Redhawk FB prepared to 'fight to finish' against Bryant

In the Big South/OVC Football Association standings, there is little significance that will come from Saturday’s match-up between Southeast Missouri State (4-6, 3-2) at Bryant (5-5, 3-2). However, from a test of character perspective, veteran Redhawk Coach Tom Matukewicz sees a lot of value that can come from both teams having an opportunity to wrap up their seasons on a positive note.

“The mission is to fight and finish,” Matukewicz said. “I really believe that the team that is the most excited to play has a good shot at winning.”

That may or may not be a test for SEMO, which entered this season with hopes of a season that reached historical significance, but due to a combination of things, none more significant than losing quarterback Paxton DeLaurent to injury, this season has not gone the way anyone expected.

“This will be our last game,” Matukewicz continued, “and this will be their last game. Both teams are in similar situations. So, it is like, where are you at?”

Where the Redhawks are is in a place of offensive struggles.

After DeLaurent was lost for the season, redshirt freshman quarterback Patrick Heitert has had moments of being able to guide the offense, but not as well as anyone had hoped.

In last week’s loss at UT Martin, Heitert was replaced by true freshman Greg Menne, who did complete a 75-yard throw for a score to senior wide receiver Ryan Flournoy.

“If we don’t get our offense,” Matukewicz said, “at least moving the football, and getting some first downs, it is going to be tough.”

Matukewicz said he expects his players and coaches to prepare this week as well as any other week, regardless of the season-ending.

“We’ve got to fight to the finish,” Matukewicz said. “This will reveal who we are as character (and) of men. It doesn’t mean that we have to win, but it definitely means we need to show up ready, prepared, and to get after it.”

The game will kick off at noon (Central time).