SEMO derails Eastern Illinois’ homecoming with big OVC victory

SEMO forewent a three-hour journey to face the EIU Panthers in an OVC showdown. Quarterback Paxton DeLaurent shined, tossing three touchdown passes and adding another on the ground, tying the SEMO record for most passing touchdowns. With over 77 rushing yards and 364 yards through the air, leading SEMO towards a decisive victory over their OVC rivals.

SEMO struggled to find their rhythm in the red zone, but the reigning OVC Special Teams Player of the Week, DC Pippen stepped up, successfully converting a 26-yard field goal to give SEMO an early 3-0 lead in the first quarter.

SEMO's tenacious defense forced a turnover, giving the offense another chance. They capitalized on it, driving down the field to score six points when DeLaurent connected with his reliable tight end, Mitchell Sellers, for a nine-yard touchdown. Pippin added the extra point, extending SEMO's lead to 10-0 in the first quarter. Mitchell Sellers spoke on his relationship and bond with Quarterback Paxton DeLaurent.

“Sometimes I run a route, not even the right route but Paxton and I are always on the same page. Sometimes it’s just find a hole and he’ll zip it in there. Our bond has only gotten stronger and it ain’t slowing down.” Sellers said.

SEMO's defense, fresh off their first shutout against Northwestern State, continued to dominate as they held EIU scoreless once again. This strong defensive performance allowed DeLaurent and his offense to take control, culminating in a 29-yard touchdown pass to his favorite target, Dorian Anderson, with just eight seconds remaining in the first quarter. The score extended SEMO's lead to 17-0, and Pippin successfully added the extra point.

DeLaurent reclaimed possession and led his offense down the field, culminating in a two-yard touchdown run by redshirt freshman Cole Ruble, who notched his first touchdown of the season. Pippin remained flawless on PATs, extending the Redhawks' lead to 24-0 in the first half.

Both offenses traded punts until EIU executed a two-minute drill just before halftime, scoring their first touchdown against SEMO in five quarters. Cooper Williams caught a 12-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Pierce Holley. EIU successfully converted the PAT, cutting the Redhawks' lead to 24-7 just before the break.

After halftime, EIU received the kickoff and quickly went to work. A three-minute drive culminated in a rushing touchdown by MJ Flowers. The Panthers converted the PAT, narrowing the gap to 24-14 as they aimed to close the lead.

DeLaurent and the offense quickly answered back, connecting with standout receiver Tristan Smith for a three-yard touchdown. This score tied DeLaurent for first on the all-time passing touchdowns leaderboard. Pippin successfully converted the extra point, extending SEMO's lead to 31-14.

“It’s super awesome to have a career that’s been so long at one school and you get the opportunity to break records, but every individual record relies on your teammates, really at my position (quarterback) you can’t be the person you are without a great offensive line, revicers, and running backs. It will be a great individual reward next week but I hope the team knows how much they have been a part of it.” Paxton DeLaurent on tying, and potentially breaking the all-time passing yards and passing touchdowns record next week against OVC rival Tennessee Tech.

SEMO’s defense held strong, giving the offense another opportunity. DeLaurent orchestrated a 98-yard drive, finishing it off with an untouched option run that extended SEMO's lead to 38-14.

With a comfortable lead, SEMO aimed to run out the clock. EIU managed to score twice: first, following an interception from DeLaurent that set up a touchdown pass from Pierce Holley, and then with MJ Flowers, who found the end zone for his second rushing touchdown of the game. However, it was too late, and SEMO secured the victory with a final score of 38-27.

SEMO improves to 2-0 in OVC conference play and will return home next week to face Tennessee Tech, aiming to go 3-0 in the conference. DeLaurent will also be looking to break the all-time passing yards and touchdowns records, which he tied during the game against EIU.