LAKELAND, Fla.—Southeastern has a chance to move to 3-0 in Sun Conference play when it hosts Thomas University Saturday night.
This will be the first meeting between the teams on the gridiron as the Night Hawks are in their first season of college football.
Southeastern has won its last two contests, beating its fellow Polk County programs in Warner (54-9) and Webber International (17-9). The ground game took off against Warner to the tune of 210 yards and four touchdowns, and last week it was the passing game that set the tone with 214 yards.
Shane McLaughlin racked up a season-best 51 yards receiving during the contest.
The run game also did its part on Saturday with
Josiah Neos rushing for a season-high 96 yards and a touchdown.
"Our offensive line has gotten tough and has been aggressive and has taken a lot of pride in the run game," said coach
Adam Waugh. "I think confidence continues to build each week. Still some things to fix, but overall I'm pleased with that group and how they're progressing."
On defense, the Fire allowed 337 total yards but 71 came on the first drive where they came up with a red zone takeaway and 78 on the final play of the second quarter. The 15.4 points allowed per game by the Fire ranks 11
th nationally and the 253.2 yards per game allowed rank ninth nationally.
"They play really hard and play for each other," said Waugh of the defense. "It's truly team defense; it's not a star here or a star there. Everybody is contributing in a lot of different ways."
Thomas is searching for its first win but has been quite competitive in its first four games with a schedule ranked as the 16
th-toughest so far by the Massey Ratings. The Night Hawks have played two Top 10 teams in Bethel (Tenn.) and Keiser, both on the road. The game at Keiser was just a four-point margin at halftime and last week against Ave Maria, the Night Hawks fought back from a 28-0 deficit to make it a six-point game with 8:43 to play.
TU is the only military transition football program, which is dedicated to individuals returning from military service or preparing to enter military service. Of the 78 players on the roster, six have prior military service and 48 are current members of the National Guard. Former West Point quarterback Chris Carter has passed for 351 yards and three touchdowns.
Kickoff is at 7 p.m. and tickets are available at southeastern.universitytickets.com.
