How can a homecoming loss translate into one of the biggest football games for Southeast Missouri State University in school history?

Easy: baby steps.

The Eastern Illinois game wasn't about winning or losing, it was about having a chance to play for something meaningful: the lead in the OVC and a spot in the Division I-AA Top 25.

Southeast was playing Saturday for something worthwhile and that's how a program gets turned around. After all, the first step toward winning a title is playing for one.

"People will drive right up your driveway and they won't even know why. ... People will come Ray. People will most definitely come."

This is the field of dreams for the Indians. Big games equal big crowds. Southeast is building it. The first wall was erected Saturday. Will people come?

The Indians' effort was noble but it wasn't enough to win the game. It was enough to win some fans. I know, because now I'm one of them.

It would be easy for fans to say, "they're the same old Indians." Clearly they're not. The old Indians wouldn't be in the position this team is in.

So don't give up on the Indians yet. They may have lost the battle, but the war is still going. If the Indians continue to put themselves in a position to win big games they will, eventually. People will come, it just takes time ... baby steps.

I know it can be hectic planning your week, so maybe you should take baby steps, too. Just take it one day at a time:

Wednesday

Many battles have been waged on Shawnee's soccer fields, but none like this one. It's the battle of the hair: blonde vs. shaggy. Haven't you noticed? The Notre Dame players dyed their hair blonde. The Central players go for the longer mop-top look. It doesn't really matter, but seriously, what's the deal guys? Here's the deal with their history: Notre Dame took the first meeting this year 2-1. One of the great rivalries in area soccer is at 7 p.m.

Thursday

It doesn't get much bigger than this. No. 1 at No. 2. Notre Dame and Leopold battle for the top spot in the SEMO Top 10 volleyball poll. Leopold will host with the junior varsity beginning at 6 p.m.

Friday

Central football will face its toughest challenge since North County (which leads No. 2 Central in the Top 10 poll) when the Tigers open the district schedule at Sikeston. The teams have split the last four contests and each game has been decided by a margin of at least 20 points. Central has taken the last two games. Sikeston (No. 7 in the SEMO poll) is at home and kickoff is at 7 p.m.

Saturday

Our Southeast football heroes are on the road at Murray, Ky., this week, but the MU Tigers are at home. If you don't feel like sticking around the region for the weekend, Missouri hosts Kansas in football. 1 p.m.

David Wilson, a junior at Central High School, is a sportswriter for the Southeast Missourian. His column appears each Monday.