Fire Hit the Road for Rivalry Showdown

LAKELAND, Fla. -- No. 17 Southeastern hits the road this weekend for a Sun Conference rivalry matchup at Webber International. Kickoff is set for Saturday, October 18, at 1:30 p.m. from Warrior Field in Babson Park, Florida. The Fire return to action following a 69-0 home win over Thomas, while Webber enters on a two-game win streak after conference victories against Warner and Ave Maria.
 
Southeastern enters the matchup 4-1 overall and 1-1 in Sun Conference play, ranking 8th in the NAIA in rushing offense (217.4 yards per game) and 19th in scoring offense (39.8 points per game). The Fire defense has been among the best in the country, holding opponents to 14.8 points and 248.8 total yards per game, ranking 9th nationally in total defense. 

Webber stands at 4-2 overall and 2-0 in conference, averaging 24.5 points per game and 252.7 yards of total offense, while limiting opponents to 21.0 points and 344.7 yards per game.

Fans can watch Saturday's game live on the Urban Edge Network (UEN) — available on smart TVs and mobile devices via the UEN app — or stream the broadcast online at fire.seu.edu/watchUEN. Live stats and real-time play-by-play updates will be provided throughout the contest at fire.seu.edu/sidearmstats/football. Complete coverage, including postgame recaps and highlights, can be found at SEUFire.com and across SEU Athletics' social media platforms.

Fire Facts & Fast Starts
Southeastern returns to familiar territory this weekend, making another trip to Babson Park to take on Webber International. The Fire have been perfect in previous visits, entering Saturday's contest 3-0 all-time in Babson Park. Overall, SEU holds a 79-29 all-time record and a 47-15 mark in Sun Conference play, continuing a legacy of sustained success in its 10th season of competition.

The Fire have historically thrived in October and on weekends, posting a 31-11 record in October games and 74-28 on Saturdays. Southeastern is also 2-0 in day games this season and 23-10 all-time when kicking off under the afternoon sun. Playing in-state has long been an advantage as well, with the Fire boasting a 63-22 record in games played in Florida.

As for this calendar date, October 18 carries an opportunity for redemption. The Fire are 0-1 all-time on this day, falling 38-35 at Ave Maria back in 2014. Eleven years later, Southeastern will look to change that mark and continue its strong track record in Babson Park.

Middle Eight Mastery
SEU has owned the "Middle Eight" this season—the pivotal stretch spanning the final four minutes of the first half and the first four minutes of the second. Through five games, the Fire have outscored opponents 65–14 during that period, consistently using those moments to seize momentum and control the flow of play.

The dominance was on full display last week, when SEU posted a 28–0 Middle Eight margin against Thomas, turning a strong start into a runaway 69–0 victory. In fact, Florida Memorial remains the only opponent to score on Southeastern during that window all season, underscoring the Fire's ability to both close and open halves with efficiency and energy.

Red Zone Heat Check
Efficiency has been a calling card for Southeastern's offense all season, particularly inside the 20-yard line. The Fire have converted 26 of 29 red zone trips (90%) into points, with one of the three empty possessions coming on a kneel-down to end a game. Even more impressive, 21 of those 26 scores (72%) have been touchdowns, demonstrating SEU's ability to finish drives with authority. The Fire's 26 total red zone scores rank tied for 7th nationally, while their 21 touchdowns stand 10th-most in the NAIA.

Defensively, Southeastern has been equally impressive when opponents reach the red zone. The Fire have allowed points on just 7 of 10 opponent trips (70%) and limited foes to five touchdowns (50%), forcing field goals or turnovers on nearly half of all red zone chances. 

Rising in the Ranks
Southeastern continues to gain national recognition as the Fire climb through the midseason polls. SEU enters the week ranked No. 17 in the NAIA Coaches' Poll, marking another strong showing among the nation's elite programs. The Fire also hold the No. 16 spot in the Victory Sports Network (VSN) rankings and are listed No. 23 by NAIAFBall, reflecting consistent respect across multiple national outlets.

In the computer and analytical ratings, Southeastern remains well-positioned among top-30 programs nationwide. The Fire sit No. 29 in the Massey Ratings, No. 25 in the Wolfe Ratings, No. 32 in the Talisman Red rankings, and No. 37 in the VSS model.

Air Command – Passing Leaders
Southeastern's passing game has been sharp and efficient through five games, averaging 175.6 yards per outing while completing over 61 percent of its attempts. Quarterback Nate Mikell has provided steady leadership, connecting on 59 of 96 passes (61%) for 772 yards and four touchdowns, including a long of 59 yards. Backup Zach Pleuss has been strong in limited action, adding 106 yards and two scores on 10-of-15 passing, helping SEU total six touchdown passes this season.

