Sikeston falls in heartbreak to Poplar Bluff, hints at turning point

Sikeston's Kenneth Holcomb (2) runs during a 27-26 loss to Poplar Bluff on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024.

Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

SIKESTON — Sometimes victories are measured in more than just points, and Sikeston’s razor-thin 27-26 home loss to Poplar Bluff on Friday, Oct. 4 was proof of growth.

While the scoreboard reflected a loss, the game marked a potential turning point for the Bulldogs (2-4, 0-3 SEMO North), who have been grappling with a daunting 27-game conference losing streak.

“There are no moral victories,” said Sikeston coach Jim May. “But we fought for 48 minutes. That was our goal and they gave me that. We messed up some stuff but that’s football. This is supposed to be a gut-wrenching affair and that makes it more fun. It makes it more special and worth working for.“

Sikeston's Sam McGill (8) lines up for a tackle on Poplar Bluff's Jay Edmundson (7) on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024.

Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

The evening began with the Mules (2-4, 1-2 SEMO North) asserting dominance, quickly establishing an early lead with Jay Edmundson's 5-yard touchdown run.

The momentum continued to swing in Poplar Bluff's favor when Colt Clifford intercepted a pass, setting up Kayden Johnson's 13-yard touchdown run, which extended the lead to 13-0 with 3:40 remaining in the first quarter.

Sikeston's Kenneth Holcomb (2) and Demarious Brown (72) celebrate a touchdown during a 27-26 loss to Poplar Bluff on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024.

Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

Sikeston struggled to capitalize on its initial possessions, moving the chains a couple of times on each drive but ultimately coming away empty-handed. However, the Bulldogs' defense began to shift the momentum with a collaborative sack by Darryl Jordan, Demarious Brown, and Jared Waters, forcing a critical 4th-and-19 and leading to a turnover on downs.

“Those guys are big, strong and tough defensive linemen,” May said. “They’re tough to deal with.”

Poplar Bluff's Colt Clifford intercepts a pass during a 27-26 win at Sikeston on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024.

Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

In a moment of trickery befitting the October air, Sikeston executed a double-pass play with Luke Gadberry connecting with a wide-open Kenneth Holcomb for a 37-yard touchdown, cutting the lead to 13-6 with 4:17 left in the second quarter.

Yet, Poplar Bluff quickly responded with a 57-yard run by Edmundson, extending the lead to 20-6. Unfortunately, the play could have been stopped sooner if a Sikeston defender had wrapped up the ball carrier instead of delivering a hard but ineffective hit. Edmundson was able to bounce off the tackle and continue his run.

Sikeston's Keane Atkins (22) runs during 27-26 loss to Poplar Bluff on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024.

Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

Undeterred, Sikeston dialed up another trick play. This time, Gadberry took a handoff and found a wide-open Will Lape for a 43-yard touchdown, bringing the score to 20-12 with 1:05 left in the second quarter.

“[Poplar Bluff] was being super aggressive,” May said. “They wanted to take some things away from us and we had an answer for that. We did a good job all the way around with all 11 players, and it paid off.”

Sikeston's Darryl Jordan (14) celebrates a catch during a 27-26 loss to Poplar Bluff on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024.

Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

But the Mules, like a seasoned counterpuncher, answered back swiftly. Edmundson scored on a 4-yard quarterback sweep, pushing the lead to 27-12 just before halftime.

Sikeston controlled the second half by playing its best football in years. The Bulldogs opened with a formidable 73-yard drive that consumed nearly eight minutes, marked by multiple fourth-and-short conversions, thanks to the offensive line's tenacity. 


Poplar Bluff's Jay Edmundson (7) runs during a 27-26 win at Sikeston on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024.

Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

“That’s the first time we stood tall and wouldn’t be denied,” May said. “How many fourth-and-shorts did we run a lead play and just go and get it? That's good feeling and something to build on. I’m proud of those guys and their efforts. We got a lot better this week.”

Holcomb capped the drive with a 5-yard touchdown run.

The defense, led by Jordan, Brown, and Gadberry, quickly regained possession with key sacks.

On its next drive, Sikeston faced several clutch moments, including another fourth-and-short and a pivotal 43-yard pass from Pierce Baker to Kendarious Love on 3rd-and-20. The big play set up a touchdown run by Baker on 4th-and-goal from the 1-yard line.

Sikeston's Luke Gadberry (44) stiffarms a defender during a 27-26 loss to Poplar Bluff on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024.

Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

However, a missed extra point due to a bad snap left Sikeston trailing 27-26 with just over five minutes remaining.

“We had a different week of practice,” May concluded. “We pushed because I was embarrassed last Friday night. We discussed how that was never going to happen again. They answered the bell. We worked really hard this week and you could tell. The physicality and line-play picked up and we weren’t going to be pushed around. If we practice that way hard the rest of the way then we’ll win some games.”

As well as Sikeston played, Poplar Bluff managed to make the plays necessary to run out the clock and secure the win. The most crucial moment came with a 21-yard pass over the middle from Edmundson to Hunter Clifford, converting a 3rd-and-16 at midfield with just 2:44 left in the game. This play effectively sealed the game for the Mules.

Sikeston's James Hughes (75) and Kenneth Holcomb (2) celebrate a touchdown during a 27-26 loss to Poplar Bluff on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024.

Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

“We played pretty well in the first half,” said Poplar Bluff coach Jeff Mannon. “We focused on fundamentals at halftime, but we came out and Sikeston was dedicated to running the football. I don’t know if we got tired up front or what, but they did a good job of moving the ball in the second half.

“They changed some things on defense,” Mannon continued. “They started bringing some pressure and we had a hard time moving the ball in the second half. But the kids showed some grit and ended up getting the win. I’m excited for them.”

Holcomb was a standout performer, rushing 18 times for 70 yards and a touchdown, and making two receptions for 34 yards and another score.

Baker completed 16-of-22 passes for 154 yards, with one interception, and added a rushing touchdown. Keane Atkins contributed with three rushes for 23 yards and three receptions for 30 yards. Lape made three receptions for 71 yards and a touchdown, while Love added five for 56 yards. Gadberry's perfect passing night stood at 2-for-2 for 80 yards and two touchdowns.

But perhaps most impressive was the defense which completely clamped down after being gashed for 220 rushing yards in the first half. The Mules were held to just 42 yards on the ground in the second half and completed just one pass - the game-saving conversion late in the game - a testament to the Bulldogs’ tactical adjustments and physical determination.

Next Friday, Sikeston hosts Jackson (4-2, 3-0 SEMO North) while Polar Bluff hosts West Plains (3-3).