Semoball

Southeast's McWell honored with scholarship following scrimmage

Southeast Missouri State senior wide receiver Noah McWell smiles on the field after a scrimmage game Saturday, Aug. 10, 2019, at Houck Stadium in Cape Girardeau. McWell was told after the scrimmage that he now has a full-ride scholarship to the university.
Jacob Wiegand ~ jwiegand@semissourian.com

Cornerstone love: An important quality or feature in which a foundation is based upon.

That was the topic of choice of Southeast Missouri State football coach Tom Matukewicz following Saturday's scrimmage at Houck Field.

One Redhawk player found out exactly what that means.

As the team gathered for a final break, Matukewiez called senior wide receiver Noah McWell to the front of the team. McWell had one of the top performances on the day, hauling in a long pass, not knowing his big day was leading to an even bigger prize.

"When you talk about love, you got to love what you do," Matukewicz said. "You've got to love SEMO and most importantly love who you're doing it with."

Southeast Missouri State senior wide receiver Noah McWell, facing forward, hugs his father Andre McWell of Sioux City, Iowa, after a scrimmage game Saturday, Aug. 10, 2019, at Houck Stadium in Cape Girardeau. As the team huddled at the end of the scrimmage, head coach Tom Matukewicz had Andre come onto the field so he could inform his son that he now has a full-ride scholarship to the university.
Jacob Wiegand ~ jwiegand@semissourian.com

He then called over his McWell's father, Andre McWell, who drove nine hours from Sioux City, Iowa to say a few words.

Those very words were something Noah may remember for the rest of his life.

As his son anxiously stood by, Andre was given the task of telling his son he was just awarded a full scholarship, which set off a jubilant celebration as the Redhawk players mobbed Noah.

Noah was overcome with emotion as he immediately shed tears of joy with teammates and his father.

"Coach likes to mess with me," a relieved Noah said with a laugh. "I thought I was in trouble or something from the scrimmage but this just means so much to me and my family. My dad works so hard just to send me here. I'm excited to really be a part of Southeast."

Southeast Missouri State outside linebackers Omardrick Douglas (4) and Devin Alexander (8) get in a stance during a scrimmage game Saturday, Aug. 10, 2019, at Houck Stadium in Cape Girardeau.
Jacob Wiegand ~ jwiegand@semissourian.com

It was a celebration well worth the wait and it started with an email.

"Coach Tuke emailed me Thursday and originally I was like 'What did Noah do?'" Andre said. "I called the coach and he said they wanted to give him a full-ride scholarship and I called Noah's mom, Erica Fuentes, and we're both crying on the phone. The long drive was worth it and this couldn't have happened to a better kid. I'm just so excited for him, he deserves it."

Matukewicz agreed.

"I wish I could award all the guys a scholarship and give them what they earn," he said. "It's fun to give people what they earn and Noah definitely has.

"He's got the biggest smile on his face along with being a great teammate. As a senior, he's done things the right way and it's great he's being rewarded for it. I tell the players we're an equal opportunity program and we're going to reward those who put in the work."

McWell moved from defensive back to wide receiver this past spring and Matukewicz said Noah's role will provide excellent depth at receiver along with being a valuable special teams asset.

As far as Saturday's scrimmage was concerned, Matukewicz said he was pleased overall as the offense protected the ball all day and the team had no injuries.

"We're a big-play offense and (quarterback Daniel Santacaterina) threw the ball well," he said. "He and the receivers have grown a lot and should be ready to go. We also had some (good) penalties that we can learn from so I want them to get those out of the way now and not have them in the game."

Santacaterina led a solid opening drive with the first-team offense.

The preseason Ohio Valley Conference First Team selection completed five passes, including one to sophomore Aaron Alston in double-coverage.

Santacaterina also hooked up with preseason All-American receiver Kristian Wilkerson on the next play for a 25-yard score on a slant route.

McWell left his mark on the field by hauling in a 71-yard reception, which led all receivers, from back-up quarterback Jacob Buie to set up a score with the second-team offense, while Jalen Bethany scored on a five-yard run.

As the production in the air was exceptional, the running game was grounded.

"We need to do better at the line of scrimmage, especially with four new starters plugged," Matukewicz added. "We also missed a couple of red-zone field goals so that has to improve as well."

He concluded by crediting the defense on their tackling.

The front seven kept the offense one-dimensional even without preseason All-American Zach Hall, who didn't dress.

The Redhawk defense was led by another preseason All-OVC honoree linebacker Justin Swift, as well as returning starting linebacker Omardrick Douglas and graduate senior linebacker Devin Alexander.

Comments
Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: