SE 'WINS' FIRST GAME UNDER BILLINGS

JACKSON -- Want to see Rashad West smile?

Simply mention Southeast Missouri State University's new football offense under first-year head coach Tim Billings, who has the Indians playing what he calls "basketball on grass."

"I like it a lot," said a grinning West Saturday night just moments after the Indians wrapped up spring practice by playing their annual spring intrasquad game at Jackson High School.

The contest, witnessed by approximately 500 fans, was played in Jackson this year because a new artificial surface -- Field Turf -- is currently being installed at Houck Stadium.

West, an athletically gifted quarterback who was dazzling late last season in helping the Indians win three of their final four games after moving into the starting lineup, figures to thrive in Billings' system, which utilizes primarily a one-back look and features plenty of no-huddle.

"I think it fits me pretty well. At least I hope it does," said West of the offense. "It's a lot of fun and I think people are really going to enjoy watching it."

West directed the only offensive touchdown Saturday night as the team he played on prevailed 20-0.

The game's other two touchdowns came via defensive scores as Joe Williams and Isaac Powell returned interceptions for touchdowns, Williams covering 38 yards and Powell 34 yards.

West appeared to be in his late-season form from last year as he completed seven of eight passes for 70 yards while rushing twice for 17 yards.

West would have likely padded those statistics, but he banged up a knee early in the second quarter and took only a couple of more snaps the rest of the night.

"It's nothing serious," said West of the injury. "It's an ongoing thing with some kind of tendonitis I've had, but I should be fine (for the fall)."

West also believes the Indians will be fine as they try to improve on last year's 3-8 record with a new coaching staff.

"I think everybody is having fun. It's a fresh start for everyone and there is so much enthusiasm," he said. "I think we came a long way this spring and I think we can surprise a lot of people this season."

Billings agrees with West in how far the Indians have progressed during spring workouts.

"We've come a long way in 15 practices," he said. "There is a lot of excitement and enthusiasm. We still have a big hill to climb, but we're going in the right direction."

Asked what he thought of Saturday's scrimmage, a laughing Billings said, "We won."

West directed his team to the night's only offensive score on its first possession. A 75-yard march ended when West hit running back Byron White with a 12-yard touchdown pass. Nick Reggio kicked the first of his two extra points in the contest, although he missed one.

White is one of three transfers from Marshall -- where Billings served as defensive coordinator last season -- who figure to make a major impact for the Indians.

"They're good football players," said Billings of White, wide receiver Tarik Simpson and defensive tackle Jermaine Motley.

Billings was impressed by all three of his returning quarterbacks from last season. Bobby Brune completed 10 of 12 passes for 88 yards and was the game's leading rusher with 29 yards on 12 attempts. Mike Gross was 2-for-4 for 14 yards.

White, Simpson and Leslie Weaver -- the team's leading receiver last year -- all caught three passes. Corey Chester, Mark Blissett, Jerl Huling and Joe Overstreet each added two receptions.

Defensively, Sturge Cumberford -- who looked solid after being moved from fullback to linebacker -- Kent Langston and Rodney Woodall all had four tackles. Langston also had two sacks and an interception while Demond Williams contributed two sacks.

Powell's interception return for a touchdown came on a Brune pass while Williams' interception runback came on a Frank McGinty pass.