The Lions got their first win of the season in their home opener against the Savannah State Tigers with a final score of Southeastern, (1-1, 0-0) 63 Savannah State (0-2),  6 . The game saw the Lions rack up a total of 616 yards of offense and nine touchdowns, resulting in the fifth highest single game score in school history.

The game took place on Sept. 10 in Strawberry Stadium and added to the Lions’ perfect record (9-0) in home openers dating back to 2003. This meeting marked the first time that Southeastern has played an opponent from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

The first quarter opened with the Lions receiving the ball from the Tigers; as Savannah State chose to kick instead of receive after winning the coin toss. The kick, received by Jordan Wells, was run back for 44 yards.

On the opening drive, the Lions steadily made their way up the field. Quarterback Bryan Young completed his first pass of the game to Kory Theodore for an 11-yard gain. He followed that up with a seven yard run and a pass to Zeke Jones for 12 yards and a first down. The drive was capped off after a 16-yard pass to Brandon Collins and a 1-yard touchdown carry by Jones.

Jones would end the night scoring three touchdowns, tying his career high from 2010 set against Lamar.

“It is a good accomplishment, but all I am worried about is our team winning every week,” said Jones about tying his record.

The Lions’ defense proved too much for Savannah State as the Tigers were forced to punt on their opening drive. On the Tigers’ second drive, quarterback Alfred Defilippis completed a 35-yard pass to wide receiver Dylan Cook. The Lions’ defense regained their composure, however, and stopped the Tigers on the 10-yard line, forcing the Tigers to kick a 27-yard field goal bringing the score to Southeastern 7, Savannah State 3.

The Lions received the ball with three minutes left in the first quarter. They used the time to take the ball from their own 32 yard line down to the Tigers’ 17 yard line. At the beginning of the second quarter, the Lions scored on another one yard Jones run.

On their opening drive of the second quarter, the Tigers took the ball from their own 35 yard line to Southeastern’s 22, but again the Lions’ defense tightened, holding the Tigers to a 39 yard field goal.

In the second quarter, the Lions used both quarterbacks Nathan Stanley and Young to continue their offensive success.

“We went into the game with the mentality that we were going to rotate two guys,” said head coach Mike Lucas. “Both of them played well and, as long as they continue to play well, we will continue to play both of them.”

The Lions scored four more touchdowns in the second quarter. Jones, Young, wide receiver Brandon Collins and wide receiver Simmie Yarborough all scored. Young scored on a short run, Collins received a five yard touchdown pass and Yarborough scored on a 13-yard pass, bringing the score at the end of the half to Southeastern 42, Savannah State 6.

Savannah State received the ball at the beginning of the second half. The Tigers drive lasted only four plays as the Lions’ defense forced them to punt. Collins returned the punt for a career long 32-yards. This long run was capped off by a Collins touchdown, scored on a five yard pass from Stanley.

During the second half, the Lions brought in most of their second team. Both sides of the ball continued to perform well as the offense continued to score and the defense continued to deny Savannah State a scoring opportunity.

“We played the second team almost the entire second half, the second defensive line got good pressure on the quarterback,” Lucas said about the changes during the second half. “Success breeds confidence.”

The defenses’ biggest play of the evening came on an interception of Savannah State quarterback Antonio Bostick by Keiron Jones. Jones’ interception marked the first forced turnover for Southeastern of the season.

The Lions play their next game on the road at Southern Mississippi.