SEMO's playoff hopes ended after defeat to Illinois State

SEMO was defeated by Illinois state by a score of 35-27 on Saturday, Nov. 30, eliminating them from the FCS playoffs.

The Redhawks began the game strong, forcing a turnover on downs on the defensive side of the ball, halting the Redbirds at the 27 yard line. The offense capitalized on this as they quickly made their way down the field. Senior quarterback Paxton DeLaurent connected with senior wide receiver Dorian Anderson for a 4 yard pass to open the scoring, giving the Redhawks a 7-0 lead.

The Redbirds responded however, as on the very next drive, the Redbirds scored, tying the game with a score apiece.

In the second quarter the Redhawks looked to respond, marching down the field after a forced fumble. The Redbirds however stood their ground, and regained possession of the ball after DeLaurent fumbled the ball. After regaining possession the Redbirds scored, extending their lead to 14-7.

This continued for the next three drives as the Redhawks would turn over the ball, through two interceptions and a fumble, and the Redbirds would capitalize and score, bringing the score to 28-7 at halftime.

Early in the second half the Redhawks would look to get back in the game, as Redshirt Freshman wide receiver Donnie Cheers caught a 10 yard pass for a touchdown to bring the score to 28-14.

The Redhawks then forced the Redbirds to punt, regaining possession of the ball. The Redhawks however again turned over the ball, as DeLaurent’s pass was intercepted, and ran back for a touchdown by the Redbird defense, bringing the score to 35-14.

The Redhawks would again march down the field, finding themselves in the red zone and looking to score to close the gap against the Redbirds. The Redhawks however would again have the ball intercepted, halting their drive and keeping the Redbirds with a three score lead.

Through the rest of the fourth quarter, the two defenses battled, forcing multiple turnovers on downs for both teams. With 6 minutes remaining in the game, The Redhawks found the endzone for the third time, with Tristan Smith catching a 9 yard pass to bring the score to 35-21.

The Redhawks defense then forced a punt, giving both the possession back to the offense, and an opportunity to narrow the gap to one score. The Redbirds however intercepted the ball in the red zone once again, keeping their two score advantage.

The Redhawks did manage to regain possession and score, but did not secure an onside kick attempt, returning the possession to the Redbirds who kneeled out the time and won the game advancing to the next round of the playoffs.

Head coach Tom Matukewicz said that despite the loss he is still proud of the season that the team had, with winning the OVC championship, and improving the players both personally and professionally.

“It was an awesome game, and I was disappointed how it ended but thankful for this team. We did accomplish the mission. These seniors are going to walk out of here with a ring and leave this place better than they found it. Usually our goal is to make them better man, but I think they've made me a better man, so I'm appreciative of those guys,” Matukewicz said

Senior inside linebacker Bryce Norman also commented that he was proud of the resilience of his team, and their response to the adversity they faced.

“We had a couple bad tips. Ball didn't really bounce our way sometimes, but I'm super proud how our team battled back and made it a close game at the end,” Norman said.

DeLaurent finished the game with 567 passing yards, and 4 touchdown passes, and set a new FCS record for pass attempts in a game. DeLaurent said that his time at SEMO has been some of the most meaningful to him both personally and athletically.

“It just meant the world to me. The coaches took a shot at me, and believed in me. No one else in the country did, and then for this team to rally around me and just believe in me and make me a better man,” DeLaurent said. “I think I grew so much more. Obviously, as a player as well, but as a Christian, as a leader, as a brother, to hold up integrity and stuff. So I'm so thankful for this university, my team, and it means a lot.”

The SEMO football team finishes their season with an overall record of 9-4, winning the Ohio Valley conference championship along the way.