Family Ties and Football: Brown Brothers Face Off as NDSU Hosts SEMO
This weekend's football game between the North Dakota State Bison (NDSU) and Southeast Missouri State Redhawks (SEMO) has an added layer of family interest. Don and Mindy Brown of Festus, Missouri, will be in Fargo to watch their sons, Preston Brown (NDSU) and Payton Brown (SEMO), as their respective teams clash at Gate City Bank Field at the Fargodome on Saturday.
A Divided House: Brotherly Competition
While Preston Brown, a true freshman quarterback for the Bison, is redshirting this season, his older brother, Payton Brown, is a starting running back for the Redhawks. The family dynamic adds a unique element to the game, with relatives traveling from Montana to witness the brotherly competition. The players' grandmother will show her support with a custom-made shirt featuring both SEMO and NDSU colors. While Preston considered SEMO during recruitment, a visit to NDSU solidified his decision, despite the desire to continue playing with his brother, with whom he led Hillsboro High School to a state runner-up finish.
SEMO Seeks Upset Against FCS Powerhouse NDSU
The Southeast Missouri State Redhawks, currently 1-1 after a loss to Arkansas State and a win against North Alabama, are looking to make a statement against NDSU. Head coach Tom Matukewicz acknowledges the challenge, stating that the game will be a crucial measuring stick for his program's aspirations. Payton Brown has 119 rushing yards so far this season for the Redhawks. Matukewicz highlighted the importance of this game in determining SEMO's place in the FCS landscape and their potential as a playoff team.
Bison Ready to Play, Seeking Another Dominant Performance
NDSU head coach Tim Polasek emphasized his team's focus and readiness after dominant wins against Tennessee State and The Citadel. The Bison are determined not to underestimate any opponent. Polasek praised the team's high energy level and excitement, which contributed to their strong performances, including a 59-3 victory over Tennessee State.
Connections Beyond the Field
Besides the Brown family story, there are other connections between NDSU and SEMO. Ryan Napoli, the Bison's strength and conditioning coach, previously worked at Southeast Missouri State for six seasons. Additionally, NDSU equipment manager Brett Reynolds is an alumnus of Southeast Missouri State.
SEMO Redhawks Season Analysis Through Two Games
The Southeast Missouri State Redhawks are 1–1 to start the 2025 football season, following up a 42-24 road loss at Arkansas State with a hard-fought 30-21 home win over North Alabama. With two games in the books, SEMO has shown potential on offense, steadiness on special teams, and a defense that's still developing but filled with emerging contributors.
Leatherwood Leading the Way
Sophomore quarterback Jax Leatherwood has been a stabilizing presence under center. In two starts, he’s completed 47 of 69 passes (68.1%) for 497 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions. His poise and accuracy have helped SEMO average 248.5 passing yards per game.
Deep Receiving Corps Making an Impact
Leatherwood has spread the ball around efficiently. Cam Pedro has emerged as the top target with 136 yards and two touchdowns, while Anthony Westervelt, Donnie Cheers, and Andrew Civey have all contributed in key spots. Ten different Redhawks have caught passes, showing off the unit’s depth and versatility.
SEMO Perfect in the Redzone, Defense Holding
SEMO’s offense has been perfect inside the red zone, scoring on all five trips so far, with three of those resulting in touchdowns. On the other side of the ball, the defense has allowed 10 red zone trips, but only seven have resulted in scores, keeping the success rate to 70%. That red zone efficiency — both offensively and defensively — has been a difference-maker early in the season.
Defense Flashing Playmakers, Needs to Tighten Run Game
SEMO’s defense has allowed 466 yards per game through two contests — including a concerning 213.5 rushing yards per game — but there are bright spots. Linebacker Landon Sylvie leads the team with 20 tackles, including 10 solo. Jared Pedraza has added 12 tackles, while Cole Dutkovich, Sam Keeper and Latrevion Thompson have all registered tackles for loss.
Rushing Offense Still Finding Rhythm
The Redhawks are averaging just 3.4 yards per carry and 124.0 rushing yards per game, numbers that need to improve for SEMO to become a more balanced offense. Payton Brown leads the ground game with 119 rushing yards, while Brandon Epton Jr. and Cole Ruble have contributed in change-of-pace roles.
Special Teams: Rock Solid
One of SEMO’s most consistent units has been special teams. Kicker Justin Keller is a perfect 4-for-4 on field goal attempts, including a long of 48 yards, and has hit all six of his extra points. Punter Ryan Kingston has been effective in the field position battle, averaging 44.6 yards per punt, with two inside the 20 and a long of 55.
What’s Next: A Major Test in Fargo
SEMO will face its toughest challenge yet on Sept. 13 when it visits perennial FCS powerhouse North Dakota State. The Bison will test the Redhawks’ physicality, especially in the trenches, where SEMO has shown signs of vulnerability — both in the run game and in pass protection.
The Bottom Line
Through two games, SEMO has proven it has the pieces to compete: a steady quarterback, dynamic receivers, solid special teams, and a defense with playmakers. But to take the next step, they’ll need to tighten up against the run, generate more pressure up front, and finish games stronger defensively. If those adjustments happen, the Redhawks could be a serious factor in the Big South–OVC Football Association title race this fall.
