by Nick Growall
Staff writer
After a rocky 1-2 start to their 2012 season, riddled with special teams slip-ups, the Southeastern football team is looking to get back on the right track this weekend at home against Ouachita Baptist for Homecoming.
“We’ve had a good start, but it’s been an up and down beginning to the season,” said head coach Ray Richards.
The Savage Storm opened the season with a 31-6 route of Texas A&M-Commerce on Sept. 1 at Memorial Stadium in Commerce, Texas.
The win snapped an eight-game losing streak for Southeastern which dated back to the final eight games of the 2011 season.
The Southeastern defense held Texas A&M-Commerce to 185 total yards, including a 79-yard interception return by senior safety Houston Slemp.
This marks the first interception return for a score by a Southeastern player since former player Noe Lopez went 60 yards for a score against Central Oklahoma in 2009.
The Storm offense turned in 335 yards of total offense highlighted by 195 yards on the ground, scoring three times against the Lions.
Junior quarterback Jercolby Bradley was solid in his first effort taking over the quarterback duties this fall, completing 10-of-16 passes for 140 yards and one touchdown.
Sophomore running back CJ Kirk led the way with 80 yards and two scores on 15 carries, while freshman Ladarius Abrams chipped in 70 yards on 15 carries.
Junior wide receiver Keelen Green hauled in a team best three receptions and had 35 yards, while Anthony Gale had a team-high 47 yards and the lone receiving score.
However, Southeastern was unable to withstand a second-half comeback from Southern Arkansas and saw a halftime lead dissolve into a 31-24 loss Sept. 15 in the home opener at Paul Laird field.
Despite its second-half troubles, the SE defense played well. SAU finished the night with just 299 total yards of offense as compared to Southeastern’s 423.
The Storm also forced four turnovers on the night, two interceptions and two fumbles. Junior safety Izzy Eziakor was all over the field with 11 tackles on the evening.
The loss also eclipsed what was a solid home opener for Bradley who tossed for 299 yards and a pair of TD’s, but was picked off once and completed 19-of-40 through the air. Coach Richards describes his starting quarterback as “confident, not cocky,” and he sees Bradley growing more comfortable in his starting role.
“I’m pleased with his progress,” said Richards. “He’s a flat-out, raw talent, and if he continues to work hard, there’s no telling how good he could become. The sky’s the limit.”
He continued to be a dual-threat, however, leading the team in rushing with 67 yards on 14 carries.
The bulk of his yards came with the help of Morris’ 113 yards receiving as did both scores.
One of the main issues Southeastern had against Southern Arkansas involved its own special teams, particularly on the punt team. These issues showed up again in the Storm’s 56-20 loss to No. 24 Henderson State 56-20 Sept. 22 in Arkadelphia, Ark.
The Reddies returned two punts for scores and added a blocked punt which was returned for another touchdown
“Our punt plays have cost us these past two weeks, We just have to learn from our mistakes and move on to our next game,” said Richards.
Despite the score, the Storm outgained the Reddies by more than 200 yards, 573-to-348. Southeastern split its offense, picking up 291 yards on the ground and adding 282 yards through the air.
Much of the difference was due to Henderson State’s quick-strike offense that included three special teams scores and another score on defense.
Bradley had the bulk of SE’s offense, completing 24-of-35 passes for 211 yards with one interception, while adding 94 yards on the ground with a pair of TD’s.
Kirk added 62 yards rushing and a touchdown, while Abrams chipped in 54 yards rushing .
On defense, senior Emmanual Jackson led the defense with six tackles, while Eziakor forced a fumble.
The loss puts the Savage Storm at 1-2 on the season and 0-2 in the Great American Conference. Southeastern will be back in action on Sept. 29 when it hosts No. 13 Ouachita Baptist at 2 p.m. on Paul Laird Field for homecoming.
“It’s a great opportunity to play in front of a great crowd,” said Richards. “I feel that we are very capable of winning, and a win this Saturday could give our team great momentum going through the rest of this season.
Staff photo by Nick Growall
Junior quarterback Jercolby Bradley (right) goes through drills at practice Sept. 25 on Paul Laird Field.