SAVANNAH, Ga.—The Fire caught rhythm early and cashed in big on the Tigers' mistakes to take the game over Savannah State University 34-14.
Southeastern racked up 313 yards on 61 plays averaging 5.1 yards per play. The Fire had 188 yards through the air and 125 on the ground.
After a 35 minute weather delay, the Fire proceeded to score 27 points before the half. The Fire were able to strike the scoreboard first making a 19-yard field goal on a 58-yard drive. Southeastern, with another impressive drive made another field goal to extend their lead to 6-0.
Defense continued to make stops and get off the field and set up the offense with good positioning. The Fire quickly capitalized on a zero yard punt, and cashed in a 34-yard pass from Kaylan Wiggins to Dominic Larry for the first touchdown of the game with 1:08 remaining in the half. Two seconds later, the Fire defense scored a touchdown of their own with a forced fumble caused by Michael Bradely and a recovery for a touchdown by Marc Viechec to put the Fire up 20-0.
Following the defensive touchdown, the Tigers muffed the kickoff return and Southeastern's Joseph Bonga was able to recover it on the Savannah State 35-yard line. With 46 seconds remaining, Wiggins found the endzone with his legs to put the Fire up 27-0 at the half.
The next score didn't come until the fourth quarter where Wiggins found Shane McLaughlin for 30 yards to put the Fire up 34-0. The Tigers capitalized off of a pass interference call and went deep shortly after to put themselves in the redzone for the first time of the contest. Savannah State (0-1) scored on a five-yard rush, but failed on the two-point conversion.
The Tigers tried to make a comeback, but ultimately fell to the Fire.
Wiggins finished with 187 passing yards, 75 rushing yards, and three total touchdowns. Viechec led with eight total tackles and a touchdown.
The Fire return home next Saturday to host Florida Memorial at 7 p.m.
Tickets for Saturday's game can be found at https://southeastern.universitytickets.com/w/?cid=169
