RedHawk Football Prepares for Senior Night on Satuarday

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – The SEMO Redhawks football team prepares for  Senior Day this weekend, hoping to extend their undefeated home record in a pivotal matchup against Western Illinois.

The Redhawks are currently tied in the Big South-OVC standings with UT Martin, fighting for a chance to host a postseason game.

With their last guaranteed home game on the horizon, seniors on the SEMO roster, including players like inside linebacker Bryce Norman and quarterback Paxton DeLaurent, are reflecting on their collegiate journeys and the importance of their final game at Houck Stadium.

Bryce Norman, a local star from Jackson, Missouri, who led Jackson High school to its first Class 5 state title before joining SEMO, expressed a sense of pride in representing his hometown. “I feel like I’ve played in a bunch of games here,” Norman says. “It’s going to be kind of nice to just cherish this moment. You don’t get these all the time. This might be my last game, so I’m going to go out there and give it my all. You want to make sure you’re putting your best foot forward.”

Norman has become a fan favorite at SEMO, drawing support from many Jackson football fans who come to watch him shine. Reflecting on his journey, he said, “I’m very proud just coming in as a hometown kid. Becoming a leader for the younger guys is very important to me and to this program.”

Quarterback Paxton DeLaurent speaks more on Norman’s sentiments, acknowledging that the reality of his final regular-season home game has begun to set in. ” so you have to make sure you’re putting your best foot forward.”

Head Coach Tom Matukewicz gave  the senior players’ all the credit,  both on and off the field. “Ultimately, we’ve got two more games left, but it’s kind of surreal thinking about guys like Paxton and Norman, who have done so much for this team, this university, and the fans,” Matukewicz said. “Watching them in their last regular season home game is going to be special.”

For Coach Matukewicz, the message to his seniors is clear: “Enjoy it with your teammates and thank everyone who’s been part of your journey. No one gets here alone—family members, teachers, coaches—they’ve all had an impact.”

The Redhawks hope to cap off their season at home with a victory for their seniors. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. in Cape Girardeau as SEMO aims to make Senior Day one to remember for their beloved seniors.