Redhawks make JSU sweat before errors set in again

It's doubtful that anybody outside of the program expected Southeast Missouri State to upset two-time defending Ohio Valley Conference champion Jacksonville State Saturday night in the OVC opener.

But give the Redhawks credit. Even though they lost 24-10, they at least made the Gamecocks sweat plenty during a performance that has to at least lend itself to some hope for the rest of the season.

Southeast was deficient in most areas during its first three games, being outscored by 80 points and coming no closer than 21 points in any contest. The Redhawks deserved to lose all three.

But Southeast looked for the most part like a legitimate Division I-AA football team Saturday at Houck Stadium.

It's just a shame the Redhawks couldn't finish off the job despite having the Gamecocks on the ropes for much of the contest -- the squads were tied 10-10 entering the fourth quarter -- and actually outgaining them in total offense by 150 yards.

But costly mistakes -- something that has plagued the 0-4 Redhawks in every game so far -- again reared their ugly heads as Southeast had another blocked punt returned for a touchdown and had an interception returned for a touchdown.

The Redhawks seemed to indicate Saturday that, if they can seriously cut down on all those miscues, they can compete in the mediocre OVC.

But Southeast sure isn't a dominant enough team to beat just about anybody if it doesn't put together a relatively clean performance.

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While the OVC football schedule has just started, the championship could be on the line this coming Saturday when Jacksonville State hosts Eastern Kentucky.

Those squads were picked first and second in the league's preseason poll. While the Gamecocks struggled against Southeast, the Colonels were mighty impressive in thumping Tennessee Tech 52-3.

There will still be a lot of football left to be played after the Gamecocks and Colonels square off, but the winner will certainly have a major leg up toward the title.

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Although Southeast has a fine program, I'm not sure all that many people follow college women's soccer in this area.

But a result from Friday night certainly sent shock waves throughout the OVC.

Eastern Kentucky, a first-year program, stunned two-time defending OVC champion Samford 1-0. It was not only the Colonels' first-ever OVC victory, but also their initial win period as they entered their league opener with an 0-5-1 record.

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Speaking of upsets, how about New Madrid County Central's 24-22 stunner over Charleston on Friday night in high school football action.

After crushing Caruthersville by 40 points, Charleston was looking like it might threaten to post an undefeated season -- but the Eagles dashed those hopes.

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Although neither player saw action, the recent Class AA Eastern League championship series featured a matchup of former Southeast baseball standouts.

The Akron (Ohio) Aeros' roster included right-handed reliever Todd Pennington, who completed his eligibility at Southeast in 2001 and is in his fifth minor league season.

The Portland (Maine) Sea Dogs' roster included infielder Zach Borowiak, who completed his eligibility at Southeast in 2003 and is in his third minor league season.

Akron, a Cleveland Indians affiliate, wound up beating Portland (Boston Red Sox) 3-1 in the best-of-five series.

Pennington and Borowiak both played most of the season on the Class A level before being elevated to Class AA late in the year.

Meanwhile, another local product playing in the minors played a major role in helping his team capture a championship.

Advance High School graduate Garrett Broshuis, a right-handed starter, picked up a win as the Class A San Jose Giants beat Lake Elsinore 3-2 in the best-of-five California League title series.

Broshuis, in his second minor league season after being drafted in the fifth round out of the University of Missouri in 2004, finished among the California League leaders in several categories, including tied for third in wins with 12. He also made two starts for Class AAA Fresno late in the year.

Marty Mishow is a sports writer for the Southeast Missourian.