HAMMOND, La. – The Southeastern Louisiana football team held its first scrimmage of the 2016 preseason on Saturday evening at Strawberry Stadium.
 
Both the Lion offense and defense had highlights in the scrimmage, which saw the team run just over 100 plays. Southeastern head coach Ron Roberts was pleased with the effort of his team.
 
"We went over 100 plays and we got some good work in today," Roberts commented. "We have some mistakes that we need to clean up and we need to concentrate on being more consistent on both sides of the ball moving forward."
 
The Lion defense held the offense in check for much of the scrimmage. Southeastern had several sacks and forced a turnover inside the five-yard line.
 
The SLU offense had its moments, as well. After being held scoreless for the first three drives, Southeastern hit pay dirt on its fourth drive. Junior running back Eugene Bethea broke off a 17-yard run to set the Lions up in the red zone. Two plays later, Bethea swept around the left side for a 13-yard touchdown.
 
Southeastern scored again on the ensuing drive, as senior quarterback D'Shaie Landor found senior wide receiver Da'Quan Smith open from 10 yards out in the back corner of the end zone.
 
The defense held the offense in check over the next several drives. After a simulated halftime break, Southeastern quickly scored its final touchdown of the scrimmage.
 
Junior wide receiver Juwan Dickey took a short pass from Landor and scampered 25 yards to move the Lions into a goal-to-go situation. After Dickey made a sliding catch just shy of the goal line, junior running back Darius Durall bulled in from a yard out.
 
Southeastern will return to practice on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. Practices are open to LAA Touchdown Club members only.
 
The 2016 season officially kicks off on Sept. 3, when the Lions travel to Stillwater, Oklahoma to face OSU at 2:30 p.m.
 
The Lions' five-game home schedule opens on Sept. 24, when they welcome league rival Northwestern State for a 6 p.m. contest. Season tickets are available by contacting the Southeastern Athletics Ticket Office at (985) 549-5466 or visiting LionSports.net and LionUp.com.
 
2016 Southeastern Football Preseason Practice Schedule
Sunday, Aug. 14 – 7:30 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 15 – 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 16 – 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 17 – 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 18 – 4:30 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 19 – 2:30 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 20 – 10 a.m. (Scrimmage); 10 a.m. (Kickoff Appreciation Event for Season Ticket Holders); 2 p.m. (Media Day)
Sunday, Aug. 21 – 7 p.m.