SEMO football among the big disappointments

The Cardinals didn't make the playoffs for the first time in four years. Kurt Warner isn't exactly carrying out his Super Bowl plans with the Rams that he spoke of in preseason. Two sad tales for fans of Midwest sports.

There is no tale more disappointing than the story of the 2003 Southeast Missouri State University football team. The disappointment surrounding this season is only equaled, perhaps, by its mystery.

Coach Tim Billings said the team had "a sense of renewal and excitement" before the 41-31 drubbing at the hands of Samford. He also said "it's time to put up or shut up."

The Indians were perhaps more eager to begin conference play than they were to begin the regular season. Eager to erase the 0-4 record the media and fans were holding above their heads.

So when the Indians fell Saturday night, they fell hard and, sadly, they may not get up.

Team Enigma now sits at 0-5 and in the cellar of a conference they hoped to win.

The goal of winning the conference title is fading now. It is still attainable but it has taken a back seat to the new goal: Win at least one game this year.

The story for the Indians will continue to unfold next week. Your story unfolds now in the week ahead:

Tuesday

Central's soccer team is untouchable. The team is 10-0 for the first time in who knows when, but it will be a fight to get to 11 straight. Carbondale visits Shawnee Park to take on unbeaten Central at 7 p.m.

There are few volleyball games that earn a spot in The Week Ahead. This one is worthy of print. Advance, ranked fourth in the SEMO Top 10 volleyball poll last week, travels to Cape Girardeau to face No. 1 Notre Dame at 7 p.m. I smell an upset.

Thursday

No one wants to lose their homecoming game. That's probably why Central scheduled Dexter for this week at 7 p.m.

Friday

Southeast won its first OVC volleyball match Saturday against Tennessee Tech. Now, the Otahkians try for No. 2 against the state of Tennessee. Tennessee State at Southeast at 7 p.m.

Jackson warms up for its showdown against Central the following week when it hosts Fort Zumwalt North.

Saturday

What was that I was saying about no one wanting to lose their homecoming game? Maybe the Indians can draw some excitement from the festivities surrounding the game, but they can't draw any energy from empty stands. Eastern Illinois at Southeast 11:30 a.m.

If you can't wait for the NHL regular season next week, make the drive to Nashville for the final preseason game. The Blues play the Predators at 5 p.m.

David Wilson is a sportswriter for the Southeast Missourian and a student at Central High school. His column "The Week Ahead" appears every Monday.