Semoball

Spring game concludes pratices

Southeast Missouri State had its first meaningful game of 2019 on Saturday.

No, the season isn't here yet, but, the team held its annual spring game, an opportunity for head football coach Tom Matukewicz to see the progression of the Redhawks from the culmination of 15 practices. Matukewicz and staff held a team draft for the red and white squads. He challenged the team to be competitive but also have fun. Fans in attendance were treated to just that, along with big plays, crushing hits and a team very full of confidence.

The game consisted of a player draft to both teams, a unique twist for players to grow together.

"They're a confident and close team, that's why we did it that way." Matukewicz said. "It's not just offense or defense, it's about building relationships."

Certain starters, whether offense or defense were put against each other as opponents, at least for a day.

Trailing by six with less than a minute left, the red team got a 16-yard touchdown run by Mark Robinson, tying the game, and the extra point gave a 14-13 win over the white team.

Prior to that, the 215-pound running back broke free for a 21-yard gain in which he broke two tackles. On his next tote, he broke a tackle and carried another defender into the end zone setting off a wild celebration from the red team. Not to be outdone, the white team had success in the ground game from Zion Custus. Tackling the diminutive back was difficult because of his shiftiness and speed. He had runs of 15, 16, 12 and nine yards.

Matukewicz was pleased with his backs on how they played.

"All of out running backs stood out. If they're doing that, our offensive line must have done a solid job." He said. "They did a great job protecting the ball, and it showed."

Another player who great performance was Aaron Alston. The 6-foot-4 receiver caught four passes for 81 yards to lead the white team. He caught a touchdown pass from Jacob Buie on the opening drive of the game.

Notable players sitting out were starting quarterback Daniel Santacaterina and Zach Hall. Both players were healthy and suited but were held out for others to gain reps.

Defensively, there were not too many big plays given up, something the sixth-year coach was very pleased with. Last season, the Redhawks led the nation in turnover margin, which was on display recovering a fumble and DJ Freeman picked off a pass. Freeman led the team with 16 pass breakups. Linebacker Devin Alexander was all over the field. The 241-pounder had 11 tackles and notched multiple stops for loss. Fellow backers Justin Swift recorded a sack, and Omardrick Douglas forced plays at the line of scrimmage. Swift and Douglas finished second and third in tackles last season behind Hall.

The game started with a big hit as cornerback Shabari Davis leveled quarterback Joe Pyle on throwback pass. Pyle initially got up, limping, after being hit low but had to be helped off. He did not return. Matukewicz said he believed the injury was not serious.

Following the game was a video featuring the team's NCAA Football Championship Subdivision Playoff rings, which they received afterward. Matukewicz designed the rings to commemorate the school's first ever playoff win. The front displays "SEMO" surrounded by diamonds with team slogan "Brick by Brick" on one side and the number "1" on the other side for leading the nation in turnover margin. "The swagger these men have is something that's carried over and now we shift our focus towards that bigger ring, a national championship."

Southeast hosts Southern Illinois at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 29.

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