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Sikeston linebackers compete with each other and the competition
Senior linebackers Ray Clark and Treston Pulley are putting up eye-popping tackle numbers
SIKESTON -- For senior linebackers Ray Clark and Treston Pulley, there are two types of competition going on at the same time once they take the field.
One is against their opponent. The second -- against one another.
"We have a competition going out there," said Clark. "We try and see who can get the most tackles. Even in the locker room -- the first to get dressed, the first one out of the locker room. Things like that.
"I always win though," smiled Clark
It's that type of camaraderie, and a bit of friendly ribbing, between the two inside linebackers that has them leading the team in tackles as well as taking charge of a record-setting defense.
"Me and Ray go at it," said Pulley. "We've been working out since summer together so we have communication with each other. We get along good."
Clark has been a contributing linebacker for the Bulldogs since his sophomore year. Pulley was a backup at that time. But, starting last season, they each secured starting spots on Sikeston's linebacking corp. Now, they are two of the state's top linebackers.
"We have a lot of chemistry going on," Clark said. "We always want to make sure that each one is doing their job. We know that we have each other's back."
Clark leads the team in total tackles with 151 while Pulley is second with 118. They each are very comparable in solo tackles however, but Clark leads with 91. Pulley is a close second with 86.
The next closest to either of them in total tackles is defensive tackle Michael Perkins with 62.
Their speed is the sure difference maker as both Clark and Pulley have shown ability to get into the backfield in a blink of an eye. Pulley broke the Missouri state record of tackles for loss with 30 this season. Combined, they have totaled 46 tackles for loss.
Pulley is also second on the team in sacks with seven. Defensive end Faylon Marshall leads the Bulldogs with 15 sacks. Clark has brought the quarterback down four times.
With their efforts, Sikeston is now in the top five in state history in team sacks as well.
"Most defenses are designed for your linebackers to make those plays," Sikeston head coach Kent Gibbs said. "Certainly, with our two inside and our two defensive ends this year they've been able to make a lot of plays."
Both Pulley and Clark seem to have the Bulldogs defense clicking as of late.
In their three Class 4 playoff games so far, Sikeston has allowed a combined 207 rushing yards for an average of 69 rushing yards per game against teams known for their ability succeed on the ground.
They have also given up just one touchdown against Potosi, Cape Central and Roosevelt all together.
Now, Sikeston's defense will put their talents to the test against an awaiting Warrenton Warriors team who average 36.6 points per game. It will be the Bulldog's second straight state semifinal game which this year will be played at Sikeston Public Schools Stadium on Saturday at 1:30 p.m.