The Southeast Missouri State University football team went into halftime Saturday trailing Jacksonville State only 14-10. The Redhawks came within one point of the Gamecocks during the second half, but could not catch up.

Jacksonville State increased its lead to 17-10 with 6:28 left in the third quarter on a 20-yard field goal. The Redhawks had a chance to tie with 14:54 left in the game. Senior running back Renard Celestin scored on a 13-yard run, but senior kicker Drew Geldbach missed the extra point attempt and Southeast trailed 17-16.

Southeast did not score again and Jacksonville State scored two touchdowns to win the game 31-16.

"It was one of those games where I felt we could take over at any time and I'm sure they felt the same way," Southeast coach Tony Samuel said. "It was two ground-and-pound style offenses going at it."

Neither team turned the ball over during the game. Redshirt freshman quarterback Scott Lathrop completed seven passes for 56 yards and did not throw for any interceptions for the fourth time this season.

Senior running back Levi Terrell rushed for 146 yards on 26 carries. It was the third time this year and fifth time in his career that he has rushed for over 100 yards in a game.

"Levi ran well and you have to give him a lot of credit," said Samuel. "He pushed through a lot."

The Redhawks defense was led by junior safety Ben Kargo who finished with a career-high 11 tackles.

Southeast has an overall record of 2-2 and a record of 1-1 in the Ohio Valley Conference. The Redhawks' next game will be against Tennessee State at 6 p.m. Saturday Sept. 13 at Houck Stadium.