Time Runs Out on Eagles in Second Half Comeback at Southeastern University

Time Runs Out on Eagles in Second Half Comeback at Southeastern University
Video Video Box Score
November 22, 2025
Lakeland, FL - In the first round of the NAIA Playoffs, the Eagles matched up with the Fire of Southeastern University at Victory Field in Florida. Despite a valiant effort, the Eagles were narrowly defeated, concluding the match with a score of Southeastern 24, Reinhardt 22.
 
The Eagles started the game great with a 12-play, 75-yard drive, ending with an eight-yard run from Jah Colbert. After the fast start by the Eagles, the Fire then scored 21 unanswered points from 2 passing touchdowns and 1 rushing touchdown from quarterback Nate Mikell. Alex Hanson stopped the Fire's momentum with a 37-yard field goal before the halftime break. The Eagles went into the half down 21-10. 
 
The second half saw the Eagles' defense stand out, making multiple stops to give the Eagles' offense a shot in the third quarter. Despite the defense's efforts in the third quarter, Reinhardt's offense was unable to add any points to the scoreboard.
 
At the beginning of the 4th quarter, Eagles' quarterback Taylor Jackson threw a 34-yard touchdown pass to Cam Curtis, which brought the score to 21-16. The Eagles went for the 2-point conversion but were unsuccessful. The Fire answered with a 15-play, 62-yard drive, during which Joel McGrath made a 30-yard field goal, giving the Fire a slight cushion at 24-16. 
 
The Eagles got the ball back with 4:32 left in the 4th quarter and scored on the first play of the drive with a 53-yard rushing touchdown from Colbert. This brought the Eagles to within just two points of Southeastern, 24-22. The Eagles then tried a two-point conversion, but were unsuccessful. This had the visiting Eagles fans on their feet, looking for a defensive stop so the Eagles could have one more chance. Unfortunately for Reinhardt, Southeastern was able to extend the drive as the clock dipped below one minute left in the game.  A final first down of the game let the Fire down the ball to run the clock out and bring a close to the Eagles 2025 season.
 
Standouts for the Eagles included. Colbert, with a remarkable 183 yards, averaged 11.4 yards per carry and scored two crucial touchdowns. Curtis also made significant contributions, adding another touchdown for Reinhardt. Jackson was 12 for 22, throwing for 191 yards and a touchdown.  Colbert ends the season with numerous records broken for the Eagles and the Appalachian Athletic Conference. He had a tremendous day on one of the top run-stop defenses in the NAIA, which should get him looks at a possible All-American nod.
 
On the defensive end, Kamari Poindexter was notable, securing 11 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss. Damian Deloney also had 3 tackles, a tackle for loss, and one quarterback hurry. Carter Hicks was a force in the secondary, having 3 pass deflections. Both Hicks and Bryghton Peters had key pass deflections late in the fourth quarter, which prevented touchdowns.  The defense as a whole had an incredible second half, holding the speedy Nate Mikell and the Southeastern offense to just three points after giving up twenty-one in the first half. It was a game for the Eagles where they weren't beaten; the time just ran out on them.
 
Closing the season with a record of 7-4, the Eagles accomplished many great things this season. It will say goodbye to a good group of seniors who have served Coach Miller's program well over the past four years.  They have laid the groundwork for the younger players to grow, and no doubt they will use this for motivation to have a strong season in 2026!
 
-Bryce Johnson, Graduate Assistant for Reinhardt Athletics