Lady Hawks reflect on third place finish

SIKESTON -- The 2006 Sikeston freshman football team finished its season with a 6-2 record, but it wasn't a one-man, or even a two-man show.

It marked Sikeston's first winning season on the junior high level since 2000.

The winning season was a collective effort from the entire team according to coach Steve Bays.

"So many kids contributed to this," said Bays. "Obviously we had our skill kids and they're the ones that everybody sees and read about, but even our skill kids would tell you that without linemen and those guys in the trenches so much wouldn't be possible. Kids like Kendal Morris, Brice Davis, Sam Gleason, Tyler Combs, Tyler Selvig, Josh Carlyle -- all those kids contributed."

But the Bulldogs faced some adversity with injuries throughout the year, giving some backup players a chance to play.

"Some of those guys had to step up and play and they did a great job -- guys like Bryan Armstrong, Kellar Harris and Gratten Allen," said Bays. "It makes me feel good to see so many contribute and it gives us something to look forward to."

The line did its blocking for a group of talented skill players that posted some eye-popping numbers.

Tailback Eli Jackson was the main ball-carrier as he rushed for 872 yards on 55 carries for a whopping 15.9 average and 14 touchdowns.

Juqualin Wiggins alternated between slotback and quarterback and also had impressive stats with 451 yards on 34 carries for a 13.2 average. He also returned a punt for a touchdown and was 4-for-6 passing for 198 yards and two touchdowns.

Others with big numbers were Dwayne Harris with six receptions for 211 yards, over 300 yards rushing and nine total touchdowns; Niquavious Dixon (4 receptions, 129 yards, 3 TDs); and Jarian Wims (241 rushing, 65 receiving).

Quarterback Tanner Bryant was 11-18 passing for 268 yards and five touchdowns.

Other players that had key contributions were Dario Lewis and Jerome Hatcher on offense and Michael Harris and C.J. Council on defense.

Sikeston defeated its opponents by an average score of 40-5 this season.

Our defense played lights out all year and overall our special teams played well all year with guys like Chris Boyd, C.J. Council and Michael Harris," said Bays. "It kind of shows you this team had a lot of talent across the board. They all did a great job and I was really proud of all those kids. You've got to have all three facets of the game to win and our kids pretty much bought into everything we did."

The group of freshmen went 3-3 during an injury-plagued 8th grade season last year. Bays is hopeful next year's freshman group, which went 3-3 in 8th grade this year, can duplicate the Class of 2010's success.