INDIANS HOLD FINAL SRIMMAGE; QB QUESTION MAY GET ANSWERED

Southeast Missouri State University's football team had its final dress rehearsal of the preseason Saturday afternoon as the Indians held a 90-minute scrimmage -- complete with officials -- in front of about 150 fans at Houck Stadium.

So, what were coach Tim Billings' impressions after his squad's second and last scrimmage prior to the Sept. 1 opener at Division I-A Eastern Michigan?

"I was pleased," said Billings. "I thought both sides of the ball had their moments. We didn't have a lot of big plays offensively, but I thought we moved the ball well enough. And I thought our defense did a good job."

Billings said the Indians' defense might have felt like it had something to prove after the offense had pretty much dominated Tuesday's first scrimmage.

"I think the defense's pride was hurt a little bit the other day and they came back well," he said.

A hot topic of conversation among Southeast football followers is the quarterback position, where seniors Rashad West and Bobby Brune -- who have basically shared starting duties the past two years -- and redshirt freshman Jeromy McDowell are all vying for the No. 1 spot.

West, who is trying to play with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee suffered during a pickup basketball game this summer, did not even dress out Saturday, although he has been practicing and Billings said he should return to practice this week.

"He just tweaked the knee a little bit, but he'll be fine," Billings said.

Sources have told the Southeast Missourian that McDowell will be named the starting quarterback to start the season. Billings smiled when asked about that and said he will probably name a starter Monday as his weekly media conferences kick off.

"We'll know more after we watch the film of this and evaluate," he said. "I've got a good feeling who I think it is, but we'll have to talk it over among our staff."

McDowell, working with the first unit, and Brune both had their moments Saturday as each directed a touchdown drive. Brune hit freshman tight end Ray Goodson out of Jackson High School with a 10-yard scoring strike while tailback Curtis Cooper scored on a 1-yard plunge just moments after McDowell and Tarik Simpson hooked up on a 50-yard pass.

Freshman Brian Emmendorfer from Cape Central kicked both extra points after the touchdowns. Freshman Derek Kutz from St. Vincent -- he and Emmendorfer are battling for the place-kicking job -- nailed a 27-yard field goal just moments after freshman quarterback Jeff East ripped off a long run.

Later, during two-minute work at the very end of the scrimmage, Kutz booted a 32-yard field goal. He also missed a 53-yarder early in the action.