NMCC defeat Sikeston 53-29 in physical and emotional rivalry game

NEW MADRID, Mo. — With bad blood brewing between the two rivals, it was no surprise the matchup between New Madrid County Central and Sikeston turned into a physical and emotional affair, with the Eagles (8-0) emerging victorious 53-29 over the Bulldogs (0-8) at Eagles Stadium on Friday, October 13.

"Sikeston is always a tough rival, and sometimes emotions can get the best of us,” said NMCC coach Tyler Fullhart. “That happened tonight for both teams, maybe more than either side wanted. But we have to clean that up if we want to be a championship team."

NMCC wasted no time in asserting their dominance in this rivalry game. On the team's first drive, BJ Williamson broke free for a 43-yard scamper. This impressive run set up Williamson's 1-yard touchdown run less than two minutes into the game. The Eagles were off to the races, and the Bulldogs were left playing catch-up from the start.

NMCC's Erik Tillmon (18) breaks up a pass on fourth down�during a 53-29 win over Sikeston on Friday, October 13, 2023.�Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

Sikeston’s opening drive stalled after Tayven Lyles’ tackle for a loss on fourth down, allowing the Eagles to capitalize with a 1-yard touchdown run by Ty Williams with three minutes and 36 seconds left in the first quarter.

NMCC forced another turnover on downs, this time thanks to a tackle for loss by Jason Jones and Alvion Cooper. The Eagles then quickly marched down the field and increased their lead to 19-0 on a 5-yard touchdown run by Williamson.

The rivalry between the two teams was on full display, with both sides engaging in plenty of trash talk throughout the game.

NMCC's Jadis Jones (10) runs�during a 53-29 win over Sikeston on Friday, October 13, 2023.�Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

The Bulldogs moved down the field like a hot knife through butter on their next drive, marching 72 yards in about five minutes. Trez Clark capped off the drive with an 8-yard touchdown run, and Kayden Craig ran in the two-point conversion to narrow the lead to 19-8.

The Eagles responded with authority, a 5-yard touchdown dash by Williamson with 4:17 left in the second quarter that pushed the lead to 26-8.

NMCC forced a punt on Sikeston's next drive, then struck quickly with a 31-yard touchdown pass from Williamson to AJ Ruff on a double reverse pass, increasing the lead to 33-8 with 43.4 seconds left until halftime.

Sikeston's Trez Clark (5) drags a defender during a 53-29 loss at NMCC on Friday, October 13, 2023.Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

Erik Tillmon recovered a fumble after a high snap to give NMCC the ball at the Sikeston 30-yard line on the first drive of the second half, and Charlie Resonno dove into the endzone on a 1-yard run to increase the lead to 39-8 with 10:25 left in the third quarter.

On the next drive, Tillmon had a pass breakup on fourth down to force a turnover on downs after Sikeston drove the ball into the red zone.

The Eagles extended the lead to 46-8 after Williamson hurdled a defender for a second time in the game, scoring on a 6-yard touchdown scramble with 5:07 left in the third quarter.

NMCC's Ty Williams (1) runs�during a 53-29 win over Sikeston on Friday, October 13, 2023.�Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

Tillmon continued his dominant defensive performance with a sack on Sikeston's next drive, but the Bulldogs refused to give up, moving the ball down the field and scoring a 5-yard touchdown run by Craig with 11:55 left in the fourth quarter.

Sikeston's defense turned the tide on the ensuing drive, forcing a turnover on downs after Trey Gorman's pass breakup on fourth down. A short time later, the Bulldogs had their most explosive play of the season when Luke Gadberry found Darryl Jordan on a 74-yard touchdown pass, closing the lead to 46-22 with 9:45 left in the fourth quarter.

NMCC punted on the next drive, but Sikeston swiftly gave the ball back after a high snap was recovered by Rel Newsome. Ty Williams then scored his third rushing touchdown of the game on a 5-yard run with 4:11 left.

Sikeston's Luke Gadberry (44) throws during a 53-29 loss to NMCC on Friday, October 13, 2023.�Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

Despite being down by a large margin, Sikeston's offense continued to play with fire, scoring a 19-yard touchdown pass from Gadberry to Bo Riddle with 9.6 seconds left in the game.

“It was real sloppy but the kids fought hard,” said Sikeston coach Treston Pulley. “I wouldn’t consider it a good night overall. We have to clean some things up with the penalties and everything.”

NMCC outgained Sikeston in total yardage, 502-321, and rushing yards, 283-124, despite being penalized more often (16 penalties for 163 yards) than Sikeston (eight penalties for 93 yards).

Sikeston's Colt Parker (13) spikes a ballcarrier into the ground�during a 53-29 win over Sikeston on Friday, October 13, 2023.�Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

Williamson was the star of the game, completing 12-of-19 pass attempts for 219 yards and a touchdown, and rushing for 175 yards and three touchdowns on 17 carries.

“[Williamson] gave us everything he had and a little bit more,” Fullhart said. “We’re proud of the effort he gave tonight. All of the guys gave it their all. We had to have some of the younger guys step up too.”

Williams also had a strong game, rushing 11 times for 76 yards and three touchdowns, while Resonno added six attempts for 25 yards and a touchdown.

NMCC's Ty Williams (1) runs�during a 53-29 win over Sikeston on Friday, October 13, 2023.�Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

It was tough for Sikeston defensive backs to keep up with the Joneses, as Jadis Jones had six receptions for 106 yards and Ja'Kwon Jones had four catches for 66 yards.

On the other hand, Gadberry had the best passing game of the season, completing 8-of-16 passes for 174 yards and two touchdowns.

“I think I found a quarterback in Luke Gadberry,” Pulley said. “It took us a long time but we got it.”

However, Jordan was the team’s biggest bright spot, catching five balls for 152 yards and a touchdown.

“We found a matchup and just kept going to him,” Pulley said. “He kept making plays. It was a fun night.”

Trez Clark was Sikeston’s top rusher, running for 86 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries. Kenneth Holcomb added 46 yards on 13 attempts.

NMCC will host Class 1 No. 2 Portageville (7-1) on Thursday, October 19 in a game that has been hyped up as the must-see game in southeast Missouri this season.

“They’re a good team that plays hard and does everything the right way,” Fullhart said. “We going to have to execute and outplay them. We’ll give it our best shot. We’re glad it’s at home in front of our fans and it should be a great atmosphere.”

Sikeston will host Charleston (2-6) on Friday, October 20.