The Lions are on the Hunt to Take the Southland Conference

Written by Blake Esta

After capturing the Southland Conference title in 2022, the hype was real for Southeastern. The community was excited to come out, loud and proud, to support their Lions and give them the nudge they needed to establish themselves as a powerhouse in FCS football. A 0-7 start to the season gave plenty reason to lose faith and find something else to do on a Saturday afternoon. However, to much surprise, Lion fans continued to show up and ROAR!

After many tough losses, the Lions faithful kept showing up, while keeping the same faith Coach Scelfo instills in his players, that "the turning point is right behind the whistle to start the next game."

The Lions won 3 of their last 4 to close the season. Defeating rivals Northwestern State and McNeese, and taking Nicholls down to the final whistle. This showed the team, much like its fans, just doesn’t quit. Were there injuries? Of course. Was the start to the season especially brutal with FBS matchups on the road? Obviously. Were there excuses made by this coaching staff and players at any point? Absolutely not! 2024 sees a change at the offensive coordinator position as Anthony Scelfo steps in. The unit is looking for revitalization after failing to average 30 points per game for the first time since Frank Scelfo’s first season with the Lions. The nonconference schedule doesn’t get easier as our Lions open the year on the road at Tulane, then head to Hattiesburg for a game against Southern Miss.

The home schedule doesn’t get easier but features two national marquee matchups as Southeastern welcomes in Eastern Washington and back-to-back National Champions South Dakota State. Quite simply as Ric Flair would say, "To be the man, you've got to beat the man!" and that’s what Scelfo’s squad is aiming to do. Be sure to head out for the incredible lineup and cheer on your Lions as they look to re-claim their spot atop the Southland Conference.