Sikeston secures long-awaited win over Cape Central

Sikeston’s Chris Artis Jr. sprints for a loose ball during a 3-0 win over Cape Central at Bill Memorial Field on Tuesday, Sep. 17, 2024.

Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

SIKESTON — Eight long years. Nearly a decade of frustration.

That’s how long it had been since Sikeston tasted victory over Cape Central on the pitch, but that drought ended on Tuesday, Sep. 17 with a decisive 3-0 win at Bill Lawson Memorial Field.

“We were locked in and focused,” said Sikeston coach Gabe Dement. “If we can do that every game then we are going to have the chance to do some big things.”

The Bulldogs (5-1-1) last win in the series came in 2016. Since then, the Tigers (4-3-0) won 10 consecutive matches in the series.

“We haven’t really given them much of a reason to call us a rival lately,” Dement continued. “Hopefully, tonight reignites that. As far as momentum and morale. It’s important for our team to celebrate, but to also remember that this season will only be special if we keep climbing and reaching to be the best team possible.”

Jaden Johnson put Sikeston on the board with 11 minutes and 48 seconds left in the first half with a stunning flicked finish off an assist from Mauricio Bautista.

Johnson met the ball with a delicate touch, guiding it into the top corner of the net.

“He was just trying to put it on frame,” Dement said. “It happens in hockey a lot. You see guys in front of the goal moving their stick around and trying to deflect the puck in.”

The Bulldogs extended the lead to 2-0 with 7:02 left until halftime with a well-executed move by Keith Branson. The freshman showcased his speed and agility, beating his defender on the flank and cutting inside before unleashing a well-placed shot. Bautista once again provided the assist.

“Branson did what he likes to do,” Dement said. “Which is taking guys on off the dribble. He was great tonight. He played anywhere we needed him. He sees gaps, and he’ll go fill them. He’s a freshman, but he’s mature beyond his years.”

Sikeston sealed the victory when Tristan Wiggins converted a shot off a pass from Branson with 10:56 left in the game. Branson made a clever run through the middle of the field, drawing the defenders away from Wiggins. The striker capitalized on the space, using his strength to hold off his marker and finish the ball low into the net.

“Wiggins has to be one of the strongest players in the area, if not the state,” Dement said. “When he has the ball on his foot and he’s shoulder to shoulder with a defender, he’s not going to get pushed off the ball.”

Sikeston goalkeeper Barrett Stokes made 13 saves to preserve the shutout. Bautista, Chris Artis, Bryton Singer, and first-time starter Noah Grimes were instrumental in the team’s defensive success.

“I trust our offense to create chances,” Dement said. “Our offense is really good, but our defense has to give our offense chances to score and they were on top of their game tonight.”

Sikeston travels to Windsor (0-5) on Wednesday, Sep. 18, and hosts Carbondale (4-4-1) on Saturday, Sep. 21 at 10 a.m.

Cape Central will host Carbondale on Monday, Sep. 21 for Senior Night.