Bradford returns to sideline

~ He served 18 months in Iraq with the Tennessee Army National Guard.

Not only did Southeast Missouri State's football team end its home schedule successfully, the Redhawks were also able to welcome back their defensive coordinator with a victory.

Damon Bradford, who returned to Cape Girardeau only a few days ago after spending nearly the past 18 months serving in Iraq, was on the sidelines Saturday afternoon when the Redhawks beat Tennessee State 32-24.

"It's real good to give coach Bradford a win," junior defensive end Edgar Jones said. "Having him back ... we're all real excited."

Junior linebacker Tunde Agboke said the Southeast players had plenty of admiration and respect for Bradford before he was called to active duty -- but that has risen even more now.

"He served his country and did something that a lot of us take for granted, and for that I'm proud of him and proud to say that he's one of my coaches," Agboke said. "I'm glad he's back and he's safe."

Added Jones: "We're all proud of what he did."

Bradford, a lieutenant in the Tennessee Army National Guard, was honored along with his wife and two young children at halftime of Saturday's game. He said he was proud to serve his country but missed the time away from the Redhawks.

"It was hard to leave, of course. Other than your actual family, these guys are your family," Bradford said. "It's nice to be back, but when they say you're going, you don't have much of a choice."

Not that Bradford wanted to shy away from his duties.

"I didn't join [the National Guard] to help pay for my college or anything. I come from a patriotic family and I wanted to serve my country," Bradford said. "We were very fortunate [in Iraq]. We had the Lord's blessing. My troop did not lose a single member."

Bradford joined Southeast's coaching staff during the spring of 2004 and headed up the defense in spring practice. But he reported for active duty in June of 2004, so he hasn't actually been with the Redhawks during the past two seasons.

Although Southeast's defense is improved after ranking as statistically one of the nation's worst units last year, head coach Tim Billings -- who has been serving as the defensive coordinator -- says having Bradford back will make a big difference.

"It's been tough, trying to be the defensive coordinator and also the head coach," Billings said. "Having Damon back will really be a big plus for us, and not only from a football standpoint.

"He's such a tremendous person and a great example for all the players. We're excited he's back."