On the move: No. 9 Keiser has challenge ahead at No. 15 Southeastern

WEST PALM BEACH – The Keiser Seahawks had a September to remember in more ways than one.

The ninth-ranked NAIA program posted a 3-0 record for its first month of competition, with blowout wins over Florida Memorial (62-0 at home; Sept. 12), Webber International (52-7 at home; Sept. 19), and St. Thomas (49-10 on the road; Sept. 26). All three games were in-conference, which means that the Seahawks are 3-0 in The Sun/Mid-South Conference at this time.

With that said, October could prove to be a battle tested month for Keiser.

Due to health concerns, this month started with a road game against Florida Memorial that had to be rescheduled from Oct. 3 to Nov. 14 at Traz Powell Stadium in Miami. So essentially, Keiser got to enjoy an unexpected bye last week.

Head coach Doug Socha kept this portion of his team’s season in perspective.

“We’re trying to get back to as much normalcy as we can,” Socha said. “We have a routine that we create within our program, within our culture. So these guys are used to what we do…The overall routine and preparation has been really impressive so far.”

In Keiser’s three wins, the most impressive aspect of its level of execution has come from the rushing game.

Running back Marques Burgess (Fort Pierce Westwood alum) has led the way with 43 carries with 244 yards and five touchdowns, while adding three receptions for 32 yards (276 total yards, five total touchdowns).

Fellow running back Antwione Sims (Zephyrhills alum) has contributed 27 carries for 215 yards and four touchdowns, while adding two receptions for 15 yards and a touchdown (230 total yards; five total touchdowns).

“It all starts up front,” Socha said. “The offensive line has done an outstanding job so far… Burgess and Sims are a really good tandem in our running game. Those guys are really developing. I’m impressed with them right now.”

Of the three games that Keiser has played, Socha was most impressed with his team’s road win over St. Thomas.

“I felt like we prepared well all week,” Socha said. “We travelled well down there. With a noon kickoff, we overcame some adversity with a rain delay. But overall, I thought we were physical throughout the whole game. I felt our conditioning showed in that one.”

Now with tonight’s road game at No. 15 Southeastern (7 p.m. kickoff in Lakeland), Keiser will be matched up against another 3-0 team in the Sun/Mid-South Conference. Expect this one to a battle from start to finish.