X-Factors: SEMO players to watch in the War for the Wheel showdown

SEMO will face SIU on the road in the War for the Wheel rivalry game on Saturday, Sept. 21 at 6 p.m. Since the series was officially named the War for the Wheel in 2018, it has been evenly matched at 3-3.

Fresh off a 45-42 double-overtime shootout victory against UT Martin, the Redhawks have several key players primed to make a big impact in their upcoming showdown against SIU.

Paxton DeLaurent

Senior quarterback Paxton DeLaurent delivered an outstanding performance in the overtime victory against UT Martin, achieving a career-high 34 completions for 376 yards and 6 touchdowns through the air. The Redhawks' quarterback currently leads the Ohio Valley Conference in completions, passing touchdowns, and passing yards per game. DeLaurent will look to continue his impressive run this Saturday.

Mitchell Sellers

Senior wide receiver Mitchell Sellers began his senior year slowly but has since established himself as a vital player in the Redhawks' offense. He delivered one of the most remarkable performances in the program's history, hauling in 6 catches for 60 yards and 3 touchdowns. In his most recent matchup against SIU, he recorded 4 catches for 43 yards and 1 touchdown.

Dorian Anderson

Senior wide receiver Dorian Anderson has kicked off his final season with the Redhawks in impressive fashion. In just three games, Anderson has hauled in 19 receptions, racking up 313 receiving yards, leading the OVC so far in 2024.

Averaging 16.5 yards per catch, he’s proven to be a reliable deep threat. Anderson has also scored 3 touchdowns this season, with 2 coming in the red zone, solidifying his role as a go-to target for quarterback Paxton DeLaurent.

Cam Pedro

Despite being one of the younger players on the Redhawks roster, Cam Pedro has emerged as the team's leader in receptions with 24, a mark that also tops the OVC. He currently ranks third in the conference for receiving yards, with 238, and has recorded 1 touchdown so far this season.

Bryce Norman

As the leader of the Redhawks defense, Senior linebacker Bryce Norman has been the team's top tackler for three consecutive years and has already recorded 29 tackles in the first three games of this season. Known for his physicality, he has also forced a fumble, showcasing his tackling strength. Heading into his final matchup against SIU, Norman is determined to patrol the middle of the field with intensity one last time.

Nasim Cairo

Junior defensive tackle Nasim Cairo has made a strong start to his junior season, recording 11 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. With SIU quarterback DJ Williams sidelined, Cairo will aim to ramp up the pressure on the Salukis' offensive line, setting his sights on their backup quarterback.

SEMO's key players are gearing up for a crucial game against SIU in Carbondale for the War of the Wheel, set to take place on Saturday, September 21st, at 6 p.m.