In an impressive debut, redshirt freshman Payton Brown, a local talent from Jefferson County who played for the Hillsboro Hawks, powered Southeast Missouri (SEMO) to a 37-15 victory over North Alabama in the week zero FCS Kickoff. Brown was instrumental in the win, running for 97 yards and scoring three touchdowns, a performance that earned him the game’s Most Valuable Player award.
SEMO found themselves trailing 15-7 late in the second quarter after starting quarterback Paxton DeLaurent was sidelined with a shoulder injury. Brown stepped up and provided a crucial boost for the Redhawks, scoring his first career touchdown on a 1-yard run just before halftime to narrow the deficit to 15-13.
The second half was all about Brown and SEMO’s resurgence. He broke free for a 25-yard touchdown in the third quarter, bouncing off tacklers and diving into the end zone to give SEMO a 21-15 lead. Brown continued his stellar performance with a third touchdown run from 1 yard out, extending the lead to 27-15 in the fourth quarter. His three-touchdown performance tied an FCS Kickoff single-game record.
Brown’s impact was felt throughout the game, as he consistently gained yards and kept the SEMO offense moving. He averaged over five yards per carry on 19 attempts and added two receptions for 29 yards. His outstanding play was complemented by the efforts of backup quarterback Carter Hensley, who also contributed with a 47-yard run and a touchdown pass.
Defensively, SEMO’s unit was relentless, recording four takeaways and holding North Alabama scoreless in the second half. The win snapped SEMO’s four-game losing streak in season openers and set the tone for a promising season ahead.
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