Hess enjoys productive final day in Redhawk FB finale

In the present, veteran Southeast Missouri State football coach Tom Matukewicz has to figure out how to get his program back on track following Saturday’s season-ending 45-21 loss at Bryant in Smithfield, R.I.

“When the plane lands back in Cape Girardeau,” Matukewicz said following the loss, “the 2024 season begins.”

However, as the days float by, he, and the rest of the followers of Redhawk football will gain more and more appreciation for the positive that was evident within the final defeat of 2023.

SEMO graduate student running back Geno Hess ran for 169 yards in the loss, and scored twice, which just added chapters to his athletic legacy.

“I appreciate that he was able to have a good day,” Matukewicz said. “As time will pass, we will appreciate him even more.”

Saturday’s game wasn’t in doubt much, as the Bulldogs (6-5, 4-2 Big South/OVC Football Association) scored touchdowns on four of their first five offensive series and led 28-7 at halftime.

Bryant was able to complete several long passes, not just in the opening half, but throughout the game, as the Bulldogs threw for 403 yards.

“Our pass defense has been bad,” Matukewicz said, “but (today) maybe took that to a new level.”

Hess added short touchdown runs in the third and fourth quarters, respectively, which brought his career total to a program-best 63 rushing touchdowns.

He also capped his career by gaining a total of 5,119 yards, another Redhawk record.

“We said that we needed to run the ball,” Matukewicz said, “and we challenged our offensive line. I thought that they did a nice job.”

SEMO redshirt freshman quarterback, Patrick Heitert, played throughout the game after being benched a week ago. He completed 13 of 21 passes for 131 yards and ran for another 46 yards while scoring once.

“I thought Pat played better,” Matukewicz said.

Redhawk wide receiver Ryan Flournoy finished his career by catching three passes for 47 yards to lead his team.

Junior linebacker Bryce Norman led SEMO (4-7, 3-3) with six tackles, including a sack, an interception, and even caught a pass on a fake punt from a throw by defensive back Lawrence Johnson, which led to a first half touchdown.

Defensive back Joedrick Lewis added five tackles while linebacker Christian Fuhrman had four.

Hess, Johnson, and Flournoy were three of 10 Redhawk athletes who finished their eligibility. That group included LaWilliam Holmes (defensive line), Clive Truschel (offensive line), Zack Gieg (offensive line), Dalyn McDonald (wide receiver), Mike Matthews (linebacker), Darrell Smith (running back), and Damoriea Vick (wide receiver).

SEMO finished fifth in the revamped 10-team Big South/OVC Football Association.