Southeastern fell 28-27 to River Bell Classic rival Nicholls State University on Thursday night to finish the regular season 7-4. 

With the loss the Lions did not win the Southland Conference Championship and did not receive an automatic bid into the FCS Playoffs. 

Head coach Frank Scelfo talked about what went wrong for the Lions. 

“We talked to everyone before the game and told them that turnovers would be the determining,” shared Scelfo. “What do you know? We had a few turnovers in the first half which really hurt us. You can’t turn the ball over in these big games.”

Scelfo explained why he thinks Southeastern deserves a spot in the FCS playoffs despite the loss.

“These guys have a ton of fight in them and they never give up,” said Scelfo. “I would go to war with these guys behind my back. I think we deserve a spot I mean we are a good team. We have lost our four games by one possession. I don’t know how the selection committee works but I feel we deserve a spot in the playoffs.”

A fumble from junior quarterback Cole Kelley sealed the victory for the Colonels; Scelfo talked about the controversial play.

“I didn’t have a good angle on the ball so I couldn’t really see too well,” commented Scelfo. “I know Cole was adimate and said that he had possession of the ball. He was upset after the game and felt the loss was on his shoulders. I told him you win as a team and you lose as a team.”

Dominic Lamm, a freshman linebacker, talked about how even though his interception was good the team did not achieve their ultimate goal.

“The interception felt great,” shared Lamm. “I read Chase’s eyes when I dropped back in zone three and read the play. Even though it felt great we didn’t accomplish our ultimate goal.”

Sophomore kicker Bryce Broussard missed an extra point attempt in the fourth quarter which helped Nicholls get the 28-27.

The Lions will find out Sunday, Nov. 24 whether or not they have earned a spot in the FCS Playoffs.