it. I was happy for him.”

Holcomb, a reliable force in the Bulldogs' backfield who wasn’t called on until late, capitalized on this prime scoring opportunity with a 15-yard touchdown that sent a clear message that the game was all but over. 

“Getting this win felt good,” McGill said. “We knew it was going to be a challenge and we practiced hard all week. We fought on every single play tonight.”

Sikeston's final touchdown came on a chaotic play, as Gadberry scooped up a backward pass and returned it about 50 yards for the touchdown, taking advantage of the costly mistake.

“I got to credit my teammates, Jayden Wiley made the tackle and forced the fumble,” Gadberry said. “I was in the right place at the right time, picked it up and took it to the house.”

The touchdown capped a dominant second half for Sikeston, who forced four turnovers in the final two quarters.

“That was just a good head-ups play,” May said. “That’s our kids playing hard and that’s what matters.”

Baker, the Bulldogs’ workhorse, led the with 25 carries for 144 yards and four touchdowns. The young signal caller’s performance reflects the growing trust the coaching staff has in him, as he continues to play a pivotal role in the Bulldogs' offense.

“He’s a tough kid who keeps fighting,” May said. “As long as he can do that and keep leading us, we’ll be in good shape. He’s done a really good job.”

Atkins added 93 yards and a touchdown on just four carries, while Gadberry contributed 91 yards on 13 attempts. Holcomb, with 64 yards and a touchdown on five carries, also played a crucial role in the Bulldogs' formidable rushing attack, which totaled 392 yards on 47 attempts.

“They all did a good job of running and taking care of the football,” May said. “Defensively, we stopped the run and started getting 11 hats to the football in the second half.” 

Resonno led the charge for the Eagles with 148 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries. Jones added eight receptions for 121 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing six times for 42 yards. Mungle completed 11 of 15 passes for 161 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. 

NMCC hosts Portageville (4-3, 2-2 SEMO South) next Thursday, while Sikeston will travel to Charleston (5-3, 4-1 SEMO South) next Friday.