SE FOOTBALL ADDS 5 MORE RECRUITS

Another Scott City High product was among the five high school seniors who signed letters of intent Thursday with Southeast Missouri State University's football program.

Jeremy Mouser, a 6-foot 2, 215-pound linebacker, joins prep teammates Steven Thomas and John Wipfler in the Southeast fold. The Indians landed Thomas, a linebacker, and Wipfler, a defensive end, Wednesday.

Mouser earned all-conference and all-district honors at linebacker and he was also all-conference on offense at center. He was the Rams' second-leading tackler during the 1998 season with more than 100.

"I'm proud of all three kids for the opportunity to play football in college and get a good education," said Scott City coach Terry Flannigan, whose Rams advanced to the Class 2A quarterfinals in the 1998 season. "They've all got a real good work ethic."

Several other former Scott City standouts have gone on to strong careers with the Indians in recent years and Southeast coach John Mumford welcomes the three Rams into his program.

"All three are just tough, hard-nosed football players," said Mumford. "You never like to come out and say for sure, but those kids will probably be redshirted (next season). We're excited about their futures at Southeast."

Other players signing with Southeast Thursday -- all from Missouri -- were wide receivers Andrew Douglas (5-11, 185) and Terry Wright (6-foot, 175), both from Kansas City Raytown South; linebacker Justin Hayes (5-11, 230) from Francis Howell; and defensive end John Owen (6-3, 225) from Ft. Zumwalt North.

The Indians landed 14 players Wednesday as the signing period began and Mumford said he expects to sign two more today, with perhaps a few others to come on board in the near future.

Overall, Mumford said he believes the Indians answered some immediate needs with their recruiting efforts as they attempt to reverse several recent struggling seasons. Southeast went 3-8 in 1998 and has won just 10 games over the last three years combined.

"I think we answered some immediate needs with some of the junior college kids and I'm impressed with the young kids," said Mumford.

Some of the areas hit particularly hard by graduation last season were defensive line and linebacker.

Southeast signed junior-college defensive tackles John Irvin20(6-1, 285) and Jason Moorehead (6-2, 280), along with juco defensive end Andy Hoffert (6-4, 230). The Indians also landed juco linebacker Rodney Woodall (6-2, 220) and Donovan Laviness (5-11, 220), a transfer from Tulsa.

"We expect those guys to make an immediate impact," Mumford said. "Laviness and Woodall can definitely came in and help us."

The Indians also signed two junior-college offensive linemen, Tyson Jacobi (6-4, 290) and David Fielder (6-3, 290).

Among the freshmen the Indians landed, Mumford said one player in particular to watch is Ivan Brown (5-11, 180), a speedy running back from Gosnell, Ark.

"He's got legitimate 4.3 speed," said Mumford. "He brings an exciting dimension to the table with his speed. If he can pick up the offense, he could be a factor (next season)."

Another intriguing freshman recruit is big quarterback Justin Biermann (6-5, 230), who led North Platte to the Class 1A state championship with a title-game victory over St. Vincent.

"He a good athlete," Mumford said. "He's 6-5, 230 and he could end up 260. He could wind up at a different position."

Three of the players the Indians signed -- Moorehead, Laviness and Fielder -- are already enrolled at Southeast for the spring semester and will participate in spring drills.