Freshmen Brown and Hensley shine as Southeast Missouri State rolls past North Alabama in FCS Kickoff

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — True freshman Payton Brown scored three touchdowns, redshirt freshman quarterback Carter Hensley led a second-half rally and Southeast Missouri State defeated North Alabama 37-15 on Saturday night in the FCS Kickoff Game.

Brown, who finished with 97 yards, scored on a 1-yard run late in the second quarter and a 25-yard run late in the third. His 1-yard touchdown midway through the fourth quarter was set up by a 47-yard quarterback keeper by Hensley.

In his first game action since high school, Hensley subbed in for injured starter Paxton DeLaurent and completed 10 of 14 passes for 100 yards. His 1-yard touchdown run gave the Redhawks a 34-15 lead with about 5 minutes remaining in the game.

North Alabama had 135 yards rushing in the first half while SE Missouri passed for 149 yards. The Lions had short touchdown runs by Jayvian Allen and Ari Patu. A two-point conversion after Allen’s touchdown helped produce a 15-13 halftime lead.

DeLaurent completed 14 of 17 passes for 96 yards but left the game in the second quarter with a shoulder injury.

With DeLaurent sidelined, the Redhawks found more balance in their offense and their defense held North Alabama without a point in the second half. The Redhawks finished with 196 yards passing and 176 yards rushing.

North Alabama’s only sustained drive of the second half ended in a turnover on downs late in the third quarter.

Patu completed 12 of 24 passes for 104 yards and was intercepted twice. Allen had 100 yards rushing and the Lions finished with 216 yards on the ground.

It was the seventh time the FCS Kickoff was held at the Cramton Bowl in Montgomery.

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The Associated Press