UNA Football lost its road contest against Southeast Missouri State University this past Saturday, ending the game with a final score of 30-21.
After leading in the first quarter following a one-yard touchdown sneak from quarterback Ari Patu, SEMO would take the lead back, scoring 30 unanswered points. The Lions wouldn’t score again until the fourth quarter, managing two touchdowns. The effort would not be enough to outrun the Redhawks.
Despite the loss, UNA did pull some notable statistics out of the game.
280 rushing yards from the Lions make the third-highest rushing game for the team during Brent Dearmon’s time as head coach. It is also the most rushing yards the team has had in a loss since 2022.
The UNA defense also had a solid effort against the Redhawks, getting four sacks against the Redhawks all in the first half, totaling for 24 lost yards. Jyheam Ingram and Seth Hampton would lead the Lions with seven tackles each, with Fred Vili also contributing six tackles with one for loss.
UNA’s season has been off to a rocky start, as they have gone 0-2 so far, with the loss to SEMO coming right after a 55-6 blowout loss to Western Kentucky on Aug. 30.
Southeast Missouri now leads the all-time series with UNA. The Lions had led the series from the 1950s until SEMO tied the series last year.
UNA will play the first of its final home games at Braly Stadium this upcoming Saturday, Sept. 13, when the Lions host Northeastern State at 6 p.m.
