CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – To say Eastern’s pass defense was suspect in its first six games is as big as an understatement as saying junior linebacker Nick Ricks is just a good defensive player.

But the Panther defensive corps made a loud statement Saturday in Eastern’s 44-27 win at Houck Stadium.

The pass defense, which was ranked No. 123 (last) in Division I-AA caught two interceptions and held SEMO to 260 passing yards, nearly 20 under what it had been averaging.

The Indians have one of the best offensive threats in the league in quarterback Jack Tomco to Walter Payton candidate receiver Willie Ponder, but the Panthers kept the duo silent when they needed to.

“They got those 30 unanswered points in the game because the defense just said, ‘no more of that,'” Panther senior quarterback Tony Romo said. “That’s exactly what we needed.”

But no one stepped up to lead the Panther D’ – all the defensive players did.

No Panther had more than 10 tackles in the game, but junior middle linebacker Jacob Mauer led the team with nine.

The Panthers had a plan throughout the game and stuck with it although it burned them a few times. Panther defensive coordinator Roc Bellatoni made a consorted effort to get pressure on Tomco. It forced the junior college transfer from Scottsdale, Ariz., to make some bad decisions.

“Coach Bellatoni said that their quarterback was a great pocket passer and we were able to get defensive line pressure with our four guys up front,” said first-year defensive line coach Charlie Partridge.

After the Indians took a 21-7 lead in the first half, Eastern held SEMO to one touchdown, which came early in the fourth quarter when the Panthers built a 10-point lead.

Junior Corey Kinsey wasn’t a factor for SEMO with 18 carries for 94 yards and no touchdowns. He had some big gains, including a 27-yarder in the first half, but was contained for most of the second half.

“Our defense just rose when they had to,” Panther head coach Bob Spoo said.