SEMO BRINGS UPBEAT ATTITUDE INTO '98

Team may be shorter on talent, but longer on chemistry.

Southeast Missouri State University coach John Mumford firmly believes that strong chemistry and an extremely positive attitude can help a football team go a long way.

And he'll be banking on those ingredients -- among other things -- as the Indians attempt to turn around last year's 4-7 record that included a 1-6, seventh-place finish in the eight-team Ohio Valley Conference.

"We're probably not as talented as we were last year," said Mumford. "But our chemistry was not good at all last year and I don't think our overall attitude was very good. We are so much better in both areas this season. This group is just a pleasure to coach."

Mumford realizes that chemistry and attitude can only take a team so far. Southeast is still going to have to have a sufficient talent level to compete on the Division I-AA level and Mumford believes the Indians have enough.

As the Indians prepare to open the 1998 campaign by playing host to Division II Truman State Thursday night, Mumford believes the opportunity is there for a successful season.

"I believe we have enough quality football players to compete in the OVC," he said. "If we'll play together, play smart and leave it all on the field, then we'll have a chance to win a lot of games."

The Indians return nine of their 14 starters on offense, which has plenty of experience at every position except arguably the most important one -- quarterback.

Jeff Shaw, the most experienced of an inexperienced group, enters the season as the starting signal caller.

Shaw, a converted wide receiver but a quarterback in high school, made the switch back behind center late last season. In limited playing time he completed 11 of 26 passes for 140 yards while rushing for 140 yards on 34 carries.

Five of last year's top six running backs returned, led by fullback Britt Mirgaux (Scott City), the Indians' leading ground gainer the past two seasons.

Mirgaux, who had knee surgery in the spring but appears to be fully recovered, rushed for 492 yards last year as a junior. Tailback K.D. Koleosho was second to Mirgaux with 375 yards while tailback Corey Williams gained 349 yards. Returners Broderick Benson and Riki Williams add even more depth.

All of the top receivers and tight ends are back -- in fact, returnees had all 125 receptions last season -- led by wide out Dante Bryant and tight end Mitch Fryer.

Bryant made second-team all-Ohio Valley Conference last season when he caught 43 passes for 599 yards. Fryer, also second-team all-OVC a year ago after earning first-team honors the year before, caught 17 passes for 256 yards.

Wide receiver Leslie Weaver was second to Bryant in receptions last year with 23, good for 275 yards. Marcus McKinley added 16 catches for 190 yards.

The starting offensive line returns from last season, led by two honorable-mention all-OVC performers, guard Jessie Eaton and center Chris Kiefer (Perryville).

Also back up front are tackles Ian Walters and Carlos DeJesus and guard James Williams.

"I think we have the chance to be a very good offensive team," said Mumford. "We've got a lot of experience on offense."

Last year's top placekicker and the team's leading scorer, Eric Warren (Perryville), used up his eligibility, but ready to step in is Nick Reggio, who has handled kickoffs the past two seasons.

Defensively, the Indians return just five starters and they lost five of their top six tacklers, including Division I-AA All-American lineman Angel Rubio. But Mumford has plenty of confidence in the defense.

"Even though we lost some excellent players, I still think our defense will be solid," Mumford said.

The Indians return two of four down linemen who helped Southeast rank 23rd nationally against the run last season. Leading the way up front are second-team all-OVC performer Troy Baglio and Marcus McClellan, who had seven sacks last year to tie Rubio for the team lead. Darren Keely, Eric David and Brad Richardson are among others being counted on.

Local product Gabe Jenkins (Cape Central) is the only full-time returning starter at linebacker but Kevin Meachem and David Bowling were both part-time starters and Terrance Sterling (Cape Central), a starter in 1996, is healthy again after missing all of last year with a leg injury. Junior-college transfer Jeremy Atwell is also being counted on.

Fred Hambrick, a first-team all-OVC cornerback last year who ranked 31st nationally in interceptions with five, anchors the secondary that also includes John Smith (Jackson), Joe Williams, Brian Hinton, Leotis Belcher and Isaac Powell, among others.

As for punter, that's a major question mark after the graduation of Justin Terrill, last year's premier OVC punter who also ranked among the best in the nation.

True freshman Justin Keen (Jackson) and Chip Hirth have been vying for the punting spot during fall practice.