Southeastern Louisiana allowed 24 unanswered points Thursday to dig itself two deep of a hole for a valiant comeback attempt late to ultimately erase.
The No. 20 Lions lost, 34-28, to Houston Christian with six fumbles, two lost fumbles and an interception proving costly on an opening night on which they outgained the Huskies and controlled the clock even despite the miscues.
“Not much went well for us today, but I can’t fault the effort,” Southeastern coach Frank Scelfo said afterward. “We played hard, but the execution wasn’t wear it needed to be.”
Senior quarterback Kyle Lowe finished 17-for-27 for 150 yards and a pair of fourth-quarter touchdowns — both to freshman Lawson Dixon, whose four catches for 46 yards and two scores were a definite bright spot — and ran seven times for 54 yards and another end-zone trip.
Another Baton Rouge native, former Istrouma star Kyree Paul, led the rushing effort with 70 yards on eight carries, plus a 6-yard catch.
Former Ascension Catholic star Chad Elzy Jr. added 55 yards on 13 attempts, former Edna Karr star Deantre Jackson finished with 46 yards on 15 touches and former Hahnville star Calvin “C.J.” Smith Jr. had 24 yards and an early touchdown on his seven runs.
Junior linebacker Trace Carter had nine tackles, and senior linebacker Jordan Okoye (Liberty Magnet) and senior defensive lineman Peyton Anderson (St. Amant) added eight and seven each.
Fifth-year senior Zay Franks, a transfer from Southern Miss, had an interception in his debut.
Southeastern Louisiana reached the playoffs last season for the first time since 2022 and entered this fall with high expectations once again as the second-highest of three Southland Conference teams in preseason rankings.
The Lions head now have a long week-plus to try to regroup before visiting South Alabama on Sept. 5
