SIKESTON — A 7-2 victory over Marion (Ill.) in its home opener at Bill Lawson Memorial Field on Wednesday has Sikeston off to its best start in more than a decade.

At 3-0-1, the Bulldogs are making a strong case as title contenders and looking like a team to be feared.

“I’m happy with how we finished the match,” Dement said. “Marion gave us everything we wanted for the first 47 minutes of that match and had us down, but I was very happy with how we responded. Once we got going there wasn’t much they could do to stop us.”

Sikeston struck first when Jaden Johnson assisted PJ Farmer for a goal with 34:37 left in the first half.

However, Marion quickly responded, tying the game at 1-1 just five minutes later. While Sikeston controlled possession and had more shots on goal in the first half, their accuracy was a concern.

Several shots sailed high over the crossbar, as the Bulldogs seemed to be putting too much power behind their attempts. The physicality of the game also played a role, with both teams receiving yellow cards.

The Wildcats' aggressive tactics, including several late hits, also might have disrupted the Bulldogs’ flow and rhythm.

“I’m proud of the kids for keeping their composure because it was very physical,” Dement said.

The first half ended in a 1-1 stalemate.

Despite falling behind 2-1 early in the second half, Sikeston responded in just 85 seconds with a goal from Keith Branson, assisted by Johnson, to tie the game at 2-2.

“He picked a corner and buried it,” Dement said. “That’s a freshman in a huge moment, but he was born to score goals. After that, they couldn’t stop us.

“We could have been facing a big deficit, but our defense played outstanding,” Dement continued. “[Goalkeeper Barrett] Stokes made some great saves and all of our defenders made big plays in some situations that might have led to goals.”

Stokes finished the game with 16 saves.

The floodgates opened after Branson’s equalizer, and a flurry of goals followed, with Farmer netting his second of the match on an assist by Tristan Wiggins, Gunner Hopkins extending the lead, and Wiggins scoring twice with assists from Branson (2) and Mauricio Bautista.

Mason Wade capped off the scoring with a rebound goal.

“Our depth played a huge role,” Dement said. “We have guys we trust coming off our bench. [Marion’s] defenders got tired as the game progressed largely because of the amount of fresh bodies we were running at them. That was a big factor.”

Dement praised defender Chris Artis for battling through cramps to finish the game, and he lauded Johnson for his grit.

“[Artis has been battling through,” Dement said. “He did it this past weekend and he did it again today, still chasing down balls when it was 7-2

“[Johnson] set the tone at center mid without wanting a sub,” Dement continued. “[Branson and Johnson] have played together some and you're seeing that connection continue.”

Sikeston also competed in the Carbondale Invitational last weekend.

The Bulldogs started the weekend with a 2-0 win over Murphysboro (2-3-0), with goals from Wiggins and Branson and an assist from Farmer.

In their second game, Sikeston battled to a 3-3 draw against Carbondale (1-1-1), a team that had defeated them 5-1 the previous season. Wiggins scored two goals, while Farmer added another. Bautista, Farmer, and Johnson contributed assists.

In the final game of the invitational, Sikeston dominated Anna-Jonesboro (3-3-0), winning 6-1.

Johnson recorded a hat trick, Wiggins scored two goals, and Branson added one.

Will Sims, Hopkins, Bryton Singer, Farmer, and Johnson all contributed assists.

“It’s incredible knowing other guys can be trusted to capitalize on opportunities,” Dement concluded. “It’s fun to see guys trust each other because this team is not going to go very far without trust”

Sikeston hosts Ritenour (0-1-0) on Friday at 6 p.m.