Box Score

Cape Girardeau, Mo. (October 18, 2002) - The Southeast Missouri State football team had a 21-7 lead in the second quarter, but 23 unanswered points from Eastern Illinois led to 30-21 lead at the half, and the Panthers wouldn't let up rolling to a 44-27 win.

Eastern scored first as quarterback Tony Romo hit receiver Terrance sanders for an eight-yard pass.

Southeast scored on its next three possessions taking a quick 21-7 lead. Running back Keiki Misipeka had an eight yard run to start the scoring and Derek Kutz kicked through the extra point.

Quarterback Jack Tomco and receiver Willie Ponder made the play of the year as Tomco rolled out and hit Ponder in stride at the one yard line. The Eastern defenders upended the receiver forcing him into the end zone for the 39 yard touchdown.

Tomco then hit Ponder again, just at the start of the second quarter for a 13-yard pass. Kutz again put through the extra point, and the Indians led 21-7.

That would be the last score the Indians would see until the fourth quarter as Eastern put 30 unanswered points on the board to run the score to 37-21 at the end of the third quarter.

Southeast took the ball at its one yard line early in the fourth quarter and steamrolled 99 yard in 2:54 for the touchdown, capped off by a three-yard run from running back Keiki Misipeka. The Tribe tried for the two-point conversion, but were unsuccessful, and now trailed the Panthers 37-27.

Eastern added a late touchdown, as Romo, as he was being pressured in the backfield found his tight end, Nick Eller for a 36-yard touchdown pass. The score was 44-27, and that's how it ended as Southeast moved to 2-1 in the OVC and 5-3 overall. Eastern remains the only undefeated team in the league at 3-0 and 5-2 overall.

Southeast was led offensively by Ponder who had 153 yards on 10 receptions and two touchdowns. Running back Corey Kinsey had 94 yards on 18 carries and Tomco was 20-36 for 260 yards and two touchdowns. The two touchdowns gives Tomco the record at Southeast for touchdwon passes in a season with 19, passing Greg Brune.

Linebacker Ricky Farmer was the star defensively as he had 11 solo tackles and 14 overall, with a pass deflection and an interception return for 17 yards. Kelvin Jones had three tackles for a loss including a sack.

Southeast now prepares for Murray State next weekend at Murray. The game will be Murray's homecoming and the team will be looking for a bit of revenge as they were trampled today at Eastern Kentucky 31-7. The game will be televised nationally on Fox Sports South. Kickoff is slated for 1:30 p.m.