The No. 24 Nicholls State Colonels clinched their first Southland Conference title in school history after defeating the McNeese State Cowboys 39-26 Saturday in front of 6571 fans in attendance .The Colonels (6-3, 5-1 SLC) outgained the Cowboys on offense 470-347 on their way to their first victory over McNeese since 1998, and the current Colonels seniors their first victory over the Cowboys.

“It feels like we killed two birds with one stone,” senior defensive end Michael Young said. “We wanted to beat McNeese. The conference title gave us extra motivation but we really didn*t need it.”

Colonels head football coach Jay Thomas said this win is huge for this football program.

“I’m really excited for our players and coaching staff,” Colonels head football coach Jay Thomas said. “This is very rewarding for us and the bayou region. I have to give these kids credit, they’ve been outstanding.”

For the first time this season, the Colonels attendance surpassed 6000 people and the Colonels are grateful to have had the extra help.

“The fans were our 12th man,” sophomore fullback Broderick Cole said. “It was awesome going out there and seeing our stands full. They helped out a lot.”

McNeese got on the board first after kicking a field goal after a five-play 45-yard drive which ended on the McNeese 33-yard line.

On the ensuing drive, the Colonels responded by moving the ball 65 yards capped off with a Cole one-yard touchdown run, putting the Colonels ahead 7-3 with 4:36 remaining.

Prior to the end of the first quarter McNeese regained the lead after a 54-yard touchdown reception by junior wide receiver Carlese Franklin on a pass from sophomore wide receiver Quinten Lawrence, putting the Cowboys ahead 10-7.

Cole added a second touchdown after a five-play 53-yard drive in the second quarter, putting the Colonels back ahead 14-10.

Just as in week’s past, the Colonels flexed their muscle proving that they aren’t afraid to take risks.

Facing a fourth and eight on their own 43, the Colonels faked a punt with a direct snap to senior running back Anthony Harris, who ran the ball for 29 yards giving the Colonels a first down.

Later that same drive, the Colonels faced a fourth and two on the McNeese 8 and converted once again after Harris rushed for five yards down to the McNeese three-yard line. Cole scored on the next play from three yards out just before halftime, giving the
Colonels a 21-10 lead.

Cole finished the night with 68 yards and three touchdowns. Cole’s three touchdowns make him the Colonels’ all-time regular season rushing touchdown record holder breaking Colt Colletti*s 2003 record of 12. Cole finished the season with 13 rushing
touchdowns.

The Colonels’ increased their lead in the third quarter 28-17 after freshman running back Zach Morgan scored on a 15-yard run to finish a 12-play, 59-yard drive.

The Cowboys responded by going 61 yards on five plays which ended with a five yard touchdown run by Francis to cut the lead to 28-17.

After a field goal from each team, the Cowboys crawled back into the game in the third quarter scoring on a 46-yard pas to Lawrence. The two-point conversion attempt failed and the Colonels lead was cut to 31-26.

The final points of the game came with 8:36 left in the game. Harris capped off an eight-play 83-yard drive with a two-point conversion after a freshman running back Zach Morgan touchdown.

“I thought Nicholls played great,” McNeese State head coach Tommy Tate said. “We gave ourselves a chance to win the football game but they responded in a big way and pulled away”

The loss gives Tate his first loss against the Colonels. He was previously 6-0.

Each team ended the night with four turnovers while the Colonels won the time of possession battle 38:03-21:57.

With the win, the Colonels advance to the Division I-AA playoffs on Saturday. The Colonels travel to play No. 5 Furman University of South Carolina.

“I don’t think anyone can stop the option right now,” junior linebacker Cory Vavala said. “When our offense and defense are playing at a high level, we’re unbeatable.*