MACOMB, Ill. – Western Illinois football hits the road Saturday, Oct. 17, traveling to Southeast Missouri for a 2 p.m. matchup at Houck Field in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, as both teams look to build on their conference-opening victories.
Western Illinois enters the matchup at 3-3 overall and 1-0 in Ohio Valley Conference play following a 28-21 comeback victory over Tennessee State on Oct. 3 at Hanson Field. The Leathernecks overcame an 11-point second-half deficit, tying the game at 21-21 on a 43-yard interception return for a touchdown by Jake Kruger. Kennedy McGill converted the ensuing two-point attempt before scoring the go-ahead touchdown on a 16-yard run with 52 seconds remaining. DonPaul Keith sealed the victory with a late interception.
McGill contributed through the air and on the ground, while the Leatherneck defense came up with multiple takeaways in the fourth quarter to secure the win.
Southeast Missouri enters Saturday's matchup at 3-3 overall and 1-0 in OVC play after defeating Lindenwood 38-27 on Oct. 10. The Redhawks recorded season highs with 423 yards of total offense, 215 rushing yards and 32 first downs in the victory. Braylen Ragland threw for 208 yards and three touchdowns while adding a rushing touchdown, and John Anthony Jr. caught three touchdown passes.
Scouting Southeast Missouri
The Redhawks enter Saturday following their strongest offensive performance of the season against Lindenwood. Ragland completed 17-of-23 passes for 208 yards and three touchdowns without an interception. He also added 17 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground.
Anthony Jr. was Ragland's top target, finishing with four receptions for 82 yards and three touchdowns. His three touchdown receptions tied the program's single-game record. Khyair Spain also contributed on the ground, rushing 16 times for 85 yards and a touchdown.
Southeast Missouri showed its ability to respond to adversity against Lindenwood, overcoming multiple lead changes before taking control in the second half. After Lindenwood tied the game at 21-21 on an 86-yard fumble return for a touchdown, the Redhawks answered with a 23-yard touchdown reception by Anthony Jr. Ragland later added a one-yard rushing touchdown, and Justin Keller connected on a 45-yard field goal to help secure the 38-27 victory.
Defensively, Cyler Christmas led the Redhawks with six tackles, while David Jones recorded his team-leading third interception of the season. Southeast Missouri also tightened up against the run in the second half, allowing just nine rushing yards over the final two quarters.
Series History
Saturday's matchup will be the fourth meeting all-time between Western Illinois and Southeast Missouri. The Redhawks lead the series 3-0, including a 22-17 victory over the Leathernecks in Macomb on Nov. 15, 2025.
Western Illinois will look to earn its first victory in the series when the teams meet during Southeast Missouri's Homecoming weekend.
Kickoff between the Leathernecks and Redhawks is set for 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17, at Houck Field in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. The game will be streamed on ESPN+.
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