Southeastern’s offense cruised 65 yards to paydirt on the game’s opening possession but was stymied the rest of the way in a tough 16-14 loss at Southern Arkansas last week.
The Savage Storm slipped to 4-6 on the season and will close the 2025 campaign at home Saturday at noon against arch-rival East Central.
It got off to a great start for Southeastern freshman quarterback Colton Howard in his first start as he completed all five passes on the opening possession with Donovan Shannon adding 17- and 28-yard runs to put the Savage Storm in front 7-0.
Only one Savage Storm possession penetrated into Mulerider territory after that however and the Southeastern defense was playing with its backs to the proverbial wall.
Southern Arkansas tied the game early in the second stanza and cashed in a pair of third quarter interceptions for field goals that put the hosts ahead to stay.
The Savage Storm defense continued to hold its ground in forcing another field goal early in the final frame and eventually got on the board itself by blocking a fourth field goal attempt, which Kole McKnight returned 72 yards for a touchdown with 6:17 remaining.
Southeastern got the ball back with 1:42 at its own 14 yard line and picked up a pair of first downs before a third interception sealed the Mulerider triumph.
Howard completed 23 of 32 through the air for 146 yards with Sean Steens snagging eight of those for 42 yards. Shannon tallied 64 yards on eight rushing attempts.
