St. Vincent grad earns first start vs. Southeast

St. Vincent High School graduate Waylon Richardet made a triumphant return to his home area.

Richardet, a sophomore defensive tackle at Missouri State, received his first collegiate start Saturday night as the Bears beat Southeast Missouri State 45-28.

The 6-foot-1, 255-pound Richardet was all smiles following his first-ever football game at Houck Stadium, which was played in front of numerous family members and friends who made the short trip from Perryville.

"It's neat to be back here," Richardet said.

Richardet had been listed third on the MSU depth chart, but since the Bears rotate six defensive tackles every game, he was seeing considerable action.

Saturday, however, marked the first time he had lined up with the MSU first unit to begin a game.

"I found out early this week," Richardet said. "I was excited."

Richardet made his presence felt with two tackles to match his total from the first two games.

More importantly to Richardet, the Bears (1-2) notched their first win.

"It's real nice to break through," he said.

After redshirting at MSU in 2006, Richardet had 11 tackles last season. Among his 2007 highlights was a 75-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against Southeast. He also had his only career sack in that game, a 55-17 MSU romp in Springfield.

Richardet, who led St. Vincent to the Class 1A state title as a junior in 2004, said he made a wise choice in electing to attend MSU.

"I like all the coaches and I think the program is headed up," said Richardet, majoring in administrative management. "I think it's a good fit for me."

Statistically speaking

Southeast outgained an opponent for the first time this season, holding a 445 to 314 edge in total yards.

Senior quarterback Houston Lillard completed 30 of 44 passes for 331 yards and three touchdowns. All the TDs and 264 of the yards came in the second half.

But Lillard was intercepted three times after entering the contest having been picked off only once. Two of the interceptions were returned for touchdowns.

Junior wide receiver Brad Stewart led Southeast with eight catches for 93 yards, including a 20-yard touchdown.

Senior wide receiver Mike Williamson caught six passes for 83 yards, including a 36-yard touchdown.

Junior wide out Walter Peoples added six receptions for 61 yards. He scored on a 22-yard catch.

Sophomore tailback Henry Harris was Southeast's leading rusher for the second straight game, with 36 yards on 10 carries. He also caught five passes for 34 yards.

Senior linebacker Nick Stauffer, who entered the game ranked ninth nationally in tackles per game with just over 12, led Southeast with 13 tackles.

Stauffer and senior defensive end Ben Gugler had the Redhawks' quarterback sacks.

For MSU, sophomore quarterback Cody Kirby completed his first 11 passes. He finished 20 of 27 for 195 yards and two touchdowns.

Jones, Grassi hurt

Southeast's starting running backs both suffered injuries that sidelined them for the rest of the game.

Sophomore Mike Jones injured his right ankle midway through the first quarter.

Junior fullback Nick Grassi injured his left leg on the second-half kickoff.

Jones and Grassi spent the rest of the contest on crutches along the sideline.