Redhawks use ground game to wear down Miners

Southeast Missouri State used an impressive one-two rushing attack to eventually overpower upset-minded Missouri-Rolla on Saturday.

Tailbacks Tim Holloman and John Radney each gained more than 100 yards, as the Redhawks piled up 303 yards on the ground in winning 44-23.

Holloman and Radney combined for five rushing touchdowns. Throw in a TD on the ground from quarterback Kevin Ballatore and the Redhawks tied a single-game school record with six rushing touchdowns.

"That's what I like to see," Southeast coach Tony Samuel said of the Redhawks' rushing total.

Holloman, a sophomore who led Southeast in rushing last year with 688 yards, gained 149 yards on 14 carries against the Miners. He had a long run of 41 yards and scored on runs of 23 and 3 yards.

"The offensive line did an excellent job and so did the fullbacks, Clint Jones and Nick Grassi," Holloman said. "I'm real proud of them."

Radney, a senior, picked up 116 yards on 13 carries. He scored three times, on runs of 41, 12 and 9 yards.

Radney gained just 190 yards all last season as he was hampered by injuries much of the year after transferring in from junior college.

"It's nice to be healthy," he said. "But the line made it easy on me."

Jones again leads defense

Senior defensive end Edgar Jones had another big game as the Redhawks pressured Missouri-Rolla star quarterback Joe Winters much of the night.

Even though Winters threw for 419 yards, Southeast had four sacks and numerous other hits on Winters.

Jones was credited with 2 1/2 sacks after also having 2 1/2 sacks during the season-opening win at Austin Peay. He had four sacks all of last season.

"Edgar is playing well," Samuel said.

Senior safety Anthony Lumpkin and freshman cornerback Todshon Jones both intercepted passes while senior wide receiver Brandon Simpson recovered a fumble on a punt. Southeast produced two touchdowns and a field goal off those turnovers.

Senior tackle Jeff Steemer had a sack for the second week in a row.

And, for the second straight week, the Redhawks had no turnovers.

Spada, Simonhoff shine

Freshman Doug Spada, handling Southeast's kickoffs for the first time, put six of his eight boots either to the goal line or into the end zone. Two produced touchbacks.

"He's got a strong leg," Samuel said.

Senior All-American punter David Simonhoff averaged more than 45 yards for the second straight game. He averaged 45.8 yards on five attempts, with a long of 71, and placed three inside the 20.

"He had a great game," Samuel said.