Scrimmage gives several answers

The Southeast Missouri State football team scheduled only one official public scrimmage during this year's fall camp, so the Redhawks wanted to make it count.

They believe they accomplished that goal Saturday morning, with the offense and defense both coming away feeling fairly good about things.

But the Redhawks emphasized that both units still have considerable improvement to make following the session at Houck Stadium that included approximately 60 plays.

"It was exciting to finally get out here," senior safety Ben Kargbo said. "Both sides looked good but we still have a lot of stuff to work on."

Said sophomore tailback Lewis Washington: "The energy was high. We got a good look at game situations. We're looking good. We just have a bunch of little things to clean up."

Southeast coach Tony Samuel seemed pleased with what transpired, although as is his custom, he said he'll know much more after watching the film.

"Same old thing, we've got to look at film and see what they did," said Samuel, who added: "I've been pleased with the week. They're really pushing through practice. They're really working hard at trying to make each other better, which is all you can ask."

Southeast's offense stayed fairly basic, which is normally the case during scrimmages, and struggled to find much traction until taking advantage of improved field position toward the end of the scrimmage.

Southeast quarterback Kyle Snyder turns upfield on a keeper during Saturday’s scrimmage. (Fred Lynch)

The offense scored both its touchdowns after beginning drives at the defense's 30-yard line.

"Coach wanted to run the ball, establish the running game," junior quarterback Kyle Snyder said. "Just kind of go out there and get some contact in, but I thought both sides did well."

Southeast Missouri State running back Brendan Stewart carries the ball for a touchdown during scrimmage Saturday, Aug. 17, 2013 at Houck Stadium. (Fred Lynch)

Touchdowns came on a 1-yard plunge by junior fullback Ron Coleman and a 28-yard burst by true freshman tailback Brendan Stewart.

Stewart led Southeast rushers with 52 yards on six carries. He did his damage primarily with backups in on both sides, but Samuel was still impressed.

"He's been having a good camp. He's got really good decision-making skills," Samuel said.

Only two of the three tailbacks expected to receive the bulk of the carries from that position saw action as sophomore DeMichael Jackson was not in uniform due to a strained groin that has kept him out of recent practices.

Junior Lennies McFerren gained 32 yards on six carries, while the burly yet nimble Washington dished out plenty of punishment on his way to 22 yards on eight attempts.

Southeast Missouri State quarterback Kyle Snyder runs on a keeper during scrimmage Saturday, Aug. 17, 2013 at Houck Stadium. (Fred Lynch)

"He's big and fast. He's got a really good combination of size and athleticism," Samuel said of Washington. who is listed at 5-feet-10 and 245 pounds.

The three kickers vying for the position rotated reps on both field goals and extra points.

Senior Joe Vucic, redshirt freshman Ryan McCrum and true freshman Alex Knight all booted short field goals -- none from longer than 34 yards -- as none of them missed a kick.

Southeast's four quarterbacks -- Snyder, sophomores Blake Jackson and Scott Lathrop and junior Tyler Peoples -- all took snaps although there was little passing.

Peoples completed 2 of 5 for 41 yards and hooked up with senior tight end Wyky Jean on a 36-yarder for the day's longest play.

Samuel said the battle for starting quarterback remains too close to call between Snyder, Lathrop and Jackson. The same goes for most positions.

"A lot of competition in spots. ... Quarterback, running back, defensive line, secondary ... it's still pretty competitive," Samuel said.

Defensively, junior linebacker David Smart led the way with five tackles. Sophomore defensive end Lawrence Hills, junior college transfer defensive tackle Zach Clouse and juco transfer safety Ron Davis added three tackles apiece.

Smart and Hills were credited with quarterback sacks, although no actual contact to the quarterbacks was allowed.

"I thought we were flying around real good," junior linebacker George Neuhaus said.

While Saturday marked Southeast's only official public scrimmage, Samuel said the Redhawks have been doing a good amount of scrimmaging in practice.

"We've hit more this camp than previous camps because we're younger," said Samuel, whose extremely youthful squad figures to start only a few seniors.

The scrimmage wrapped up Southeast's second week of fall camp.

Southeast has six practices remaining as fall camp heads into its final week. Camp concludes Thursday, after which the Redhawks will regroup before classes begin Aug. 26.

Then it's game week as the Redhawks prepare for their Aug. 29 season opener at Southeastern Louisiana.

"Week one is right around the corner," said a smiling Snyder with eager anticipation.