Stellar defense and a strong rushing attack were the key components as Southeastern notched its first win of the 2024 gridiron season with a 29-10 decision over Oklahoma Baptist last weekend at Paul Laird Field.
The Savage Storm defense put the clamps on the Bison most of the evening, yielding a measly 157 total yards while also coming up with a pair of key turnovers in addition to scoring a touchdown and safety themselves. Both OBU scoring drives came via short fields following Southeastern offensive miscues.
Meanwhile, the Savage Storm got the running game in high gear, especially after intermission with a three back set while grinding their way to 224 yards on the ground.
“That was the plan,” head coach Bo Atterberry laughed afterward about his defense controlling the game. “I was proud of those guys for bouncing back after getting some things cleaned up in practice this week following a tough outing last week. We were very happy about how they came out and performed.”
While the Savage Storm defense was allowing a grand total of only 29 total yards after the half, Southeastern’s offense was controlling the football for more than 22 of the 30 minutes following the break.
That offensive set had running back D.J. Brown as the read option signal caller with Jonathan Cobb Jr. and Donovan Shannon joining him much of the way. That trio combined for 233 rushing yards for the night – easily the team’s best ground showing of the season.
“D.J. is an old quarterback from high school, so he’s not totally unfamiliar back there,” Atterberry added. “It all starts with the guys up front in our ability to rush for that many yards though. We talked all week about finding a way to run the football and find a way to finish. I can’t be more proud of those guys and the coaching staff. It’s been a long week and I’m proud of them.”
Southeastern converted a Brown first period touchdown for its initial score before OBU tallied 10 straight points, capitalizing on an interception and short punt.
The Savage Storm immediately answered to retake command, driving 80 yards for a Shannon fouryard scoring burst.
Leading 14-10 early in the third, the hosts added another touchdown when Michael Hookfin fell on a Bison fumble in the end zone less then five into the second half.
Dylan Cox tossed in a 22- and 44-yard field goal before the final Southeastern points came thanks to a Dylan Sebock sack in the end zone for a safety.
Brown paced the rushing attack with 116 yards on 17 carries. Cobb tallied 13 rushes for 78 yards and Shannon chipped in 39 yards on five totes.
Braeden Winters had a huge night defensively with a team-high 12 tackles while Tre Martin had five stops and an interception.
Now 1-2 on the season, the Savage Storm will be back on the road this week looking to even their record at Northwestern for a 6 p.m. kickoff on Saturday.
