Lions Look to Stay Hot: No. 19 Southeastern vs Houston Christian University Pre-Game Report

Drake LeBlanc • October 23, 2025

The Game

After back-to-back shutouts, the No. 19 Southeastern Lions (5–2, 3–0 SLC) travel to Houston to face the Houston Christian Huskies (2–5, 1–2 SLC) in what could be a pivotal matchup in the Southland Conference race. The Lions currently sit neck and neck with Stephen F. Austin and Lamar for control of the conference and an automatic FCS playoff bid. Many believe the Southland could be a two-bid league this year, making every game from here out crucial, and every bit of fan support essential, as the Lions push toward the final stretch of this season. There are two more home games against ETAMU and Nicholls this year.


As Coach Frank Scelfo said this week, “I know this, playing in our conference week in and week out, you’ve got to bring your best game. You can’t just think it’s going to happen. You’ve got to play well.” That mentality has defined this team’s recent run and will be vital as they try to maintain control of their postseason destiny.


In a fan poll I conducted this week on X (@LionUpLeBlanc), 45% of voters predicted a third straight shutout for the Lions, while 36% expected a decisive win that fell just short of a shutout. Only 18% thought the game would be close, and not a single vote went to an HCU upset. The fanbase has made it clear: confidence in this team is at an all-time high.

The Season So Far

Southeastern is currently playing its best football of the year. After a commanding 49–0 homecoming win over Northwestern State, the Lions’ 15th straight victory over the Demons, the Green and Gold are riding a wave of momentum. In last week's game the offense looked balanced, putting up 220 passing yards and 182 rushing yards. Special teams produced a touchdown on an 83-yard kickoff return from Brandon Hayes and a blocked punt by Brant Monistere. Defensively, the Lions have not allowed a single point in the last two contests, shutting out McNeese and Northwestern State in consecutive weeks.


This dominant stretch has granted Southeastern respect on the national level, climbing to No. 19 in the AFCA Coach's Poll after being ranked No. 22 the previous week. Coach Scelfo’s squad is clicking in all three phases of the game, and they’ll look to carry that same energy into Houston.

The Houston Christian Story

The Huskies come into this game at 2–5 overall and 1–2 in Southland play, fresh off a 27-0 Loss to McNeese, the same Cowboys team Southeastern blanked 38–0 earlier this month. Offensively, HCU has struggled to find rhythm. Coach Scelfo mentioned in his weekly press conference that the Huskies are “turning the ball over a little bit too much right now and giving up a lot of sacks,” these issues have kept them from becoming an effective offensive team.


Despite the growing pains, Houston Christian has shown flashes of competitiveness in conference play and continues to play hard under second-year head coach Jason Bachtel. They’ve been more dangerous at home than on the road, so the Lions can’t afford to look past this one.


On the defensive side, HCU has mixed things up schematically, which could test Southeastern’s offensive line. Coach Scelfo noted that the Huskies’ defense will be showing a mixture of different schemes and fronts that could prove challenging for the Lions’ offensive line to pick up. Still, this is a mature group up front with two seniors, a junior, and two sophomores. I have full confidence they’ll adapt quickly as they’ve done all season.

Predictions

This game feels like another opportunity for the Lions to show just how complete of a team they are. The defense is suffocating teams, the offense is spreading the ball effectively, and special teams are producing highlight moments. While a third straight shutout would be remarkable, and 45% of fans are betting on it,  I think HCU finds a way to sneak a field goal or two on their home turf.

Final Prediction:

Southeastern 41 – Houston Christian 6

Another dominant showing keeps the Lions undefeated in Southland play and one step closer to a playoff berth.

Where to find me?

 X: @LionUpLeBlanc
You can also see me on the weekly Louisiana Gameday show, previewing all the College Football in Louisiana!

LION UP!



Quotes attributed to Head Coach Frank Scelfo were sourced via Southeastern Sports Network’s official X account (@LionUpNetwork).


A quick share helps us a lot!

Pelicans @ Nuggets Takeaways

By Chrissy Smith • October 30, 2025
Team Stats (Pelicans at Nuggets) Final Score: 88-122 Rebounds: 36-57 Assists: 17-40 Steals: 9-5 Blocks: 3-5 Turnovers: 12-14 Stat Leaders Scoring Leaders: Jeremiah Fears, 21; Nikola Jokić, 21 Rebound Leaders: Trey Murphy III, 7; Nikola Jokić, 12 Assist Leaders: Jeremiah Fears, 6; Nikola Jokić, 10 My Player of the Game: Jeremiah Fears Chrissy's Key Takeaways * The starters for this game were Fears, Murphy III, Jones, Zion, and Deandre Jordan. So that was different, and it didn't work at all. * With most of the third quarter over, Zion had five total points in the game. He finished with 11. * The Nuggets went on a 32-4 run in the third quarter. The Pelicans came out very slow to start off the third. * New Orleans went 7-of-33 from the three-point line. * Nikola Jokić had a triple-double. The Pelicans had no answer for him all night. * Do the Pelicans know that the season has started because the majority of the guys out there look like they still think they're playing Summer League. * The problem with this team isn't the talent because they have that. So what's the problem? Coaching, effort, etc.? This has to be fixed ASAP. Follow @TheKneaux on X, and follow me there too, @SportsChrissy.

Celtics @ Pelicans Takeaways

By Chrissy Smith • October 28, 2025
Team Stats (Celtics at Pelicans) Final Score: 122-90 Rebounds: 54-35 Assists: 25-17 Steals: 5-7 Blocks: 7-0 Turnovers: 11-13 Stat Leaders Scoring Leaders: Anfernee Simons, 25; Jordan Poole, 22 Rebound Leaders: Neemias Queta, 11; Yves Miss, 7 Assist Leaders: Payton Prichard, 8; Trey Murphy, III, 5 My Player of the Game: Jordan Poole Chrissy's Key Takeaways * The first two losses of the season were tough but at least the team looked good. In this game, no one looked fired up to compete except Jordan Poole and Jose Alvarado. * Zion did not play because he's been spending all offseason getting in shape just so he could rest after two games. Makes no sense to me. * Trey Murphy and Herb Jones need to find their spark and stride. These guys have been putting in a ton of work in the offseason but it isn't showing right now. * Willie Green has got to be on a short leash because this 0-3 start feels like the team is just picking up where they left off except this time they're healthy and have all the momentum in the world. * The next three games for the Pelicans will be on the road against Denver, Clippers, and Thunder . Follow @TheKneaux on X, and follow me there too, @SportsChrissy.
Show More