MONTGOMERY, Ala.—Looking at the numbers from last season, you'd expect a few more than 16 points to be scored between two of the NAIA's highest scoring offenses.
Five takeaways by the Fire defense set the table for Southeastern to start the 2016 season 1-0 with a 10-6 win over NAIA Coaches' No. 19 Faulkner.
The front line generated pressure, sacking quarterback Clayton Nicholas five times, and held the Eagles to 352 yards of offense.
"The defense was the integral part of us staying in this game and giving us an opportunity to make some plays on offense," said coach
Keith Barefield. "They did a great job keeping (Faulkner) out of the end zone, and kept pressure on the quarterback."
The Fire got on the board first with 5:50 left in the first half on an 11-yard pass from
Jonathan Pearce to
Matthew Craig to cap off an 8-play, 89 yard drive.
The defense had multiple big plays in the first half to keep the game close, including two fourth down pass breakups by
Tyson Kee.
That group also held the Eagles to eight first downs and 131 total yards in the first half.
The Eagles got a touchdown with 2:44 to play in the contest, but the extra point hit the upright. The ensuing onside kick was also unsuccessful.
Faulkner had one last chance in the fourth quarter after a Pearce punt landed at the 1-yard line, but an interception by
Jimiah Albritton sealed the game.
Jarrell Reynolds was the top gainer for the Fire, rushing 28 times for 97 yards. Pearce finished the game 4-of-11 for 76 yards and a touchdown.
"On offense, I thought we never got in a rhythem," said Barefield. "We had some good plays, and some big plays and they carried us.
"For us to win more games, our offense has to be consistent and put plays together."
On defense,
Mark Myers recorded a pair of interceptions to halt Faulkner drives.
Dance Estes recorded two sacks, and
Blade Denmark had two of Southeastern's 13 tackles for loss.
The Fire return to action on September 10
th for their home opener against Virginia University Lynchburg.
