Classes officially end Redhawks camp

With classes having started Monday, fall camp officially is over for the Southeast Missouri State football team.

Coach Tony Samuel declared the roughly three-week period that included six two-a-day sessions a success, but said he'll be able to judge that better when the Redhawks begin playing games.

Southeast's first crack at that will be Thursday night against Division II Southwest Baptist, which visits Houck Stadium for the season opener.

"We had a good fall camp," Samuel said Monday. "I thought the energy was good. We'll see how it all translates [to the season].

"Overall I thought the team was in much better shape [than last year]."

Samuel said the unusually mild weather during fall camp was a bonus — as long as things don't turn too hot once the season starts, because the players probably wouldn't be used to it.

"If it stays mild when we play, it'll be fine, unless it gets hot," Samuel said. "We had some hot days, some humidity, but nothing compared to last year."

Now that school has started, the Redhawks will practice only once per day.

Samuel said a big key is to get the players' legs fresh while retaining sharpness.

"We pushed them pretty hard for three weeks," he said. "We've been backing off and easing off ... but you also have to stay sharp."

Samuel said having an experienced group returning has him feeling positive about his third season at Southeast.

Southeast has 17 full-time starters back from last season and numerous other players who either started some games or saw considerable action.

"We've got so many kids back, I feel better about this group than I did last year," Samuel said.

So, are the Redhawks ready for a game as they try to improve on last season's 3-8 record?

"We'll find out all at the same time if we're ready," Samuel said.

True freshmen to play

Southeast has 17 true freshmen on its roster.

While the majority likely will redshirt, Samuel said several already have shown the coaching staff enough that they are guaranteed playing time.

Among them is quarterback Matt Scheible, who Samuel said has moved ahead of junior college transfer Dustin Powell as senior starter Houston Lillard's backup entering the season.

Scheible, a 6-foot-1, 200-pounder from Washington, Mo., is a dual threat who passed for 1,732 yards and rushed for 959 yards as a high school senior last year.

"He's our No. 2," Samuel said. "He's going to play. He's had a very good camp."

Asked how Scheible might be utilized, Samuel said: "Houston's our quarterback. We'll see."

Other true freshmen mentioned by Samuel as certain to receive at least some playing time are Jacob McKinley, Robert Watley, Philip Klaproth and Matt Shannon.

McKinley and Watley are running backs, although Samuel said McKinley also will be used in the return game, while Watley also could be used as a receiver.

The 5-8, 170-pound McKinley is from Parkway North High School in suburban St. Louis, while Watley is from La Plata, Md. Both are considered fast and quick.

Klaproth is a 6-1, 215-pound linebacker from Poplar Bluff, Mo., while Shannon is a 6-2, 270-pound offensive lineman from Washington, Mo.

Noteworthy

* Five of Southeast's six home games will be WebCast by KFVS12.com. The exception is the Sept. 11 contest against Tennessee Tech that will be televised nationally by ESPNU.

Randy Ray will handle the play-by-play for the WebCasts, with Todd Richards providing commentary.