For a few seconds, everyone at Houck Field watched with baited breath and the game hanging in the balance. Then the referees signaled touchdown, and the Southeast Missouri State football team, and the over 6,000 fans in attendance, exploded in celebration.
Tight end Bud Hilburn jumped up and down waving his arms. Right tackle Jimmy Keutzer punched the air in celebration.
There was plenty of reason to rejoice.
With 15 seconds remaining, Marquis Terry had just scored the game-winning touchdown, capping off a back-and-forth fourth quarter.
Thanks to Terry's 2-yard plunge, Southeast claimed a 31-27 comeback victory over Austin Peay in front of a homecoming crowd of 6,467 Saturday at Houck Field.
SEMO scored 28 points in the second half, including 21 in the fourth quarter, to improve to 4-2 and 2-1 in the Ohio Valley Conference.
"What a feeling," Southeast coach Tom Matukewicz said. "Guys doing some amazing things for this football team, and it's a blessing to be their coach. Just the energy the town had for homecoming. The energy in the stadium, the belief that our sideline had.
"We didn't always play well, but we were playing hard and it was a tight ball game."
Daniel Santacaterina threw for 344 yards, his second consecutive 300-yard passing game, with three touchdowns and one interception on 19-of-37 passing.
Junior college transfer Jerrick Orr had a career day with six receptions for 163 yards, including a 34-yard catch on fourth-and-14 during the game-winning drive.
Zion Custis led the rushing attack with 53 yards on 12 carries while Austin Peay's Kentel Williams had a game-high 104 rushing yards on 13 carries.
SEMO's defense held Austin Peay in check for the first three quarters, giving the Redhawks a chance to win the game late.