Henderson State vs. Southeastern

Dallas McCutcheon started at quarterback for the first time in college and tossed 5 touchdown passes in Southeastern's 54-38 victory on Thursday night. The sophomore QB's record-tying performance helped the Storm to their 4th season opening win in the last five years.
Senior wide receiver Daniel Nichols also had a record-tying night as he hauled in three of those five touchdowns. He also had 131 yards on seven receptions, which brought him to within 139 yards of catching Pete Spratt for 2nd place all-time receiving at the school.
Baylen Laury also made his presence known on the field. The running back picked up 114 yards and rushed for two touchdowns as well. Southeastern's 54 points was the most for the Storm since xxxx
There was a huge turnout for the home opener and almost all of them stayed through the 35 minute weather delay, which temporarily stopped the contest with 2:57 remaining in the first quarter. And it was worth it for those who stayed as they witnessed a big offensive display.
Henderson State got on the board first with a 51 yard touchdown pass, but SOSU answered immediately with a 54 yarder of their own, McCutcheon to senior TE Jerrod Temple. Laury's two TD runs followed and the Storm went up 19-7.
Offensive miscues, a.k.a. two fumbles run back for HSU scores, kept the Reddies in the game and led 28-26 in the second quarter. But a Nichols TD reception right before the half put the Storm up for good.
Southeastern's defense dug in during the second half. They held HSU to 317 yards of total offense for the game. Newcomer Steven Harris led the way for the Storm with 8 tackles and Brandon Ford and Lionel Gillespie each had a sack. Both Bernard Daniel and Johnny Seals snagged interceptions.
The Storm's all-time leader in kickoff returns and kickoff return yardage, Jerome Hewitt, started off the year well, also. He return 6 kickoffs for 187 yards, only ten yards shy of the single game record.
The four TDs in the first half were matched by four more in the second and SOSU outscored Henderson State 28-10 after the break and went on to win, 54-38.
Though the Storm wound up winning going away, there is much work still to be done. The offense, defense, and special teams all showed that each can shine in 2009. But each squad also had significant breakdowns at times. Midwestern State will provide tougher opposition on Saturday.
All in all, a 1-0 open to the season is a good way to start.