Box Score The Southeastern University Fire, in a game that had conference title implications, came up short in Valley, Alabama when they lost to the Point University Skyhawks 66-34.
With the win, Point University pulls ahead in the conference rankings as the clear number one team, breaking its tie with Southeastern in the standings.
The Fire started off the game well, finding the end zone two times in the first quarter, while holding the Skyhawksto just one. Railond Garrett found the end zone in the hands of tight end Colby Mangan, and Jarrell Reynolds found it again on their next drive on a 24 yard carry. Skyhawks Quarterback Charles Fortis would carry the lone Skyhawks touchdown of the quarter. At the end of the first quarter, the Fire led 14 – 7.
Point would answer with 14 of their own in the second quarter. With good field position, Ladarrius Mathis would eventually find the end zone on a second and goal to tie the game with six minutes and thirteen seconds left on the game clock.
Later on, after Garrett fumbled the ball in his own territory, the Skyhawks would make their way down the field, which ended when Fortis found Charles Duckworth from 17 yards out.
The Fire would attempt a 53 yard field goal as time expired in the half but would come up short, and leave the Fire trailing 21-14 headed into the second half.
Point would have complete control of the 3rd quarter, accumulating 42 points over the course of the 15 minutes. It all started with an 82-yard touchdown reception to Mathis. On their next offensive drive, Southeastern fumbled the ball, which the Skyhawks promptly returned for a touchdown, giving them a 21 point lead within 3 minutes of play.
The Southeastern offense found their rhythm again on their next drive, which saw Reynolds get his second score on an 11-yard carry, which was set up by a 35-yard reception by DeVonte Mack.
Just as quickly, Fortis found Brandon Robertson for a 48-yard reception for another score.
Things would continue to fall apart for Southeastern, as a quarterback keeper and a recovery on a bad punt snap would both turn into scores for Point. Point led 63-28 at the end of the quarter.
The Fire would finish up a scoring drive in the beginning of the fourth quarter, which would see Mangan pull in his second touchdown on the day. The point after attempt would be blocked, keeping it to a 6-point drive for the Fire.
The Fire would hold Point to just a field goal on the next drive, hit from 31 yards out by Nick Powell.
Southeastern struggled with turnovers, having six between interceptions and fumbles over the course of the game. "We'll just have to go back to the drawing board and move forward from there," said Coach Barefield after the game. "We lost in all phases of the ball game. Point was a better team."
Fire Football return home this week when county rival Webber International visits Victory Field on October 31st at 7:00 PM. Tickets to that game are still available at seufire.com.
