Southeast Missouri State football faces must-win scenario in final two games of season, takes on UT Martin this Saturday

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – Southeast Missouri State redshirt freshman quarterback Patrick Heitert said this week has been fun combined with laser focus, knowing the Redhawks cannot afford to lose either of their next two games. 

“Things are a little bit more uptight,” Heitert said. “The routes are a lot more specific. You’ve got to hit your blocks better. I’ve got to get through my progressions better. Everything’s got to be timed up well because we can’t afford to make mistakes this week.” 

If the Redhawks win their final two games of the season against UT Martin and Bryant, respectively, and Gardner-Webb loses once, SEMO will clinch the Big South-OVC title. 

“It’s almost like we’ve got two playoff games ahead of us,” Heitert said.

And despite four losses by five points are fewer this season, head coach Tom Matukewicz is taking a glass-half-full approach to these final two weeks. 

“I’m just glad there’s still something to play for in November when you lose some of those close games, so at the end of the day, I think what’s going to help us win is our preparation,” he said.

The Redhawks will get a key playmaker back this week. Wide receiver Damoriea Vick missed the Robert Morris game with an injury, but he is ready to go for this weekend’s tilt against UT Martin. 

“It’s hard to watch my teammates out there working without me, so it feels good to actually be out there with the guys running around catching balls again,” he said.

And to come back ahead of a must-win game, Vick wouldn’t have in any other way. 

“You’ve just got to get it done, like there’s nothing else to talk about, just do your job and get it done,” Vick said.

Kickoff for Saturday’s game in Martin, Tenn., will be at 2 p.m.