Sikeston dominates Marion 7-3 in border battle

MARION, Ill. — The Sikeston boys’ soccer team earned its first of the season in a border battle at Marion High School on Thursday, August 31.

The Bulldogs (1-2) released a relentless offensive onslaught, capitalizing on a strategic formation change to secure a commanding 7-3 victory over the Wildcats (1-2).

“We sold the idea to the boys of a slight formation change and they bought in,” said Sikeston coach Gabe Dement. “We actively focused on enhancing both our defense and offense after a challenging weekend at the Carbondale Tournament, where our 0-2 performance fell short of the team’s expectations.”

Sikeston's Jeremiah Wade attacks against Conner Wicker during practice on Wednesday,Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

Tristan Wiggins set the tone for Sikeston on a through ball from center-back Chris Artis with one minute and 20 seconds into the game.

“This created energy and confidence and the boys took it in stride,” Dement said.

Jeremiah Wade also made an impact early in the half, finding the back of the net at the 9:25 mark after receiving a precise pass from Jaden Johnson.

Sikeston Jaden Johnson scores a goal during practice on Wednesday, August 23, 2023.Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

Showing his scoring prowess once again, Wade struck again at 23:21, capitalizing on a well-timed assist from Wiggins.

As time ticked down in the first half, Johnson, a freshman, showcased his agility and skill, registering the first goal of his high school career with 14:30 left in the half, courtesy of another pinpoint pass from Wiggins.

The team closed out the scoring for the half with just five minutes remaining, as Johnson scored on another assist by Wiggins.

However, Marion wouldn’t go down without a fight and scored twice in the final four minutes of the half to make things interesting.

“At halftime, the boys were challenged to keep up the fight and they did,” Dement said. “Defensively we looked much more organized as Levi Douglass, Carter Grimes, Artis, Rush Ault, Connor Wicker, Jackson Couch and keeper Barrett Stokes played hard physical matches.”

Early in the second half, Wiggins displayed his attacking abilities as he received the ball from the right wing, skillfully maneuvered toward the corner flag, and delivered a cross that deflected off a Marion defender, extending the lead to 6-2.

Continuing the offensive dominance, Wiggins found the back of the net once again, further solidifying the team’s advantage.

The Wildcats were able to add a final goal to narrow the score to 7-3 late in the second half.

Wiggins finished with two goals and three assists, Johnson had two goals and an assist, Wade had two goals, and Will Sims and Artis each had one assist.

In goal, Stokes made 10 saves, while Chase Hodges added one save.

It was the first time since 2017 that the Bulldogs scored seven goals in a game.

Sikeston will take on Saxony Lutheran (2-1) in the Hannibal Pirate Tournament on Friday, September 8.