The Chart Online

Lions focus eyes toward next target
By Philip Martin

Sports Editor

After rolling over Greenville College, the Missouri Southern Lions have set their sights on the Redmen of Northeastern State.

While referring to the Redmen, Bill Cooke, head football coach, said that they re big, nasty, strong and mean. NSU has already played two games and won both. The last time the two teams met, Southern defeated NSU by shut out of 24-0, although the game was called at the half because of lightning.

Cooke said it is going to be a real physical game, because NSU has real grass and the Lions play on artificial turf. He said they had to adjust by practicing on grass, and by breaking out their shoes made for playing on grass.

Rob Green, assistant football coach, said a shutout like the Sept.7 game is going to be a confidence builder. If the team maintains its enthusiasm, the Lions can take on NSU. Green said they must respect their opponent

It s going to be a war, but it s going to be fun, said Brandon Hill, junior tight end.

Hill said some of the players he knew from NEO are going to NSU. They call each other up and have friendly conversations. Hill said they tell each other their team is going to win, but in a friendly manner.

Kokaine Mothershed, junior safety, said it is always good to have a defense that works good and will carry over into the next game. Tim Pherigo, junior right guard, said the team has a chance to turn around this year with the defense looking good. Cooke said the best player for a team is the backup quarterback.

This would give us a quality win and give us the momentum going into SBU, Cooke said.

Cooke said Southern has beaten the Redmen more times than they have beaten the Lions, but Southern still has to respect NSU. The Lions take on NSU at 7 p.m. Saturday in Tahlequah.

The next home game kicks off at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21 against Southwest Baptist.