Southeast Missouri State wins the 10th annual FCS Kickoff over North Alabama

Cramton Bowl – The College football season kicked off in the River Region as Southeast Missouri State defeated North Alabama 27-15 in the FCS Kickoff Classic.

SEMO marched down the field scoring on its first offensive drives and forced two early turnovers from North Alabama. However, starting quarterback Paxton Delaurent was sidelined for a shoulder injury after taking a massive hit late in the first quarter.

North Alabama took full advantage forcing a fumble on backup Carter Hensley, leading to an Ari Patu quarterback keeper to take the lead going into the halftime mark.

Three second half scores from SEMO made the game out of reach for North Alabama, as they finished scoreless the entire second half.

More: Alabama high school football player dies after suffering head injury during game

SEMO dominate despite Delaurent’s injury

Before Delaurent was sidelined for SEMO, he completed 14 of 17 passes for 97 yards and a score. Freshman running back Payton Brown carried the load for the offense finishing with three rushing touchdowns in his first collegiate ballgame.

After a nearly scoreless third quarter, Brown broke for 25-yard rushing score to give SEMO a one possession lead heading into the final quarter. His third came at the start of the fourth quarter, as he tied the FCS Kickoff rushing touchdown record originally set by Jacksonville State’s quarterback Zion Webb in 2022.

Southeast Missouri State Redhawks running back Payton Brown (22) celebrates his touchdown as North Alabama Lions face off with Southeast Missouri State Redhawks during the FCS Kickoff game at Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Ala., on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024. North Alabama Lions leads Southeast Missouri State Redhawks 15-13 at halftime.

Carter Hensley completed for 10 of 14 passes for 100 yards and a rushing score. Brown added 97 yards to the rushing attack and…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/southeast-missouri-state-wins-10th-023754037.html

Author : The Montgomery Advertiser

Publish date : 2024-08-25 02:37:54

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