Game-clinching kick is a first for Southeast's Kutz

RICHMOND, Ky. -- Derek Kutz has been a reliable kicker for Southeast Missouri State University, but the junior had never booted a game-winning field goal.

That changed Saturday when Kutz drilled a 39-yard field goal with 9.9 seconds remaining in a 41-38 victory at Eastern Kentucky.

"You live for game-winning field goals," said Kutz after the kick that gave Southeast its second straight win at Roy Kidd Stadium. "It's a great feeling, and this is a great win for our team because it puts us back in really good shape in the conference."

Kutz, who booted a 21-yard field goal late in the first half, is 9-for-11 on 3-pointers this season. Southeast's regular kicker since his freshman season, the St. Vincent High School graduate entered the campaign having made 15 of 22.

"I had a couple of game-winners in high school, and I'm glad I finally got one in college," said Kutz, whose boot into a strong wind barely made it over the crossbar.

"I knew the wind was in my face, and I just wanted to kick the ball like I have been," Kutz said. "I had a lot of confidence I would make it."

Kutz's late kick was just part of a strong special-teams performance by the Indians.

Linebacker Kelvin Jones blocked a punt, which led to a short touchdown drive in the second half. Offensive lineman Dan Connolly blocked a short field-goal attempt by EKU in the second half.

Punter David Simonhoff, who has really come on after struggling early during his true freshman season, boomed seven punts for a 47.3-yard average, including a late 64-yarder that went out of bounds at the EKU 1-yard line.

True freshman Antonio Scaife had a 30-yard punt return that led to Kutz's field goal late in the first half.

The Indians also limited the return damage done by the Colonels, who had returned three punts and kickoffs for touchdowns this season.

"I think special teams was the difference in the game," Billings said. "Those return guys are amazing, but we held them down.We did a lot of things really good on special teams."

Statistically speaking

Both offenses piled up big numbers Saturday -- primarily through the air.

Southeast had 430 total yards, with Jack Tomco passing for 352 and three touchdowns. EKU had 485 total yards, with Matt Guice throwing for a school-record 392 and three scores.

Tomco completed 23 of 43 attempts, but he had at least seven passes dropped.

"We knew they'd try to stop the run, and we were able to throw the ball," Tomco said.

Jackson High School graduate Ray Goodson caught six passes for 41 yards and a touchdown. Chris NesSmith caught five passes for 55 yards and a TD, Scott City High School product Brandon Amick caught four passes for 111 yards and Anthony Gilliam had three receptions for 81 yards and a TD.

Defensively, end Ryan Roth was unofficially credited with 13 tackles, including 3.5 quarterback sacks. Linebacker Ricky Farmer followed with nine tackles.

Farmer, safety Chaun Tate and tackle Brandon Bohnert all had one sack while linebacker Michael Irving was credited with a half sack. Southeast entered the game with only three sacks all year.

Irving recovered a fumble that led to a touchdown, and Tate intercepted a desperation Guice pass on the final play of the first half. It was Tate's second pick of the season.

mmishow@semissourian.com

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