Harris sets new mark for Redhawks rushers

No Southeast Missouri State football player ever had rushed for at least 100 yards in five straight games.

Senior tailback Henry Harris accomplished the feat by piling up 188 yards in Saturday's 19-17 home win over Tennessee State.

Harris had been tied with Tim Holloman, who recorded four consecutive 100-yard performances during the 2007 season. Harris only was held to less than 100 yards in the year's season opener at Ball State.

"I think our offensive line will be more proud of it than I will," Harris said. "It's good, but I care more about winning."

Harris entered play second in the OVC and fourth nationally with 680 yards. He now has 868 yards and, with five regular-season games left, appears a virtual cinch to record just the seventh 1,000-yard rushing season in school history and first since 2002.

Southeast players salute their fans after defeating Tennessee State on Saturday at Houck Stadium. There was an announced crowd of 10,316. (Laura Simon)

"I didn't know that," said coach Tony Samuel when told that Harris became the first Southeast player to post five straight 100-yard rushing games. "I remember a year ago he was tickled pink to have 98 yards."

Harris was not the only Southeast player Saturday to take advantage of an offensive line that has been impressive all year.

Junior quarterback Matt Scheible had his second 100-yard rushing performance of the season, gaining 128 yards on 16 carries. He became the first Southeast quarterback to rush for 100 yards in three years in the season's second game, at Murray State.

Southeast entered play leading the OVC and ranking sixth nationally in rushing offense, averaging 254.8 yards per game. The Redhawks added to that by piling up 390 yards on the ground.

"I really think they were just keying on the running back. I was reaping the benefits," Scheible said of his success keeping the ball on the option. "The line was opening holes. You could drive trucks through those holes."

Defense shines

Southeast, after ranking at or toward the bottom in most of the OVC's statistical defensive categories last year, now is at or near the top in all of those.

Senior linebacker Justin Woodlief said not only has the defense stepped up, but it has gotten a lift from a Southeast offense that is controlling the clock. That wasn't the case in 2009, when Southeast's defense spent more than its share of time on the field.

The Redhawks allowed just 299 yards Saturday, thanks in part because Southeast held a decisive 36:09 to 23:51 advantage in time of possession.

"The offense has helped us out tremendously this year," Woodlief said.

Noteworthy

* Southeast's touchdowns were scored by Harris on a 29-yard run, Scheible on a 2-yard run and junior wide receiver Cedric Cox on a 12-yard pass from Scheible with 33 seconds left in the first half that accounted for the Redhawks' final points.

* Sophomore linebacker Blake Peiffer from Jackson High School led Southeast in tackles with eight. Sophomore linebacker Darrick Borum and senior cornerback Abraham Woodard had seven each.

* Harris, bolstered by a 52-yard kickoff return, had 296 all-purpose yards. He entered play second nationally in that department.

* Senior cornerback Aaron Grimes suffered what appeared to be a possible concussion early in the second quarter during kickoff coverage. He did not return.