SEMO holds on to beat Gardner Webb on Homecoming

Gardner Webb traveled to Houck Stadium to take on the SEMO Redhawks in their homecoming game. SEMO came into the game with their highest rank in school history at No. 6. DeLaurent led the team with 312 yards passing with two touchdowns to go with it DeLaurent found Dorian Anderson and Tristan Smith for touchdowns, running back Cole Ruble had a career day with 128 yards and a touchdowns which helped SEMO get their homecoming win.

Both teams traded punts on their first two drives of the game, on SEMOs third drive DeLaurent was looking to find a receiver when Gardner Webb's Wendell McClain would snag it out of the air for an interception.

Gardner Webb capitalized off the momentum when Saydee Edward ran in for a touchdown and gave the Bulldogs a early 7-0 lead in the first

A bit of daju vu for SEMO as their very next drive ended with DeLaurent throwing an interception and gave the Bulldogs the ball back which they would capitalize off of when Anthony Lowe caught a touchdown extending their lead to 14-0 in the first quarter.

SEMO with their backs against the wall early responded right back when DeLaurent found lead receiver Dorian Anderson for a 3-yard touchdown cutting Gardner Webb’s lead down to 14-7 in the second quarter.

SEMOs very next drive was short and sweet as running back Cole Ruble ran 65-yards for a touchdown giving new life to the Redhawks and tying up the game 14-14.

Right before the half SEMO put together a five minute drive which was capped off by DeLaurent finding Tristan Smith for a 20 touchdown which extended Smiths touchdown streak to 4 straight games.

Right before the half ended SEMOs defense forced a turnover as Ty Leonard secured an interception.

After forcing the Bulldogs to punt SEMO got the ball back and DC Pippin buried a 45-yard field goal extending the Redhawks lead to 24-14 early in the second half.

Gardner Webb did not go out without a fight as on their next drive they scored quickly when quarterback Tyler Ridell found Saydee Edward out of the backfield shortening SEMOs lead to 24-21.

SEMOs next drive was a long one but was capped off by a 28-yard DC Pippin field goal extending their lead to 27-21

After a missed field goal and turnover on downs the game stood true to 27-21 until Bulldogs kicker Jay Billinglsey drilled a 35 yard field goal shorting the Redhawks lead to 27-24.

Pippin responded right back, getting a field goal of his own and extending the Redhawks lead to 30-24.

Gardner Webb had the ball down 6 with 1:33 looking to win the game when on 3rd and 10 Ty Leonard got his second interception of the game, icing it and moving SEMO to 8-1.

With this homecoming win the No. 6 ranked Redhawks look to move up in the rankings. SEMO is now 8-1 and more importantly moved to 5-0 in OVC conference play. SEMO is off next week giving them a chance to get healthy, SEMOs next game is the “Backyard Brawl” as they travel to Lindenwood on Nov. 9.