#11 Southeastern University Fire (0-0) vs. University of the Cumberlands Patriots (0-0)
7 p.m. Eastern -- Victory Field
Lakeland, Fla.
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SEU Cumberlands
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SEU Cumberlands
In the fall of 2013, one hundred and thirteen young men stepped foot onto a field that was not their own, to practice for a season they would never play. Over five years, those numbers were whittled down to eleven. Now, for the first time in Fire Football's short life, there will be a season absent the Bonnie Boys.
In their first season opener at home, the No. 11 Southeastern University Fire are coming out with almost a completely new coaching staff than last year. Coaches Waleed Gaines and Dave Robson have remained on, as well as head coach Keith Barefield.
The Fire have been awarded three consecutive Conference Championships, the last two years resulting in appearances in the playoffs, and are riding a record of 8-2 from last year, following a shutout win against Ave Maria (65-0) in the regular season.
Last year, Southeastern averaged 557.4 total offensive yards per game and 330.4 rushing yards per game. Much of their success is owed in part to the stone wall of offensive linemen protecting the quarterback, including All-Conference Sun Division Team lineman Jordan Heldreth.
On the defensive side of the ball, returners Tyson Kee and Blade Denmark--both of them All-Conference Sun Division Second Team--are ready and raring to fight, Key with 24 unassisted tackles last season and Denmark with 22.
This week, a fresh new challenger enters the arena; the Patriots of the University of the Cumberlands and Southeastern have yet to meet on the gridiron, and both teams are frothing at the mouth to draw first blood of the season.
The Patriots have fourteen starters returning, on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball, many who are strong contenders. Linebacker Tyler Pendleton finished the 2017 season with a total of 63 tackles, 26 of those unassisted, and running back Milton Shelton rushed for a total of 401 yards, scoring 3 touchdowns.
Under head coach Matt Rhymer, the Patriots have won 75% of their season openers, and have won consecutively over the last three years.
Despite this, the Fire went undefeated at home last year, and will not allow that record to go unbroken without a fight.
Gates open at 6 p.m. with a 7 p.m. kickoff.
