Box Score SELMA, Ala.- Southeastern picked up their second win of the season with a convincing 59-16 win on the road over Concordia College of Alabama Saturday afternoon.
It was the Fire (2-1) defense that made the difference in the game, forcing four fumbles, and intercepting three passes. "I'm proud of our defense and the way they played the entire game," said Coach Keith Barefield. "We had two defensive scores and a special teams score. When you get those kind of things happening for you, you know it's going to be a good day for you."
After a slow start, Southeastern dented the scoreboard for the first time with 7:42 to play in the first quarter when Jonathan Pearce connected with Steven Williams for a 14-yard touchdown pass to cap off an 11-play, 69-yard drive. The Fire added another score 90 seconds later on a nine yard touchdown run by Jarrell Reynolds, taking advantage of a Hornet fumble.
The Hornets got on the scoreboard for the first time with 1:04 left in the first on a safety during a mishandled snap during a punt.
Southeastern bounced back with their first defensive score of the game when Quentin Harris returned an interception eight yards for a touchdown. Will May's extra point gave the Fire a 21-2 advantage.
After the Hornets got their first touchdown on a three yard run, the Fire closed the half with an 11-play, 46-yard drive, ending in a 30-yard field goal by May to give SEU a 24-9 lead at the break.
Pearce found Williams for a second score with 12:17 left in the third quarter to put the Fire up 31-9. Following a rushing touchdown by Concordia, the Fire came back with a nine yard rushing TD of their own by Reynolds to go up 38-16 with 6:41 left in the third.
With 6:58 left in the fourth, Pearce found Amari Williams for his third touchdown of the game, this time, it was five yard strike, putting SEU up 45-16. On the ensuing kickoff, Jonathan Hicks forced a fumble, which was recovered by Kenny Woods and returned 15 yards for a score.
Southeastern closed the night with a pick six by Mark Myers from 59 yards out with 4:07 to go.
The Fire amassed 346 total yards on 78 plays. Reynolds finished the night with 95 yards on 24 carries, scoring twice. Demonta Blunt added 99 yards on 12 carries.
"Our offensive line did a great job," said Barefield of the running game. "Jarrell Reynolds and Demonta Blunt provide a nice 1-2 punch for us."
Pearce finished the day with 174 yards on 19-of-34 passing. Williams and Jake Archer each hauled in five passes. Williams had 77 yards and two touchdowns, and Archer added 41 yards.
Defensively, Trenton Lowery recorded a team-high six tackles, including a half a sack, and a tackle and a half for loss.
The Fire return home next Saturday night when the host the University of Faith at 7 p.m.
