Redhawks punt team has problems again

KENT, Ohio -- Southeast Missouri State's punt-team problems cropped up again Saturday during a 33-12 loss at Division I-A Kent State.

In a 58-23 season-opening defeat against Southern Illinois, the Redhawks had two punts blocked -- one was returned for a touchdown -- and also fumbled on a fake punt, which SIU returned for a touchdown.

Midway through the third quarter Saturday, Southeast's David Simonhoff was under such heavy pressure while setting up to punt deep in his own territory that he was forced to run.

Simonhoff was stopped at the Redhawks' 29-yard line, well short of a first down, and KSU scored two plays later to go ahead 28-6.

"We've worked on that, but we still had one in the second half," Southeast coach Tim Billings said. "We've gotten better in that area, and we're going to keep working at it to fix it. It's definitely something we can't have happen."

Another Hicks interception

Monroe Hicks, a sophomore cornerback from Central High School in his first season at Southeast, has both of the Redhawks' interceptions this year.

Hicks, who practiced with Southeast last season but could not participate in games after transferring from Central Missouri State, returned an interception 47 yards for a touchdown against SIU.

Saturday, Hicks made a sliding pick of a Michael Machan pass early in the third quarter. Hicks also recovered a fumble in the end zone as the Golden Flashes appeared to be going in for a touchdown late in the third period.

Schermann still perfect

Redshirt freshman kicker Colin Schermann, another Central High School product, remained perfect in field goals this season.

After kicking a 32-yarder in his only attempt against SIU, Schermann made two more short ones Saturday, booting field goals of 20 and 30 yards.

Statistically speaking

Although Southeast's running game netted just 20 yards because of losses and sacks, junior college transfer John Radney led the Redhawks with 50 yards on 11 carries.

Radney also topped Southeast in receptions with seven for 28 yards. T.J. Milcic caught five passes for 68 yards, and tight end Joseph Tuineau had five receptions for 64 yards. Freshman tailback Tim Holloman also caught five passes, but they netted zero yards.

Noteworthy

* Starting defensive tackle Bernard Quinn suffered what appeared to be a dislocated elbow, although it is not known how much time he might miss.