CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — In an exhilarating showdown, Paxton DeLaurent delivered a standout performance, amassing 367 passing yards along with four touchdown passes, while also rushing for another touchdown as Southeast Missouri State triumphed over Western Illinois with a score of 54-45 on Saturday. This victory not only highlighted an impressive offensive display but also secured SEMO at least a share of the Big South-OVC championship title.

The high-octane game saw a remarkable total of 99 points scored and 1,152 yards of offense combined, with both teams exceeding 550 yards. SEMO’s total of 51 points marked their highest scoring output for the season.

For Western Illinois, quarterback Nathan Lamb put up impressive statistics, throwing for 449 yards and netting three touchdowns. However, his performance was marred by three interceptions, courtesy of Ty Leonard, Mali Walton, and Dorian Anderson, which significantly impacted the flow of the game.

Brandon Epton Jr. played a critical role for SEMO, finishing off a compelling 87-yard drive with a 5-yard rushing touchdown that pushed the lead to 51-39 with just over five minutes remaining. On the very next play, Leonard intercepted Lamb’s pass and returned it 16 yards, leading to a 34-yard field goal kicked by DC Pippin.

In a dramatic finish, Western Illinois responded by scoring, closing the gap to nine points with only 1:13 left on the clock. They aimed for a two-point conversion to narrow the deficit further, but Lamb’s pass intended for Brandon Lanier, who made an impressive one-handed catch, was ruled out of bounds.

With this victory, SEMO improved its record to 9-2 overall and 6-1 in the conference, tying the program record for the most wins in a season.

Brandon Epton Jr. contributed significantly to the team’s success with 126 rushing yards and a touchdown. Dorian Anderson also had a stellar game, receiving for 116 yards and one touchdown. On the other side, Matthew Henry and Elijah Aragon each surpassed 100 receiving yards, scoring a touchdown for Western Illinois, which fell to 3-8 overall and 2-5 in conference play.