Harris' string of 100-yard games ends in Southeast football win

~ The running back ran for 71 yards, his fewest since the season opener

Southeast Missouri State won a football game without senior tailback Henry Harris rushing for at least 100 yards for the first time this season.

Harris did not seem bothered in the least that his school-record streak of seven straight 100-yard performances ended during Saturday's 24-17 home victory over Tennessee-Martin. It was the Redhawks' eighth consecutive triumph.

"I've never focused on trying to get 100 yards," said Harris, who came out of the game several times after being shaken up only to return on each occasion. "The big thing we focus on is wins. It's just a team effort, not about me."

Harris finished with 71 yards on 28 carries, marking his fewest yards since gaining 50 yards in a season-opening loss at Ball State. He did much of his damage in the fourth quarter after having just 15 yards on 15 attempts through three periods.

"I didn't think I'd have 100 yards every game," Harris said.

Harris scored two touchdowns from 8 yards out, both in the fourth quarter. They came after UTM twice had pulled within three points.

Despite not putting up gaudy numbers, Harris continued one of the top seasons by a running back in school history.

Harris, already the fourth Southeast player to rush for at least 1,000 yards in a season, moved into second place on the single-season list with 1,200 yards.

With two games left, Harris is well within striking distance of single-season record-holder Kelvin "Earthquake Anderson, who gained 1,371 yards in 1992.

Harris ranks sixth in career rushing yards with 2,238. He is less than 200 yards out of third place.

Harris has 14 touchdowns, tied for fourth on the single-season list and just three behind the leader. His 13 rushing touchdowns are tied for third, also three behind the leader.

With 229 carries, Harris needs only eight more to set the single-season record. He is sixth in career carries with 456.

Additionally, Harris already is second at Southeast in single-season all-purpose yardage and career kickoff return average (23.62).

Wowed by the crowd

Saturday's announced attendance for homecoming was 11,126, the largest recorded Houck Stadium crowd in school history. The previous record was 11,100 in 2003 against SIU.

"That was impressive," Southeast coach Tony Samuel said. "We've been scrapping for a long time. It's great to get the support."

Said senior linebacker Joshua Jackson: "The crowd gets better and better every week. It amazes me the support we're getting."

Added sophomore defensive end Justin Love: "It's the first time I've had a crowd like that. It was electrifying."

Noteworthy

* Sophomore linebackers Blake Peiffer and Darrick Borum both had eight tackles to lead the Redhawks. Borum also recovered a fumble.

Jackson, senior tackle J.J. Sanchez and sophomore safety Tylor Brock all added seven tackles. Love had 1.5 sacks and two quarterback hurries. Jackson had a sack and Sanchez recorded a half-sack.

* Southeast takes a break from Ohio Valley Conference play when Division II Southwest Baptist (7-2) visits Saturday in the Redhawks' final home game.

The last time those teams met, which was in 2008, Southeast trailed 28-12 in the fourth quarter before forcing overtime and winning 35-28.