Ground Force – Rushing Leaders
The Fire's identity continues to be built around their dominant ground attack, ranking among the NAIA's top rushing teams at 217.4 rushing yards per game. Curtis Kimmons leads the way with 382 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging 5.9 yards per carry. Jocquet Jiles has added 234 yards and three scores, while SEU's backfield depth has produced 18 rushing touchdowns overall, averaging nearly six yards per carry as a team.

Hands of Fire – Receiving Leaders
SEU's aerial attack has featured balanced production across multiple targets. Kamonte Grimes leads with 201 yards on 13 receptions, and Joseph Key follows with 154 yards. Daithan Davis has made the most of his touches, catching two touchdown passes in just three games, while Tre McClellan and David Pomales have each added a score to a unit that's averaging over 12.7 yards per catch this season.

Wall of Flame – Offensive Line Leaders
The Fire offensive line has set the tone all season, paving the way for SEU's explosive rushing offense while keeping quarterbacks upright. The unit—featuring Kody Chisholm, Dylon Manganelli, Sebastian Flamenco, Dendric Reynolds, and Rickenson Jeantihomme—has started a combined 23 games this year and has been a model of consistency. Their protection has helped SEU allow only six sacks in five games, while powering a ground attack that averages 217.4 yards per game and 5.7 yards per carry. The group's physicality and communication have been key to maintaining balance across an offense averaging nearly 400 total yards per game.

Hit Squad – Tackle Leaders
Defensively, Southeastern's front seven has been the anchor of one of the NAIA's stingiest units. Thomas Ibrahim leads the team with 30 total tackles and has been a disruptive force up front. Michyl Shaw (28 tackles) and Brady Nowlan (25) have been consistent playmakers, combining for seven tackles for loss. Collectively, SEU defenders have recorded 38 tackles for loss and have held opponents to under 250 yards per game.

Pressure Cooker – Sack Leaders
The Fire's defensive front has been relentless, generating 15 total sacks for 111 yards. Thomas Ibrahim anchors the pass rush with 6.5 sacks, a mark that ranks tied for fourth-most in the NAIA this season. Supporting efforts have come from Brady Nowlan (2.0 sacks), Cole Highsmith (1.5), and Carlos Gerardino (1.0). Southeastern's consistent pressure has been a major factor in holding opponents to just 166 passing yards per game.

Ball Hawks – Interception Leaders
Southeastern's secondary has thrived on takeaways, collecting six interceptions for 127 yards and one touchdown. Jamil Jones leads the group with two picks for 36 return yards, while Ian Jolly, Cliff Bridges, Cole Highsmith, and Willie Hill each have one. Bridges' 32-yard interception return for a touchdown highlights the unit's ability to turn defense into points.

Special Forces – Special Teams Leaders
Special teams have quietly played a major role in Southeastern's success. Joel McGrath has connected on 7-of-10 field goals (70%), including two from 40-plus yards, and is 18-of-20 on extra points. In the return game, Jamil Jones is averaging 18.3 yards per punt return, while Joseph Key leads all kick returners with a 27.0-yard average. The Fire have also maintained strong field position all season, posting a 42.8-yard net average on kickoffs and a 35.3-yard net on punts, keeping pressure on opposing offenses from the start.

Scouting the Warriors
Webber International enters Saturday's matchup at 4-2 overall and 2-0 in Sun Conference play, riding a two-game winning streak that includes victories over Warner (34–27) and Ave Maria (33–16). The Warriors have shown steady improvement throughout the season, averaging 24.5 points per game while holding opponents to 21.0 points per game. Their offense has leaned on balance, averaging 133.7 rushing yards and 119.0 passing yards per game for 252.7 total yards of offense.

Defensively, Webber has been opportunistic, recording 15 sacks and nine interceptions through six games. The Warriors have been particularly strong in the red zone, scoring on 12 of 13 trips (92%) and holding opponents to just 16 scores on 18 attempts (89%). Linebacker Caden Morrell leads the team with 39 total tackles and 4.0 sacks, while the unit's ability to win the turnover battle (+6 margin) has been a key to their recent success

Series Sparks
Southeastern holds a decisive edge in the all-time series, leading 9–2 against Webber International. The Fire are 5–1 at home and 4–1 on the road, having outscored the Warriors by a combined 323–137 margin (29.4–12.5 average) since the series began in 2014. SEU has won nine of the last ten meetings, including two straight, and shut out the Warriors 45–0 in last season's matchup at Victory Field.

Next Up: Battle in the 305
Southeastern turns its attention to another marquee Sun Conference matchup next weekend, hitting the road to face No. 8 St. Thomas University. Kickoff is set for Saturday, October 25, at 12 p.m. from AutoNation Field in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Fire will look to build on their conference momentum against a nationally ranked Bobcat squad in a showdown with significant postseason implications.