Sikeston faces uphill battle, falling 63-14 to Hillsboro

HILLSBORO, Mo. — Sikeston kicked off the season with a challenging opener at Hillsboro, a powerhouse program ranked as a top-3 team in Class 4.

Despite a 63-14 loss, the game provided vital insights for the Bulldogs (0-1) as they measured themselves against elite competition, garnering a clearer understanding of the areas they need to improve upon and the level of effort and focus required to compete against some of the best talents in the state.

“We knew going into the game that Hillsboro was the strongest opponent we’ll face in the regular season,” said Sikeston coach Treston Pulley. “They are well-coached and have great players, including one of the best quarterbacks and running backs we’ll encounter this year. While the result wasn’t what we hoped for, it was important for our team to experience this level of competition early on.

“It sets a benchmark for our players,” he continued. “Helping them understand the expectations and the level we need to strive for. Facing such a challenging opponent early in the season allows our guys to visualize the standard we’re working towards achieving. It’s a valuable learning experience that will strengthen our team.”

Sikeston found itself in an early 21-0 hole as Hillsboro quickly seized the upper hand. The Hawks (1-0) set the tone right from the start with a 90-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. Their momentum continued as they also scored on a 45-yard touchdown and a 4-yard touchdown pass by Drake Dilhavy in the quarter.

Despite a difficult start, the Bulldogs managed to find their footing and get on the scoreboard late in the opening quarter.

Trez Clark spearheaded their offensive breakthrough with a determined 5-yard touchdown run.

Sikeston fell short on the conversion attempt and trailed 21-6.

“That drive was a credit to our defense for getting the stop,” Pulley said. “Then we just kept feeding the ball to [Clark] and he kept rolling with it. He ended up putting it in the endzone for us. He’s going to be really good back for us.”

Hillsboro continued its offensive assault early in the second quarter, extending the lead to 28-6 on an 18-yard touchdown pass by Chase Sucharski.

The Bulldogs clawed their way back into the game, cutting the deficit to 28-14 with an assertive 1-yard touchdown run by Kayden Craig.

“[Clark] made a big play with a 20 or 25 run and got knocked out at the 1-yard line,” Pulley said. “Then we did a quarterback sneak and let our senior take it in.”

Sikeston’s touchdown provided a brief glimmer of hope, but it was quickly extinguished by Hillsboro’s relentlessness.

The Hawks responded with five unanswered touchdowns, overwhelming the Bulldogs with their precision passing, explosive running plays and swarming defense.

“You could feel the momentum shift our way [after Craig’s touchdown run],” Pulley said. “But Hillsboro quickly turned things around and never looked back. They really kicked it back into gear and took control of the game after that.”

In assessing the game, Pulley acknowledged that there were areas to improve upon, while also recognizing some positive aspects that they could build on.

“The effort was there, the kids never quit and we were just one block away from securing some big runs,” he said. “Hillsboro is just a well-coached, well-disciplined team. They are fast and physical and they can run and block. They have a lot of numbers. They’re going to be making another run at a state championship this year.

“If we can get some things going our way we may see them again down the road,” he concluded. “We have eight more opportunities to prove ourselves, and we will do that.”

Hillsboro dominated in total yardage, outgaining Sikeston 443 to 85.

Clark was the lone standout on the offense, rushing 13 times for 62 yards and a touchdown.

Luke Gadberry led the defense with six tackles and a sack.

Bo Riddle made an interception and three tackles, while Trey Gorman forced a fumble that Aron Williams recovered.

Sikeston will host Dexter (1-0) on Friday, September 1.

The Bearcats are riding high after an upset 26-14 win over Scott City (0-1).