There is only one chance at a first impression.

In the 120 years of college football at Southeast Missouri State, the Redhawks have never been featured on ESPN.

The World Wide Leader gave them that rare opportunity by pairing the Redhawks with the North Alabama Lions in the FCS Kickoff. SEMO made quite the first impression by crushing UNA 37-15 on Saturday, August 24, at the Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Alabama.

“This is a big moment,” said SEMO head coach Tom Matukewicz. “It’s not just about our program, it’s about our university. You got SEMO on national television and the national spotlight at 6 p.m. You get our region and our people, and just so many people have bought into our program and sacrificed a lot to build it to where it’s about now we have the ability to have a profile that gets to be on ESPN. So this is a true community style win.”

In the weeks leading up to the start of the season, Matukewicz said his team needs to make sure the national audience “remembers the Redhawks” when this game is over. They certainly sent a message with their 22-point win.

“I think it just shows how we’re going to play this season,” SEMO freshman running back Peyton Brown said. “If they didn’t know that SEMO was ready to go, they do now. They should.”

In his college football debut, Brown was named FCS Kickoff MVP for rushing for 97 yards and three touchdowns. It was a surprise to everyone but him.

“I’m always mentally preparing like that’s going to happen,” Brown said.

Brown’s three scores tied an FCS Kickoff single-game record. It made his debut all the more special, considering he and Brandon Epton Jr., who turned in 123 all-purpose yards, are meant to replace the legendary production of Geno Hess.

“He’s not a normal freshman,” Matukewicz said. “We thought he was good when we signed him. We were a little surprised at how sudden, he just really processed pretty quickly. A kid that size, you assume that it might take him a little bit to build that Division I quickness, but really he’s off and running.”

Through a series of short rushes and 1-yard touchdown scores, Brown was the blunt instrument the Redhawks continuously used on the Lions. Eventually, the defense broke and Brown ran wild for a 25-yard touchdown in the middle of the second half, where the Redhawks outscored the Lions 24-0.

“I always feel like it starts small and you just keep working until you punching it down,” Brown said. “The little runs, they add up, and then you hit a big one.”

Disaster struck early for the Redhawks as senior starting quarterback Paxton DeLaurent injured his shoulder when he took a big hit after a 15-yard scramble in the second quarter. DeLaurent completed 14 of 17 passes for 96 yards and a touchdown pass to Cam Pedro in their first offensive drive of the game.

Carter Hensley came in relief and completed 10-of-14 passes for 100 yards. He also broke free for a 47-yard run and scored a touchdown on the ground later in the game.

“I loved how they responded when the quarterback went down,” Matukewicz said. “So happy and proud of my football team.”

Despite losing DeLaurent to injury and starting middle linebacker Mali Walton after a targeting penalty, the Redhawks went into halftime only down 15-13. “We’re fine” was Matukewicz’s message to his team in the locker room during halftime.

“Lock in, do your job to the best of your ability, and we’ll get going,” Matukewicz said.

The defense locked the Lions down by not allowing them to score in the second half. Adrian Patterson and Justus Johnson each intercepted North Alabama quarterback Ari Patu, who finished the game with 12 completions for 104 yards.

Walton’s disqualification led to Jared Pedraza spending more time in the main lineup and making an impact with four tackles, a sack, and a fumble recovery.

“We knew he was kind of a playmaker,” Matukewicz said of Pedraza. “He made some plays on the quarterback. Then obviously, that was just a great pick that he took the ball away there.”

DC Pippin kicked a 41-yard field goal in the fourth quarter to cap the scoring for the Redhawks.

Jayvian Allen led North Alabama in rushing with a game-high 100 yards and a touchdown. The Lions will lick their wounds and travel to Memphis to take on the Tigers on August, 31.

The Redhawks will soar to Las Cruces, NM, to take on New Mexico State on Aug, 31.