Redhawks football

The Southeast Missouri State University football team had plenty to celebrate this past weekend.

The Redhawks won the Ohio Valley Conference after Jacksonville State lost to Tennessee Tech on Saturday. In addition to winning the OVC outright, the Redhawks sealed a playoff berth in the 20-team NCAA Football Championship Subdivision playoffs.

Southeast will receive a bye in the first round of the playoffs. The Redhawks will travel to play Eastern Washington Dec. 4 in Cheney, Wash.

Although Southeast will not receive a home game in the first round, there is still a possibility the Redhawks could host a playoff game should they defeat Eastern Washington.

Southeast's success this season comes on the heels of last year's 2-9 record. This year the Redhawks tied the school record for wins, matching the 1937 and 1955 squads that went 9-0. This was also the first OVC title for the Redhawks since joining Division I-AA in 1991 and the first winning record since 2002. This year's team is the most improved in school history.

Congratulations to coach Tony Samuel, his staff and the entire Redhawks squad for a great season. Best of luck at Eastern Washington.

Go Redhawks!