SE Missouri beats SW Baptist in overtime

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (AP) — Houston Lillard hit Miles Edwards with a 23-yard touchdown pass in overtime to lead Southeast Missouri over Southwest Baptist 35-28 Thursday night.

The Redhawks (1-0) trailed Division II Southwest Baptist throughout the game until Doug Spada tied it 28-28 on a 47-yard field goal with 1:41 remaining.

Lillard went 27-for-39 in the air with 387 yards, including 181 in the fourth quarter, and three touchdowns.

Steve Gachette passed for 298 yards and one touchdown for the Bearcats (0-1), who took a 21-3 lead early in the second half after recovering their own fumble in the end zone.

Southeast Missouri’s fourth-quarter comeback included an 80-yard touchdown pass from Lillard to Edwards that made it 28-25 with 6 minutes remaining. The Redhawks recovered a fumble on Southwest Baptist’s 34-yard line on the next possession.

Edwards finished with 204 yards on 10 catches and two touchdowns.