HAMMOND - With its 2004 season opener against Arkansas-Monticello set for Thursday night in Strawberry Stadium, the Southeastern football team put the finishing touches on its game plan Tuesday with a two-hour practice in shorts and helmets.
The Lions worked on all phases of their special teams for half of the session before working on short-yardage and red zone situations.
"This year feels more like a real season, as we had a full offseason to prepare," Southeastern head coach Hal Mumme said at Tuesday's Media Luncheon. "This year there's less giddyness surrounding the first game and we are approaching it with a more business-like attitude.
"The one thing we won't know until we get on the field is how hard we are going to fight and how we will play together as a team."
After rallying for a 22-17 win over Arkansas-Monticello (1-0) in last year's historic opener, the Lions are not overlooking the Boll Weevils, who piled up nearly 500 yards of total offense in a 44-13 win over Bethel (Tenn.) College last Thursday.
"They gave us fits last season," Mumme said. "Their quarterback (Cory Allred) was (Gulf South) conference player of the year last season and is a great athlete. They have a defensive end (Dustin Coon), who is a really good player.
"They have a couple of talented safeties and linebackers. We have to get over the first game jitters and be ready for these guys."
FANS ENCOURAGED TO WEAR GREEN AND GOLD
All Southeastern fans and students attending the game are encouraged to wear green and gold Thursday, which has been declared "Green and Gold" Day.
Festivities for Thursday's opener will kick off on Wednesday with a Pep Rally beginning at 11 a.m. in the Student Union. Southeastern coaches and athletes, along with the cheerleaders, Roomie the Lion and the Spirit of the Southland Band will be on hand. The public is invited to attend.
Student tickets remain on sale for $7 along with faculty/staff tickets beginning at $10. Fans wishing to buy tickets for Thursday's game can purchase them from either the Southeastern Athletics Ticket Office (the lower level of Gate 3 in the University Center) or on-line at www.LionSports.net. The Ticket Office will have extended hours on Wednesday closing at 6:30 p.m. For more information, call the Ticket Office at (985) 549-5466.
