After two weeks of play on the road, Lion football will return to Strawberry Stadium on Oct. 5 to take on Incarnate Word during the 2013 the Hall of Fame game.
After a victory over the Samford State Bulldogs Saturday, Sept. 21, for the first non-conference win outside of Strawberry Stadium since 2008 and a record 309 rushing yards earned, the team will take the field Saturday 2-2 in hopes of a third win.
Although quarterback Bryan Bennett was removed from the game early due to a leg injury, the Lions were able to rely on junior Jordan Barnett to step up for the team. Barnett completed 10 passes for 155 yards and a touchdown, in addition to rushing on 15 carries for a 58-yard total during the game.
Junior Isaiah Kepley earned the first touchdown of his career with the Lions and was the top receiver catching four balls for 107 yards. Sophomores Kody Sutton (25 carries, 100 yards, 2 TD), Xavier Roberson (8 carries, 94 yards, 1 TD) and Rasheed Harrell (17 carries, 53 yards) led the Lions in rushing.
Defense was led by sophomore Josh Dakin and senior John Graves, each with five tackles, and seniors Cqulin Hubert and Greg Triay, who added sacks for the Lions.  Senior Kevin Harmon also recovered a forced fumble by junior Tyler Stoddard.  
Ending the game 34-31, the Lions achieved victory after two consecutive losses of the 2013 season and will face the Cardinals (2-2) who are coming off a 52-21 loss to the top 10 ranked Sam Houston State Bearkats (3-1).
Due to an off-week, head coach Ron Roberts could not be reached for comment.
Felton Huggins, Chris Carter and Nate Loften will be recognized during half time as the 2013 inductees to the Southeastern Hall of Fame. Due to coaching obligations, Huggins will not be in attendance at the reception or half-time presentation.
“We feel like they’re a real good class,” said Larry Hymel, Alumni Director. “Unfortunately, Felton Huggins will not be there. He’s coaching at LaGrange College and could not get off. It’s killing him. It’s killing us because he’s very deserving.”
The three will join 128 former Lion athletes in the Hall of Fame, bringing the total to 131 members at an average of three selected athletes each year with five being the largest number of inductees in one year.
“This year will bring the total number in the Hall of Fame to 131. The last couple years we’ve had about 10-12 families [of deceased Hall of Fame members] represented. Last year we had an all-time high of that. We had 15, and this year I think we have about 10-12,” said Hymel. “Five is the most [inductees] we’ve ever had, but usually it’s averaged about three. That’s a good average we’ve had that for the last few years, three. It’s not set in stone. If 10 get the amount of votes they’re supposed to get, 10 will go in. The committee [including the athletic director, sports information director, faculty athletics chair, ‘S’ Club representative Hall of Fame member, Alumni Association member and an at-large representative appointed by the athletic director] votes on those who they think are worthy, and if they get the minimum of votes that they have to get then they’ll be elected.”
Inductees will be acknowledge at a reception in their honor prior to the game. The reception will be held at 4 p.m. in the University Center, where current Hall of Fame Members and guests will gather for celebration.
“I think we’ve really dressed [the reception] up in the last few years, and then at the football game at half time every year we introduce each Hall of Fame member that’s present. At that time the three inductees are given their Hall of Fame plaques,” said Hymel. “We’re expecting at the reception about 100. We allow the inductees to invite about 10 people to the induction. It usually runs from 100-150, depending on the situation.”
The Hall of Fame Game will be broadcast live on KSLU 90.9 FM, in addition to Northshore Broadcasting stations including Kajun 107.1 FM and The Joint 104.7 FM. For more information, statistics and game day coverage visit www.lionsports.net. Fans can also access the game using the TuneIn Radio app or The Southeastern Channel, channel 18 with tape delay.