Scott City grad Amick scores big as walk-on

Brandon Amick was beginning to wonder if he was ever going to catch a touchdown pass for Southeast Missouri State University.

That elusive TD came Saturday -- and it proved to be the game-winner as the Indians rallied past Tennessee State 52-35.

Amick, a walk-on junior from Scott City in his second season with the Indians, hauled in a 62-yard pass from Andrew Goodenough with 7:41 left in the game to put Southeast ahead 38-35.

"I've been telling Chris that I don't think it's going to happen, but he said it would," said a smiling Amick, referring to fellow wide receiver Chris NesSmith. "I guess he was right. But the main thing is we won."

Amick, who caught three passes last year, has become a key receiver for the Indians. After catching four passes for 70 yards Saturday, he has 23 receptions for 314 yards.

Amick -- who had been attending Southeast -- almost decided not to play football after being approached by offensive coordinator Russ Martin prior to last season.

"It's one of the best decisions I've made," he said.

Patterson vs. Johnson

After Tennessee State's C.J. Johnson, the Ohio Valley Conference's career receiving leader, hurt the Indians with early catches, Southeast coach Tim Billings decided to have cornerback Dimitri Patterson spend the rest of the game covering Johnson.

And Patterson came through by intercepting a pass and breaking up four others. Johnson finished with seven catches for 52 yards. Patterson also forced two fumbles and was credited with a team-high 11 tackles, including 2.5 for loss.

"He's a great player, and I took the challenge personal," Patterson said of Johnson.

Patterson's third interception of the season gave him the team lead, but fellow cornerback Kellin White tied that mark in the closing seconds with a 60-yard return for a touchdown.

Kelvin Jones added a fumble recovery. Linebacker Michael Irving matched Patterson with 2.5 tackles for loss.

Kickers come on strong

Derek Kutz remained the only OVC kicker perfect in extra points this season after he was 6-for-6 Saturday, making him 25-for-25. Kutz missed his first field-goal attempt in a while, a 40-yarder. He made a 20-yarder and is 13-for-16 this season.

Walk-on kicker Spasimir Bodurski, in his second season with the program, booted his first Southeast PAT following White's touchdown.