Sikeston finds a way: Bulldogs win 2OT thriller at Dexter

DEXTER, Mo. (Heartland News) - After a brutally difficult week, Sikeston got the jubilation they desperately needed Friday night.

Sikeston defeated Dexter, 20-14 in double overtime, making for a memorable Game of the Night, a game that will live on in Bulldog Nation memory for potentially years.

The game was overshadowed by the death of Sikeston junior Avin Sullivan, who had been on the team previously and was planning on returning prior to passing away Sunday. Sullivan’s No. 73 jersey was brought into the stadium by his teammates, with the crowd from both schools wearing blue, his favorite color. Both teams had blue ribbon stickers adorning their helmets, and many more decorated their nameplates in Avin’s memory.

Sullivan’s father Chris was present, consoling and comforting Sikeston players before briefly speaking to the entire crowd before kickoff, with a moment of silence held shortly after.

On the first play from scrimmage, Sikeston got the thing they needed the most: a moment to celebrate.

Sikeston’s Campbell Boyce intercepted a Dexter pass and took it straight back for a Bulldogs touchdown, the sideline and away stand erupting in happiness.

That lead lasted for more than a quarter, but Will Guethle was eventually able to find the end zone to tie things at 7, 7-7 being the score at the half.

Dexter took the lead in the third quarter, but Sikeston immediately responded, taking a kick return back for a touchdown a play later.

That score remained 14-14, with Dexter having the ball late before a fumble gave Sikeston a shot to win on a walk-off field goal.

And just to tug on the heartstrings and emotions more, that kick was blocked. Overtime.

Neither side could find the end zone in the first overtime, and Dexter couldn’t manage anything in the second.

Sikeston, though, found everything. Backup quarterback Banks Rolwing found Lane Myer, who darted upfield and into the end zone to secure Sikeston’s victory.

A swarm of Bulldogs players flooded the field to celebrate, a moment of happiness in a week that’s pushed players through an array of emotions.

After the win, Bulldogs head coach Jim May gave his initial thoughts.

“It was a difficult week,” May said. “I’m especially proud of our boys. They fought, and they fought and they fought. They didn’t give in. And they came out, and they won the game. There’s a lot of emotion after that, but I’m proud of them. I’m proud of what they did for us. And hats off to Dexter. Coach (Chad) Jamerson did a great job getting his team ready to go, and the whole Dexter community, the way they supported us, has been unbelievable.”

While it’s a victory on the field, the battle to heal is only beginning. May noted that the coaches have had plenty of conversations and interactions with the players, helping them manage.

“We just listen to them,” May said. “I can’t tell you how many times a day I put my arm around somebody and ask them if they’re ok and just check on them. That’s what we’ve got to do. But hopefully this helps them heal a little bit, and we can move forward as best we can.”

Sikeston hosts Jackson next Friday for their home opener.