Jackson collects 100 yards in back-to-back contests

~ The sophomore gained 104 yards in Southeast's 41-16 loss

The Southeast Missouri State football team entered the season with no established tailback as three players were fighting for the position.

Sophomore DeMichael Jackson took over clear ownership of the spot several weeks ago and he continues to keep a firm grasp on things.

Southeast Missouri State running back DeMichael Jackson tries to break through the University of Tennessee-Martin defense during the Redhawks’ 17-7 loss to the Skyhawks on Sept. 28 at Houck Stadium in Cape Girardeau. Jackson had his second consecutive 100-yard rushing game against Tenessee Tech on Saturday. (Adam Vogler)

Jackson had his second consecutive 100-yard rushing performance and third in his last four games Saturday when the Redhawks ended their home schedule with a 41-16 loss to Tennessee Tech.

Jackson gained 104 yards on 17 carries, an average of 6.1 yards per attempt. His longest run Saturday was 35 yards.

"First I'd like to thank my line. If it wasn't for them, these 100-yard games wouldn't be happening," Jackson said.

Jackson, who recently moved into the top 10 among the Ohio Valley Conference's rushing leaders, now had 654 yards on the season. The smallest but quickest among Southeast's top three tailbacks is averaging 4.8 yards per carry.

"You can see the ability. He's got great eyes, great vision," Southeast coach Tony Samuel said. "He's got a lot of room to improve as well, but he's got a bright future."

Jackson, a native of Louisville, Ky., received just seven carries as a true freshman in 2012.

"Last year I had to mature more as a person. I'm a man now, not an 18-year-old child anymore," Jackson said with a smile.

Andrews interception

Senior cornerback Cantrell Andrews, a Central High School graduate, waited until his final home game for his first interception with the Redhawks.

Andrews, among 12 Southeast seniors recognized prior to the contest on senior day, picked off a pass late in the first half.

"It felt pretty good," Andrews said.

Andrews has been a solid playmaker during his two-year Southeast career after he transferred from NAIA Missouri Valley College.

Andrews entered play Saturday tied for the OVC lead with three fumble recoveries, including one that he returned for a touchdown against Tennessee State.

"It's been great playing in my home town," Andrews said.

Statistically speaking

Both Southeast quarterbacks played, with sophomore Scott Lathrop getting the start and going the majority of the way, although junior Kyle Snyder also saw his share of action. Each led a touchdown drive.

Lathrop completed 5 of 11 passes for 34 yards and an interception. He was Southeast's second-leading rusher with 44 yards on 11 carries but lost a fumble. Tech turned Lathrop's two turnovers into 10 points.

Snyder completed 5 of 10 for 55 yards with one touchdown and one interception that did not result in any points. He was the Redhawks' third-leading rusher with 30 yards on five attempts.

Sophomore wide receiver Paul McRoberts caught the TD from Snyder, a 17-yarder with just over two minutes left in the game.

McRoberts had six receptions for 66 yards as he continued his strong season. He has caught 43 passes for 639 yards and nine touchdowns, all team highs.

Defensively for Southeast, junior cornerback Tim Hamm-Bey had 10 tackles and senior safety Ben Kargbo followed with nine.

Sophomore defensive end Travis Sanders had both of the Redhawks' quarterback sacks, giving him four on the season. That's second-best on the squad behind redshirt freshman defensive tackle Austin Black's 4.5 sacks.