Davis sets career return mark in loss

Spencer Davis came to the Southeast Missouri State football program with a reputation as one of the state's top high school return specialists.

That has carried over to the college ranks, culminating Saturday with the Redhawks' junior wide receiver breaking a notable record.

Davis became Southeast's career leader in kickoff return yardage during the Redhawks' 31-7 loss to Eastern Kentucky.

Davis compiled 98 yards on five kickoffs, giving him 2,033 kickoff return yards for his three-year Southeast career. He broke David Jackson's record of 1,938 kickoff return yards compiled from 1983 through 1986.

"I'm proud of it. It's a good award," Davis said. "But it's something I'll look at later down the line, when I'm done playing ball. Right now I'm focused on helping my team win."

In addition to his career record, Davis already owns two of Southeast's top six single-season kickoff return yardage marks. His 760 yards as a redshirt freshman in 2011 rank third and his 685 yards last year rank sixth.

"That's good for him. He's been doing a good job," Southeast coach Tony Samuel said of Davis breaking the career record.

Davis has also been among the Redhawks' top receivers, catching 20 passes each of his first two seasons. He has 29 receptions this year, second on the team.

The graduate of Hazelwood Central High School in suburban St. Louis has compiled all his accomplishments despite standing just 5-feet-8 -- he packs a muscular 175 pounds -- and having his college football career delayed by injury.

Davis was being counted on as Southeast's primary return man as a true freshman in 2010, but he suffered a torn ACL during practice early in fall camp and surgery ended his season well before it began.

"It was a tough start for him if you remember," Samuel said of the early injury.

Davis, also Southeast's main punt returner, has bounced back well and last week he even scored for the first time on a college return, taking a kickoff back 93 yards during a loss at second-ranked Eastern Illinois. It was the third-longest kickoff return in program history.

Davis, while productive on the field, is also popular among his teammates. He was voted one of Southeast's two captains prior to this season, along with senior safety Ben Kargbo.

About the only thing missing from Davis' collegiate resume is many wins as the Redhawks have struggled over the past three years. Saturday's loss dropped them to 1-7 this season.

"We need to get it turned around," Davis said.

Statistically speaking

Despite losing by 24 points, Southeast wound up being outgained just 333-320 in total yardage. EKU had a 255-166 yardage advantage in the first half, which ended with the Colonels leading 24-0.

Two lost fumbles by sophomore quarterback Scott Lathrop in EKU territory, one inside the 5-yard line, stopped Southeast's only real chances to score in the opening two quarters.

"Those are tough," Samuel said.

Lathrop completed 16 of 22 passes for 150 yards. He rushed for 48 yards on 14 carries.

Sophomore tailback DeMichael Jackson, coming off his first 100-yard rushing performance, again led the Redhawks with 98 yards on 23 attempts.

Sophomore wide receiver Paul McRoberts, who scored Southeast's lone touchdown on a 23-yard pass from Lathrop, had a game-high five receptions for 69 yards.

Davis caught four passes for 37 yards and senior wide out D.J. Foster added four receptions for 30 yards.

EKU redshirt freshman tailback J.J. Jude led all rushers with 114 yards on 20 carries.

Defensively, Southeast was paced by freshman linebacker Michael Holt with eight tackles.

Noteworthy

* Southeast entered the day leading the Ohio Valley Conference and ranking among the nation's least penalized teams, averaging just over four penalties and 33.1 penalty yards per game.

* The Redhawks were hit with nine penalties for 117 yards Saturday. EKU was penalized five times for 58 yards as both squads were whistled for multiple personal fouls.

* EKU senior Jordan Berry, in addition to his 25-yard touchdown run on a fake field goal -- he was the holder -- averaged 59.3 yards on three punts, including a 76-yarder.

* Southeast hosts Division II Urbana University from Ohio on Saturday in a 1 p.m. kickoff. The Blue Knights (6-2) have one of the nation's top passing attacks.