COACH'S CORNER: SEMO COACH REFLECTS ON 1997 SEASON

As indicated earlier, Tennessee State proved to be very explosive last Saturday and we lost a tough 32-27 decision in our final game of the Southeast Missouri State season.

TSU used the big play throughout the game as their scores came from at least 35 yards out each time. Their quarterback and wide receiver combination provided most of their firepower.

The Tigers did break a long run for a touchdown on a draw play late in the game that provided their margin of victory. We did miss several tackles on that play. Until the long TD run our defense had stopped TSU for most of the second half.

Offensively, we ran 93 plays to TSU's 70 and controlled the time of possession by 13 minutes. We rolled up 420 yards and established a punishing ground attack with Britt Mirgaux and Corey Williams rushing for over 120 yards apiece. We did commit five turnovers, most in the first half, that hurt our team's momentum.

Late in the second half we had a fourth-and-half yard on the TSU 2. We were down five points and chose to go for the first down or touchdown. To everyone in Houck Stadium it "appeared" that Mirgaux's lunge had more than provided enough yardage for the first down -- that is, everyone except the line judge, who's mark came up short and gave TSU the ball back.

TSU then hit the long TD on the draw play that gave them the win.

It's obvious that our 4-7 final record was disappointing based on the returning players and new signees. Four games -- Murray, Tennessee Tech, Eastern Kentucky and TSU -- all were winnable toward the end and could have gone either way.

Toward the end of the year our team showed a great deal of character in coming from behind to win. Our defense played well all year and always seemed to answer when needed.

Offensively, there is no question that we jelled into a formidable group. As our line improved, so did our offensive output.

We have an excellent group of players coming back. If these young men will continue to look forward, stay together and not compromise anything on or off the field, then the future looks bright. We will hit the recruiting trail for a few junior college players and several high school players, hopefully from the immediate area.

We are going to miss 12 very good people departing our team as seniors. On offense, Justin Martini, Dan Clauss and Aaron Layne; specialists Eric Warren and Justin Terrill; and on defense, Angel Rubio, Damon Hendrick, Steve Ledbetter, Andrew Joyce, Ronnie Smith, Willie Davis and Mike Reece. We wish them all the happiness and success in their futures.

Now that all the speculation about our football staff has been put to rest with a contract extension, we would like to thank our administration for their patience and recognition of the improvement in our team. Also, to the people who have backed our staff in the community, we send our sincere thanks.

We wish everyone a blessed holiday season and hope that you and your families stay healthy, happy and safe.

See you out in spring football.

John Mumford is the head football coach at Southeast Missouri State University