The Southeast Missouri State University football team were able to pick up their first win of the season during a game where both teams struggled to hold onto the ball.

"It was a turnover-fest," Southeast coach Tony Samuel said. "We had way too many, especially early, and those kind of things, one, can you get your defense tired and two, give up points."

Southeast has a record of 1-1 after its 30-18 defeat of Mars Hill College.

Both teams combined for 10 turnovers during the game.

"It was a little bit harder than we wanted it to be," senior tailback Levi Terrell said. "But we got the win. It's all that matters."

Samuel said that one thing the team needs to improve on is the number of sacks they allow. Redshirt freshman quarterback Scott Lathrop was sacked four times during the game.

"They were getting to me pretty quick," Lathrop said. "They were really aggressive and fast. I've got to get rid of the ball a little quicker."

Lathrop rushed for 37 yards and passed for 114 yards and one touchdown. He had a 52-yard run, the longest of his career, one minute into the second quarter.

"Ron [Coleman] told me, he just said, 'Follow me,'" Lathrop said about the play. "I followed him and got a great block, got some great blocking downfield, just really good blocking and that's how big plays happen."

The Redhawks led 16-12 at halftime and its defense held the Lions to six second half points. Southeast's defense also had five interceptions during the game, including two by senior free safety Tyler Brock.

True freshman David Coley played in his first game as a Redhawk and had six tackles during the game.

"Coley played good first time," Samuel said. "Cantrell [Andrews] was nicked up against Central Michigan and he wasn't able to practice much this week at all. He moved around pretty good today, but we had already decided to play Coley. He's a very good student of the game. For a true freshman he really handles himself well."

The Redhawks next game will be at 6 p.m. Sept. 15 against SIU-Carbondale.

"We're hoping next week we can get number two," senior linebacker Darrick Borum said about the first win of the season.