Redhawks will conclude first spring under Samuel

~ Southeast's final workout will be the spring game, set for 1 p.m. Saturday and using an unusual scoring system.

Southeast Missouri State's annual spring football game will feature some unusual twists, but first-year coach Tony Samuel promises plenty of excitement.

The Redhawks will have the last of 15 spring workout sessions allowed by NCAA regulations with Saturday's 1 p.m. intrasquad contest at Houck Stadium. Admission is free.

Because of a lack of depth at some positions, Samuel won't split his group into separate teams for the spring game. The contest will instead pit the offense against the defense using a scoring system that awards points for various accomplishments on both sides.

Offensively, points will be awarded for touchdowns (6), field goals (3), kicked extra points (1), two-point conversions (2), plays of 25 or more yards (1), and three consecutive first downs (1).

Defensively, points will be awarded for touchdowns (6), interceptions (6), fumble recoveries (6), sacks (2), missed field goals (3), made field goals (1) and series of three downs and out (1).

There will be four 10-minute quarters, with the first quarter using a regular clock and the last three quarters a running clock except for change of possession and the last 2 minutes of each half.

"I've used this scoring system in the past and it gets very exciting," said Samuel, a former head coach at Division I-A New Mexico State. "The defense gets to score in ways they don't normally score, so it gets them pretty fired up.

"You can tweak this kind of system to your liking, but I've found that it really creates some close games. It gets competitive. I think people will enjoy it."

Although Samuel said the Redhawks still have a long way to go, he has seen steady progress from his squad since being hired in December.

"Overall, it's been going well," Samuel said. "The effort level has been improving as it goes along. I've been pleased with the overall effort. From an execution standpoint, that will come. We just need repetition."

Samuel said the defense has had the upper hand on the offense during the spring, which is no surprise.

"The defense is ahead of the offense, but that's normal, especially when you're putting in a new offense," Samuel said.

While Samuel has been hesitant to single out individuals during the spring, he said the Redhawks -- coming off a 2-9 season that ended with Tim Billings' resignation -- are not devoid of talent.

"In some positions we have some good talent. There are kids that could play at the I-A level," Samuel said. "Our backfield is talented. I think we have a good receiving corps.

"The defensive front has a chance to do some good things. We have some good linebackers returning."

On the other hand, Samuel said, "I'd like to see improvement along the offensive line. I would like to see the quarterback situation improve, but it's a little tough on the quarterbacks because they're carrying the brunt of the new offense."

Southeast quarterbacks operated primarily out of the shotgun under the previous coaching staff. Samuel said the Redhawks will still utilize some shotgun, but they haven't done much of that this spring.

"We'll do shotgun, but the idea is to get them accustomed to what they haven't done," Samuel said. "Taking snaps under center, dropping back, they have to get used to that."

Added Samuel: "When it's all said and done, you'll see anything from zero backs to three backs. We pride ourselves in being very multiple."

Although the Redhawks returned numerous starters from last season, Samuel said, "I don't think we have an incumbent at any position. The spring is just one phase. After we get done with this phase, we'll have the summer [conditioning], then fall camp.

"People want to have absolute answers, but I would rather not be so absolute. It's not fair to the players at this point. It's still so early. We have a depth chart, but it changes all the time."

Samuel said there is still a good chance the Redhawks will add several I-A transfers prior to fall practice.

"We're sitting around waiting for the I-A programs to be done with their spring practice, to put out their depth chart," Samuel said. "We'll try to bring in some additional players to help us in some particular areas, but you have to build in-house first."