MONTGOMERY, Ala. — A record offensive performance helped Southeastern take over first place in the Mid-South Conference Sun Division.
The Fire totaled 43 first downs and 613 total yards on 99 plays in a 49-35 victory at Billy D. Hilyer Stadium.
The ground game was a big part of the success, totaling 449 yards on 72 carries. Freshman Kamario Bell led the way with a career-high 206 yards on 25 carries and two touchdowns.
“I can’t say enough about our offensive front,” said coach Keith Barefield. “They battled every inch of the way today. Our running backs were able to read their blocks and their keys and made great cuts and gave great effort.”
Bell’s first touchdown came with 6:56 left in the second quarter from nine yards out, to cap off a 12-play, 79-yard drive to put the Fire up 14-0.
Faulkner answered 45 seconds later with the first of three Clayton Nicholas TD passes to cut the deficit to seven.
Southeastern was able to answer with a six-yard TD pass by Railond Garrett to LaQuivionte Gonzalez. Jarrell Reynolds’ second touchdown run from 16 yards out followed a 27-yard TD pass by Faulkner to put Southeastern up 28-14 at the half.
The senior finished with 130 yards on 21 carries.
In the second half, the Fire offensive line took over, helping the Fire rush for 228 yards in the second half, and answer each Faulkner score.
“When you can come out on a hot day like this and play a full game and know you’re walking off the field as the team you just played is exhausted, and they couldn’t stop you because (of the conditioning) it makes you appreciate what we do,” said Barefield of his team’s conditioning.
Tyrell Williams added six and 16-yard touchdown runs in the second half to help close out the game.
With 5:00 to go, Bell scored for 48 yards out to give the Fire a 49-35 lead.
“We always try to play as a unit and play together,” said senior guard Cody McGahee. “We pick each other up and fight through adversity.”
On the next drive, the Eagles faced 3rd and 30 at their own 20 when Nicholas was intercepted by James Swain for the second time to close out the game.
Quarterback Jonathan Pearce finished the game 11-of-19 passing for 148 yards and added 47 yards rushing on 15 carries.
LaQuivionte Gonzalez was SEU’s top receiver, making six catches for 79 yards.
On defense, Swain was at the top of the tackle chart with eight, and added two pass break ups to go along with his two picks. Will Tillo added six tackles and a sack.
The Fire return home on October 21 to take on Webber International at 7 p.m.
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